Ezra 4:14-16

New American Standard Bible 1995

¹⁴ Now because we ^[a]are in the service of the palace, and it is not fitting for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed the king, ¹⁵ so that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books and learn that that city is a rebellious city and damaging to kings and provinces, and that they have incited revolt within it in past days; therefore that city was laid waste. ¹⁶ We inform the king that if that city is rebuilt and the walls finished, as a result you will have no possession in the province beyond the River.”