5
But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, till the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it.
6
The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent unto Darius the king;
7
they sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus: Unto Darius the king, all peace.
8
Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls; and this work goeth on with diligence and prospereth in their hands.
9
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.