¹² Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem, and are building the ^(A)rebellious and evil city, and are finishing its ^(B)walls and repairing the foundations. ¹³ Let it now be known to the king that, if this city is built and the walls completed, they will not pay ^(C)tax, tribute, or custom, and the king’s treasury will be diminished. ¹⁴ Now because we receive support from the palace, it was not proper for us to see the king’s dishonor; therefore we have sent and informed the king, ¹⁵ that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. And you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that they have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed.