Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shim´shai 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.
The copy of the letter that Tat´nai, governor on this side the river, and She´thar–boz´nai, and his companions the Aphar´sachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Dari´us the king:
Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.