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This Ezra came up from Babylon as a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, which was given by the God of Israel;
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and the king showed him honor, for he found favor before the king in all his requests.
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There came up with him to Jerusalem some of the people of Israel and some of the priests and Levites and temple singers and gatekeepers and temple servants,
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in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes, in the fifth month (this was the king's seventh year); for they left Babylon on the new moon of the first month and arrived in Jerusalem on the new moon of the fifth month, by the prosperous journey that the Lord gave them.
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For Ezra possessed great knowledge, so that he omitted nothing from the law of the Lord or the commandments, but taught all Israel all the ordinances and judgments.
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The following is a copy of the written commission from King Artaxerxes that was delivered to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Lord:
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"King Artaxerxes to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Lord, greeting.
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In accordance with my gracious decision, I have given orders that those of the Jewish nation and of the priests and Levites and others in our realm, those who freely choose to do so, may go with you to Jerusalem.
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Let as many as are so disposed, therefore, leave with you, just as I and the seven Friends who are my counselors have decided,
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in order to look into matters in Judea and Jerusalem, in accordance with what is in the law of the Lord,
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and to carry to Jerusalem the gifts for the Lord of Israel that I and my Friends have vowed, and to collect for the Lord in Jerusalem all the gold and silver that may be found in the country of Babylonia,