Ezra 4:21-23

New American Bible (Revised Edition)

²¹ Give orders, therefore, to stop these men. This city may not be rebuilt until a further decree has been issued by me. ²² Take care that you do not neglect this matter. Why should evil increase to harm the throne?”

^23 (A)As soon as a copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter had been read before Rehum, the governor, Shimshai, the scribe, and their fellow officials, they immediately went to the Jews in Jerusalem and stopped their work by force of arms.