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.
11. Therefore, let all who wish to do so join with you, just as I and my seven advisors have agreed,
12. so that they might take an interest in matters in Judea and in Jerusalem, according to the Law from the Lord.
13. They might bring to Jerusalem the gifts for the Lord of Israel that I and my advisors have solemnly promised. They might acquire for the Lord in Jerusalem all the gold and silver that may be found in the country of Babylonia, together with what the nation gives them for the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem.
14. Gold and silver for bulls, rams, lambs, and what goes with them should be collected
15. so that sacrifices may be offered on their Lord’s altar in Jerusalem.
16. Whatever you and your people wish to do with the gold and silver, do it according to God’s will.
17. Deliver the Lord’s holy equipment that is given to you for use in your God’s temple in Jerusalem.
18. Whatever else you think of that is needed in your God’s temple, pay for it out of the royal treasury.
19. I, King Artaxerxes, have commanded the treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia so that whatever Ezra the priest and reader of the Law of the Most High God sends for, they should give to him completely, up to 5,700 pounds of silver,