Ezra 4:20-22

New American Standard Bible 1995

^20 (A)that mighty kings have ^[a]ruled over Jerusalem, governing all the provinces ^(B)beyond the River, and that ^(C)tribute, custom and toll were paid to them. ²¹ So, now issue a decree to make these men stop work, that this city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me. ²² Beware of being negligent in carrying out this matter; why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?”