11 (This is a copy of the letter that they sent him)

To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men of the region beyond the River, 9and so forth:

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 lrebellious and evil city, and are finishing its mwalls 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 ntax, 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.

16 We inform the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the result will be that you will have no dominion beyond the River.