我们既食御盐，不忍见王吃亏，因此奏告于王。
Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;
请王考察先王的实录，必在其上查知这城是反叛的城，与列王和各省有害。自古以来，其中常有悖逆的事，因此这城曾被拆毁。
That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
我们谨奏王知，这城若再建造，城墙完毕，河西之地王就无分了。
We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.
那时王谕覆省长利宏，书记伸帅，和他们的同党，就是住撒玛利亚并河西一带地方的人，说，愿你们平安云云。
Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
你们所上的本，已经明读在我面前。
The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
我已命人考查，得知此城古来果然背叛列王，其中常有反叛悖逆的事。
And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
从前耶路撒冷也有大君王统管河西全地，人就给他们进贡，交课，纳税。
There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
现在你们要出告示命这些人停工，使这城不得建造，等我降旨。
Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
你们当谨慎，不可迟延，为何容害加重，使王受亏损呢。
Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
亚达薛西王的上谕读在利宏和书记伸帅，并他们的同党面前，他们就急忙往耶路撒冷去见犹大人，用势力强迫他们停工。
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 unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.