1. In the first year that Cyrus of Persia was emperor, the Lord made what he had said through the prophet Jeremiah come true.
2. He prompted Cyrus to issue the following command and send it out in writing to be read aloud everywhere in his empire:
3. “This is the command of Cyrus, emperor of Persia. The Lord of Israel, the Lord Most High, has appointed me ruler over the whole world
4. and has given me the responsibility of building a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah.
5. May the Lord be with those of you who are his people. You are to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of the Lord of Israel, the Lord who lives in Jerusalem.
6. If any of his people in exile need help to return, their neighbours must give them this help, and provide them with silver and gold