3. Ezra came up from Babylon as a legal expert well trained in the Law from Moses, a gift from the God of Israel.
4. The king showed him honor because he found favor with the king in all of his requests.
5. Going up to Jerusalem with him were some of the Israelites and some of the priests, Levites, temple singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ rule, in the fifth month.
6. They left Babylon on the new moon of the first month and arrived in Jerusalem on the new moon of the fifth month, since the Lord gave them a safe journey.
7. Ezra had such a great understanding that he left out nothing from the Law that came from the Lord or the commandments, but he taught Israel all the regulations and decisions.
8. The following is a copy of the written decree from King Artaxerxes that he gave to Ezra the priest and reader of the Law from the Lord:
9. King Artaxerxes to Ezra the priest and reader of the Law from the Lord.Greetings.
10. In accordance with my humane policies, I have given orders that those who are mindful of the Judean people and of the priests, Levites, and others in our kingdom, those who wish to do so, may accompany you to Jerusalem.