23
Whatsoever[a] is commanded bytheGod of heaven, let it be diligentlydone for the house of the God of heaven:forwhy should there bewrathagainst the realm of the king and his sons?
24
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites,singers,porters,Nethinims, or ministers of thishouse of God, it shall not be lawful to imposetoll,tribute, or custom,upon them.
25
And thou,Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand,setmagistrates and judges, which may judge*all the people that are beyond the river,all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.
26
And whosoever will notdo* the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgmentbeexecutedspeedily upon him,whether it be unto death,or to banishment,[b]or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
27
Blessed be the LORDGod of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king'sheart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:
28
And hath extendedmercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king'smightyprinces. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.