1 Esdras 4:8

8 if he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they build;

1 Esdras 4:8 In-Context

6 Likewise for those who are not soldiers, and have not to do with wars but use husbandry, when they have reaped back that which they had sown, they bring it to the king and compel one another to pay tribute unto the king.

7 And yet he is but one man! If he command to kill, they kill; if he command to spare, they spare;

8 if he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they build;

9 if he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant.

10 So all his people and his armies obey him. Furthermore, he lieth down, he eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest;