Ezra 4:16
King James Version
“We 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.”
Context
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.
17sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
18The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
19And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and rebellion and sedition have been made therein.