11. Ezra was a priest and teacher. He knew much about the commands and laws the Lord gave Israel. This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the teacher:
12. From King Artaxerxes, To Ezra the priest, a teacher of the law of the God of heaven: Greetings!
13. I give this order: Any of the Israelites living in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who want to go with you to Jerusalem, may go.
14. I and my seven advisors send you to Judah and Jerusalem. Go and see how your people are doing in obeying the law of your God. You have that law with you.
15. I and my advisors are giving gold and silver to the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. You must take this gold and silver with you.
16. You must also go through all the provinces of Babylonia. Collect the gifts from your people, from the priests, and from the Levites. The gifts are for the Temple of their God in Jerusalem.
17. Use this money to buy bulls, rams, and male lambs. Buy the grain offerings and drink offerings that go with these sacrifices. Then sacrifice them on the altar in the Temple of your God in Jerusalem.
18. Then you and the other Jews may spend the silver and gold left over any way you want to. Use it in a way that is pleasing to your God.