Ezra 4:14-16

Easy-to-Read Version

¹⁴ We have a responsibility to the king. We don’t want to see this happen, so we are sending this letter to inform the king.

¹⁵ King Artaxerxes, we suggest that you search the writings of the kings who ruled before you. You will see in the writings that Jerusalem always rebelled against other kings. It has caused much trouble for other kings and nations. Many rebellions have started in this city since ancient times. That is why Jerusalem was destroyed.

¹⁶ King Artaxerxes, we wish to inform you that if this city and its walls are rebuilt, you will lose control of the area west of the Euphrates River.