20. There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid to them.
21. Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not built, until another commandment shall be given from me.
22. Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
23. Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
24. Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.