11. Artaxerxes gave the following document to Ezra, the priest and scholar, who had a thorough knowledge of the laws and commands which the Lord had given to Israel:
12. “From Artaxerxes the emperor to Ezra the priest, scholar in the Law of the God of Heaven.
13. “I command that throughout my empire all the Israelite people, priests, and Levites that so desire be permitted to go with you to Jerusalem.
14. I, together with my seven counsellors, send you to investigate the conditions in Jerusalem and Judah in order to see how well the Law of your God, which has been entrusted to you, is being obeyed.
15. You are to take with you the gold and silver offerings which I and my counsellors desire to give to the God of Israel, whose Temple is in Jerusalem.
16. You are also to take all the silver and gold which you collect throughout the province of Babylon and the offerings which the Israelite people and their priests give for the Temple of their God in Jerusalem.
17. “You are to spend this money carefully and buy bulls, rams, lambs, corn, and wine and offer them on the altar of the Temple in Jerusalem.
18. You may use the silver and gold that is left over for whatever you and your people desire, in accordance with the will of your God.
19. You are to present to God in Jerusalem all the utensils that have been given to you for use in the temple services.
20. And anything else which you need for the Temple, you may get from the royal treasury.