Ezra 4:18-20

New International Reader's Version

¹⁸ The letter you sent us has been read to me. It has been explained to me in my language. ¹⁹ I gave an order. I had a search made. Here is what we found out. Jerusalem has a long history of turning against the kings of the countries that have ruled over it. It has refused to remain under their control. It is always stirring up trouble. ²⁰ Jerusalem has had powerful kings. Some of them ruled over everything west of the Euphrates. Taxes, gifts and fees were paid to them.