^{17 Ref} Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and [the letters] of Tobiah came to them.

^{18 Ref} For there were many in Judah sworn to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as wife.

^{19 Ref} Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.