11. Ezra was a priest and teacher. He knew much about the commands and laws the Lord gave Israel. This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the teacher:
12. From King Artaxerxes, To Ezra the priest, a teacher of the law of the God of heaven: Greetings!
13. I give this order: Any of the Israelites living in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who want to go with you to Jerusalem, may go.
14. I and my seven advisors send you to Judah and Jerusalem. Go and see how your people are doing in obeying the law of your God. You have that law with you.
15. I and my advisors are giving gold and silver to the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. You must take this gold and silver with you.