Ezra 4:19-21

Living Bible

¹⁹ I have ordered a search made of the records and have indeed found that Jerusalem has in times past been a hotbed of insurrection against many kings; in fact, rebellion and sedition are normal there! ²⁰ I find, moreover, that there have been some very great kings in Jerusalem who have ruled the entire land beyond the Euphrates River and have received vast tribute, custom, and toll. ²¹ Therefore, I command that these men must stop their work until I have investigated the matter more thoroughly.