15. If you look up the official records of your ancestors, you will find that Jerusalem has constantly rebelled and has led others to rebel against kings and provinces. That's why the city was destroyed in the first place.
16. If Jerusalem is rebuilt and its walls completed, you will no longer have control over Western Province.
17. King Artaxerxes answered:Greetings to Governor Rehum, Secretary Shimshai, and to your advisers in Samaria and other parts of Western Province.
18. After your letter was translated and read to me,
19. I had the old records checked. It is true that for years Jerusalem has rebelled and caused trouble for other kings and nations.
20. And powerful kings have ruled Western Province from Jerusalem and have collected all kinds of taxes.
21. I want you to command the people to stop rebuilding the city until I give further notice.
22. Do this straight away, so that no harm will come to the kingdom.