1 Esdras 4:8
King James VersionSource notes
“If he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they build;”
Context
5They slay and are slain, and transgress not the king’s commandment: if they get the victory, they bring all to the king, as well the spoil, as all things else.
6Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do with wars, but use husbundry, when they have reaped again that which they had sown, they bring it to the king, and compel one another to pay tribute unto the king.
7And yet he is but one man: if he command to kill, they kill; if he command to spare, they spare;
8If he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they build;
9If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant.
10So all his people and his armies obey him: furthermore he lieth down, he eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest:
11And these keep watch round about him, neither may any one depart, and do his own business, neither disobey they him in any thing.