3-4. Ezra was a scholar with a thorough knowledge of the Law which the God of Israel had given to Moses. The emperor had a high regard for him and approved all the requests he made. Ezra set out from Babylonia
5. for Jerusalem with a group of Israelites which included priests, Levites, Temple musicians, Temple guards, and workmen.
6. They left Babylonia on the first day of the first month in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes. God gave them a safe journey, and they arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month.
7. Ezra had a thorough knowledge of the Law of the Lord and neglected none of its details. As a result he could teach all its laws and regulations to all the people of Israel.
8. The following is a copy of the decree that Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest and scholar of the Law of the Lord:
9. “From Artaxerxes the emperor to Ezra the priest, scholar of the Law of the Lord, greetings.