Ezra 4:12-14

New International Reader's Version

¹² We want you to know about the people who left you and have come up to us. They have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that evil city. It has caused trouble for a long time. Those people are making its walls like new again. They are repairing the foundations.

¹³ Here is something else we want you to know. Suppose this city is rebuilt. And suppose its walls are made like new again. Then no more taxes, gifts or fees will be collected. And sooner or later there will be less money for you. ¹⁴ We owe a lot to you. We don’t want to see dishonor brought on you. So we’re sending this letter to tell you what is going on.