11. Ezra was a priest and an expert in the laws and commands that the Lord had given to Israel. One day King Artaxerxes gave Ezra a letter which said:
12. Greetings from the great King Artaxerxes to Ezra the priest and expert in the teachings of the God of heaven.
13-14. Any of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom may go with you to Jerusalem if they want to. My seven advisers and I agree that you may go to Jerusalem and Judah to find out if the laws of your God are being obeyed.
15. When you go, take the silver and gold that I and my advisers are freely giving to the God of Israel, whose temple is in Jerusalem.
16. Take the silver and gold that you collect from everywhere in Babylonia. Also take the gifts that your own people and priests have so willingly contributed for the temple of your God in Jerusalem.