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17 The king sent an answer: To Rehum the owner of the command, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria and the remainder beyond the River, Peace. And now, 18 the letter that you? sent to us has been read clearly before me. 19 And I made a decree, and a search has been made, and it was found that this city in former times has revolted against kings, and rebellion and sedition have been made in it. 20 And there have been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all beyond the River; and tax, tribute, and custom were paid to them. 21 Now give the command to make these men cease, that this city may not be built until a decree is made by me. 22 And take heed of negligence to do upon this. Why should the damage become great to the harm of the kings? 23 Then from the time that the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and made them cease by force and strength. 24 Then ceased the work of the house of God that is in Jerusalem. And it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. Ezra 4:17-24, Berean Literal Bible. Public domain.
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