Ezra 4:14-16

American Standard Version

¹⁴ Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not meet for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore have we sent and certified the king; ¹⁵ that search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste. ¹⁶ We certify the king that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, by this means thou shalt have no portion beyond the River.