1
Now in the firstyear of Cyrusking of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, the LORDstirred up the spirit of Cyrusking of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying:
2
"ThussaysCyrusking of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
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'Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalemwhich is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the Godwho is in Jerusalem.
4
'Everysurvivor, at whatever*place he may live, let the men of that placesupport him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewilloffering for the house of Godwhich is in Jerusalem.' "