Ezra 4:12-14

Common English Bible

¹² May it be known to the king that the Jews who left you and came to us have arrived in Jerusalem. They are rebuilding the rebellious and wicked city; they are completing the walls and repairing the foundations. ¹³ May it be known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls completed, they will not pay tribute or tax or dues, and the royal revenue will be reduced.

¹⁴ Since we receive our salary from the palace,^[a] and since it is not fitting for us to witness the king’s dishonor, we now send this letter^[b] and inform the king