20. There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem who have ruled over all countries beyond [west of] the [Euphrates] River, and tribute, custom, and toll were paid to them.
21. Therefore give a decree to make these men stop, that this city not be rebuilt, until a command is given by me.
22. Be sure that you do this. Why should damage grow, to the hurt of the kings?
23. When the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and by force and power made them cease.
24. Then the work on the house of God in Jerusalem stopped. It stopped until the second year of Darius [I] king of Persia.