13. Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and eventually the royal revenues will suffer.
14. Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonoured, we are sending this message to inform the king,
15. so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place with a long history of sedition. That is why this city was destroyed.
16. We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.
17. The king sent this reply:To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates:Greetings.