1 Esdras 2:25

25 Then the king, in reply to Rehum the recorder and Beltethmus and Shimshai the scribe and the others associated with them and living in Samaria and Syria and Phoenicia, wrote as follows:

1 Esdras 2:25 In-Context

23 and that the Jews were rebels and kept setting up blockades in it from of old. That is why this city was laid waste.

24 Therefore we now make known to you, O lord and king, that if this city is built and its walls finished, you will no longer have access to Coelesyria and Phoenicia."

25 Then the king, in reply to Rehum the recorder and Beltethmus and Shimshai the scribe and the others associated with them and living in Samaria and Syria and Phoenicia, wrote as follows:

26 "I have read the letter which you sent me. So I ordered search to be made, and it has been found that this city from of old has fought against kings,

27 and that the men in it were given to rebellion and war, and that mighty and cruel kings ruled in Jerusalem and exacted tribute from Coelesyria and Phoenicia.