16. We notify the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls repaired by this means the portion Beyond the River will no longer be yours.”
17. The king sent an answer:“To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder Beyond the River:“Peace, and so forth.
18. “The letter which you sent to us has been translated and read before me.
19. I commanded, and a search has been made, and it is found that this city has in the past made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and revolt have occurred there.