Ezra 4:16-18

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

¹⁶ We declare to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, it will mean that you will have no portion on this side of the [Euphrates] River.

¹⁷ Then the king sent an answer: To Rehum the [Persian] official, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Greetings.

¹⁸ The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.