Ezra 4:14-16

Darby Translation

¹⁴ Now, since we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not right for us to see the king's injury, therefore have we sent and informed the king;

¹⁵ that search may be made in the book of the annals of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the annals and know that this city is a rebellious city, which has done damage to kings and provinces, and that they have raised sedition within the same of old time, for which cause this city was destroyed.

¹⁶ We inform the king that if this city be built and its walls be completed, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.