1 Esdras 2:22

²⁰And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter,

²¹but to speak unto our lord the king, to the intent that, if it be thy pleasure, it may be sought out in the books of thy fathers:

— 1 Esdras 2:22 —

²³and that the Jews were rebellious, and raised always wars therein; for the which cause even this city was made desolate.

²⁴Wherefore now we do declare unto thee, O lord the king, that if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up anew, thou shalt from henceforth have no passage into Coelesyria and Phoenicia.