10. Having determined to deal graciously, I have given order, that such of the nation of the Jews, and of the priests and Levites, and of those within our realm, as are willing and desirous, should go with you to Jerusalem.
11. As many therefore as have a mind thereto, let them depart with you, as it has seemed good both to me and my seven friends the counselors;
12. that they may look to the affairs of Judaea and Jerusalem, agreeably to that which is in the law of the Lord,
13. and carry the gifts to the Lord of Israel to Jerusalem, which I and my friends have vowed; and that all the gold and silver that can be found in the country of Babylonia for the Lord in Jerusalem,
14. with that also which is given of the people for the temple of the Lord their God that is at Jerusalem, be collected: even the gold and silver for bullocks, rams, and lambs, and things thereto appertaining;
15. to the end that they may offer sacrifices to the Lord upon the altar of the Lord their God, which is in Jerusalem.
16. And whatever you and your brethren are minded to do with gold and silver, that perform, according to the will of your God.
17. And the holy vessels of the Lord, which are given you for the use of the temple of your God, which is in Jerusalem:
18. and whatever thing else you shall remember for the use of the temple of your God, you shall give it out of the king’s treasury.
19. And I king Artaxerxes have also commanded the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phoenicia, that whatever Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Most High God shall send for, they should give it him with all diligence,