NET Bible
"Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that kings sustain damage?”"
— Ezra 4:22, NET Bible
“Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?”
“And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? ”
“Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?”
“See that you be not negligent in executing this, lest by little and little the evil grow to the hurt of the kings.”
“Be certain to do this with all care: do not let trouble be increased to the king's damage.”
“Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?”
So I gave orders, and it was determined that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings. It has continually engaged in rebellion and revolt.
Powerful kings have been over Jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire Trans-Euphrates and who were the beneficiaries of tribute, custom, and toll.
Now give orders that these men cease their work and that this city not be rebuilt until such time as I so instruct.
Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that kings sustain damage?”
Then, as soon as the copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read in the presence of Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they proceeded promptly to the Jews in Jerusalem and stopped them with threat of armed force.
So the work on the temple of God in Jerusalem came to a halt. It remained halted until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.