1. After these things, during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra left Babylon.Ezra was the son of Seraiah, who was the son of Azariah, who was the son of Hilkiah,
2. who was the son of Shallum, who was the son of Zadok, who was the son of Ahitub,
3. who was the son of Amariah, who was the son of Azariah, who was the son of Meraioth,
4. who was the son of Zerahiah, who was the son of Uzzi, who was the son of Bukki,
5. who was the son of Abishua, who was the son of Phinehas, who was the son of Eleazer, who was the son of Aaron (the first priest).
6. As a scribe, Ezra was an expert in Moses’ Teachings, which the Lord God of Israel had given. The king gave Ezra everything he requested because the Lord his God was guiding him.
7. Some Israelites (including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants) went to Jerusalem in Artaxerxes’ seventh year as king.
8. In that same year in the fifth month, Ezra arrived in Jerusalem.
9. He had left Babylon on the first day of the first month, and on the first day of the fifth month, he arrived in Jerusalem, since his God was good to him.
10. Ezra was determined to study the Lord’s Teachings, live by them, and teach their rules and regulations in Israel.
11. This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave Ezra the priest and scribe, a man with a thorough knowledge of the Lord’s commands and laws for Israel:
12. From: Artaxerxes, king of kingsTo: Ezra the priest, a scribe for the Teachings of the God of Heaven:I wish you peace and prosperity!
13. I have issued a decree that any Israelites who are in my kingdom and want to go with you to Jerusalem may go. This also includes the priests and Levites.
14. I, the king, and my seven advisers are sending you to evaluate the situation in Judah and Jerusalem on the basis of your God’s Teachings, which you hold in your hands.