11. King Artaxerxes had given a letter to Ezra. Ezra was a priest and teacher. He taught about the commands and laws the Lord gave Israel. This is a copy of the letter:
12. From Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven.Greetings.
13. Now I give this order: Any Israelite in my kingdom who wishes may go with you to Jerusalem. This includes priests and Levites.
14. Ezra, you are sent by the king and the seven people who advise him. You are to ask about how Judah and Jerusalem are obeying the Law of your God, which you are carrying with you.
15. Also take with you the silver and gold the king and those who advise him have given freely. It’s for the God of Israel, whose Temple is in Jerusalem.
16. Also take the silver and gold you receive from the area of Babylon. And take the offerings the Israelites and their priests have given as gifts to the Lord. They are for the Temple of their God in Jerusalem.
17. With this money buy bulls, male sheep and male lambs. Buy the grain offerings and drink offerings that go with those sacrifices. Then sacrifice them on the altar in the Temple of your God in Jerusalem.
18. Then you and your fellow Jews may spend the silver and gold left over. Use it as you want and as God wishes.