1 Esdras 4:3-5

Revised Standard Version

³ But the king is stronger; he is their lord and master, and whatever he says to them they obey. ⁴ If he tells them to make war on one another, they do it; and if he sends them out against the enemy, they go, and conquer mountains, walls, and towers. ⁵ They kill and are killed, and do not disobey the king’s command; if they win the victory, they bring everything to the king—whatever spoil they take and everything else.