Ezra 4:20-22

New American Standard Bible

^20 (A)that mighty kings have ^[a]ruled over Jerusalem, governing all the provinces ^(B)beyond the Euphrates River, and that ^(C)tribute, custom tax, and toll were paid to them. ²¹ Now issue a decree to make those men stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me. ²² And beware of being negligent in carrying out this matter; why should there be great damage, to the detriment of the kings?”