53. He wrote that all who depart from Babylon to rebuild the city should have their freedom, both they and their children and all the priests who depart as well.
54. He wrote about the expenses and the priests’ holy garments in which they were to serve.
55. He wrote that the expenses for the Levites should be supplied until the day when the temple would be completed and Jerusalem rebuilt.
56. He wrote that all who guarded the city should be supplied with land and wages.
57. He sent back from Babylon all the holy equipment that Cyrus had set aside. Everything that Cyrus had said he would do, Darius himself commanded to do them and to send them to Jerusalem.
58. When the young man Zerubbabel went outside, he lifted up his face to heaven toward Jerusalem and praised the king of heaven:
59. "From you come the victory and wisdom. To you belongs the glory. I’m your household servant.
60. You are worthy of praise, you who have given wisdom to me. I praise you, Lord of our ancestors."
61. So he took the letters, went to Babylon, and reported this to all of his people.
62. They praised the God of their ancestors, because he had given them amnesty and permission
63. to go up and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple that is called by God’s name. They celebrated with music and enthusiasm for seven days.