10
And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnapar deported, and settled in the city of Shomron (Samaria), and elsewhere in Beyond-the-River [Euphrates] wrote; and now
11
This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artachshasta HaMelech; From thy avadim, the men Beyondthe-River [Euphrates]; and now
12
May it be known unto the Melech, that the Yehudim which came up from thee to us are come unto Yerushalayim, building the rebellious and the wicked city, and finishing its walls, and repairing the foundations.
13
Be it known now unto the Melech, that, if this city be built, and the walls set up again, then they will not pay tax, tribute, or duty, and so thou shalt damage the royal revenues.
14
Now because we have covenant maintenance ("share the King’s salt") from the palace, and it was not proper for us to see the dishonor of the Melech, therefore we have sent and informed the Melech
15
That search may be made in the sefer of the archives of thy avot; so shalt thou find in the sefer of the archives, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto melachim and provinces, a place of sedition from ancient times, for which cause was this city destroyed.
16
We inform the Melech that, if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no possession in the province Beyond-the-River [Euphrates].
17
Then the Melech sent an answer: Unto Rechum the high commissioner, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Shomron (Samaria), and unto the rest Beyond-the River [Euphrates], Shalom, and now
18
The nish’tevan (official document) which ye sent unto us hath been fully read before me;
19
And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city for a long time hath made insurrection against melachim, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
20
There have been mighty melachim also over Yerushalayim, which have ruled over all territory Beyondthe-River [Euphrates], to whom tax, tribute, and duty were paid.