47
Then Emperor Darius stood up, kissed Zerubbabel, and wrote letters for him to all the treasurers, governors, and administrators in the provinces, ordering them to provide safe conduct for him and all those going with him to rebuild Jerusalem.
48
He also wrote letters to all the governors in Greater Syria and Phoenicia, with special instructions to those in Lebanon, to transport cedar logs to Jerusalem and help Zerubbabel rebuild the city.
49
The emperor also provided letters for all the Jews who wished to return to Jerusalem. These letters guaranteed their freedom and ordered all governors, treasurers, and other administrators not to interfere with them in any way.
50
All the land that they acquired was to be exempt from taxation, and the Edomites were to surrender the villages they had taken from the Jews.
51
Each year 1,500 pounds of silver would be given for the construction of the Temple until it was finished.
52
In addition, 750 pounds of silver would be given each year to provide for the seventeen burnt offerings to be offered in the Temple each day.
53
All the Jews who left Babylonia to build the city of Jerusalem would be granted their freedom, together with their children and the priests.
54
The emperor's orders gave specific instructions, as follows: the priests must be supported, their robes for the Temple service must be provided,
55
the Levites must be supported until the Temple and Jerusalem are completely rebuilt,
56
and land and wages must be provided for all the guards of the city.
57
He also reaffirmed Cyrus' instructions that all the small utensils and Temple treasures that Cyrus had set aside should be returned to Jerusalem.