16 In the time of King Artahshashta (Artaxerxes) of the Persians, Bishlam, Mitredat, Teve’el, Rehum,[fn] Rehum, and Shimshay[fn] the scribe, with their other associates, dwelling in Shomron (Samaria) and other places, wrote to him against those who lived in Yehudah and Yerushalem the following letter:[ref]

17 “To King Artahshashta our master, from your servants, Rehum the recorder, Shimshay the scribe, and the rest of their council, and the judges who are in Coele-Syria and Foinikai: 18 Let it now be known to our lord the king, that the Yehudim (Jews) that have come up from you to us, having come to Yerushalem, are building that rebellious and wicked city, and are repairing its marketplaces and walls, and are laying the foundation of a temple. 19 Now if this city is built and its walls are finished, they won’t only refuse to give tribute, but will even stand up against kings. 20 Since the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it appropriate not to neglect such a matter, 21 but to speak to our lord the king, to the intent that, if it’s your pleasure, search may be made in the books of your ancestors. 22 You’ll find in the records what’s written about these things, and will understand that that city was rebellious, troubling both kings and cities, 23 and that the Yehudim were rebellious, and kept starting wars there in the past. Because this cause, this city was laid waste. 24 Therefore now we do declare to you, Oh lord the king, that if this city is built again, and its walls set up again, you’ll from then on have no passage into Coele-Syria and Foinikai.”

25 Then the king wrote back again to Rehum the recorder, Rehum, Shimshay the scribe, and to the rest that of their associates who lived in Shomron (Samaria), Aram (Syria), and Foinikai, as follows:

26 / 26 “I’ve read the letter which you’ve sent to me. Therefore I commanded to make search, and it’s been found that that city of old time has fought against kings, 27 and the men were given to rebellion and war in it, and that mighty and fierce kings were in Yerushalem (Jerusalem), who reigned and exacted tribute in Coele-Syria and Foinikai. 28 Now therefore I’ve commanded to prevent those men from building the city, and heed to be taken that there be nothing done contrary to this order, 29 and that those wicked doings proceed no further to the annoyance of kings.” 30 / 30 Then King Artahshashta (Artaxerxes), his letters being read, Rehum, and Shimshay the scribe, and the rest of their associates, went in haste to Yerushalem with cavalry and a multitude of people in battle array, and began to hinder the builders. So the building of the temple in Yerushalem ceased until the second year of the reign of King Dareyavesh (Darius) of the Persians.