21
Consequently, I ordered a search to be made. It was discovered that this city has indeed rallied against kings in the past, that the people in it revolted frequently and started wars,
22
and that powerful and cruel kings have ruled in Jerusalem and exacted taxes from Coele-Syria and Phoenicia.
23
Therefore, I issued orders to prevent these people from rebuilding the city
24
and to take care in advance that nothing more be done and that such wicked designs go no further to upset the kings.
25
After King Artaxerxes' letter was read, Rehum and the scribe Shimshai and their associates marched on Jerusalem immediately, with cavalry and a large group of armed troops, in order to stop the builders.