5. the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the high priest.
6. This Ezra came to Jerusalem from Babylon. He was a teacher and knew well the Teachings of Moses that had been given by the Lord, the God of Israel. Ezra received everything he asked for from the king, because the Lord his God was helping him.
7. In the seventh year of King Artaxerxes more Israelites came to Jerusalem. Among them were priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and Temple servants.
8. Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of Artaxerxes’ seventh year as king.
9. Ezra had left Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, because God was helping him.
10. Ezra had worked hard to know and obey the Teachings of the Lord and to teach his rules and commands to the Israelites.
11. King Artaxerxes had given a letter to Ezra, a priest and teacher who taught about the commands and laws the Lord gave Israel. This is a copy of the letter:
12. From Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven.Greetings.
13. Now I give this order: Any Israelite in my kingdom who wishes may go with you to Jerusalem, including priests and Levites.
14. Ezra, you are sent by the king and the seven people who advise him to ask how Judah and Jerusalem are obeying the Law of your God, which you are carrying with you.