Artaxerxes’ reply and stop order

17The king sent a reply to Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria, and the rest beyond the River: Peace. And now—

18The document that you sent to us has been read plainly before me.

19And a decree was issued by me, and they searched and found that this city has from ancient days risen up against kings, and rebellion and sedition have been carried out in it.

20And mighty kings were over Jerusalem, ruling over all the region Beyond the River, and tribute, tax, and toll were paid to them.

21Now issue a decree to make these men stop, and this city shall not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me.

22And be careful not to neglect doing this. Why should the damage increase to the detriment of kings?