1 Esdras 2:27

27 and the men therein were given to rebellion and war; and that mighty kings and fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned and exacted tribute in Coelesyria and Phoenicia.

1 Esdras 2:27 In-Context

25 Then the king wrote back again to Rehum the recorder, to Beeltethmus, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest who were in commission, and dwellers in Samaria and Syria and Phoenicia, in this manner:

26 "I have read the epistle which ye have sent unto me. Therefore I commanded to make diligent search, and it hath been found that that city was from the beginning plotting against kings,

27 and the men therein were given to rebellion and war; and that mighty kings and fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned and exacted tribute in Coelesyria and Phoenicia.

28 Now therefore I have commanded to hinder those men from building the city, and heed to be taken that there be no more done in it,

29 and that those wicked workers proceed no further to the annoyance of kings."