New Living Translation NLT
New International Version NIV
17 Then King Artaxerxes sent this reply: “To Rehum the governor, Shimshai the court secretary, and their colleagues living in Samaria and throughout the province west of the Euphrates River. Greetings.
17
The king sent this reply: To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates: Greetings.
18 “The letter you sent has been translated and read to me.
18
The letter you sent us has been read and translated in my presence.
19 I ordered a search of the records and have found that Jerusalem has indeed been a hotbed of insurrection against many kings. In fact, rebellion and revolt are normal there!
19
I issued an order and a search was made, and it was found that this city has a long history of revolt against kings and has been a place of rebellion and sedition.
20 Powerful kings have ruled over Jerusalem and the entire province west of the Euphrates River, receiving tribute, customs, and tolls.
20
Jerusalem has had powerful kings ruling over the whole of Trans-Euphrates, and taxes, tribute and duty were paid to them.
21 Therefore, issue orders to have these men stop their work. That city must not be rebuilt except at my express command.
21
Now issue an order to these men to stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.
22 Be diligent, and don’t neglect this matter, for we must not permit the situation to harm the king’s interests.”
22
Be careful not to neglect this matter. Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of the royal interests?
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