Ezra 4:13
King James Version
“Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.”
Context
10And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnapper brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest on this side the river, and at such a time.
11This the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.
12Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls and joined the foundations.
13Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
14Now because we have maintenance from palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;
15That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
16We certify the king that, if this city be builded and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.