¹⁹ I issued a decree that my servants investigate the history of Jerusalem. They discovered that your fears are not unfounded. In the past Jerusalem has indeed rebelled and revolted against kings— ²⁰ mighty kings who ruled Jerusalem, governed provinces west of the Euphrates, and required tributes, customs, and tolls from their subjects.

²¹ Now you must issue a decree of your own. Order the Jews to stop building in Jerusalem until I tell them otherwise.