Ezra 4:13
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
Be it known now unto the king,.... And let it be seriously and thoroughly considered by him and his counsellors:
that if this city be builded, and its walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom; being able to defend themselves against the king's forces, sent to reduce them to their obedience; these three words take in all sorts of taxes and levies on persons, goods, and merchandise:
and so thou shall endamage the revenue of the kings; not only his own, but his successors';
this they thought would be a very striking and powerful argument with him.