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The following is a copy of the decree that Emperor Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest and scholar of the Law of the Lord:
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"From Emperor Artaxerxes to the priest Ezra, scholar of the Law of the Lord, greetings.
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"In my generosity I have decided to decree that throughout my empire any of the Jews who so desire, including priests and Levites, may go with you to Jerusalem.
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I and the seven counselors who have the title "Friends of the Emperor' have decided that all who wish to do so may go with you.
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Let them investigate the conditions in Jerusalem and Judah to see how well the Law of the Lord is being obeyed.
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Let them also take with them to Jerusalem the gifts which I and my counselors have vowed to give to the Lord of Israel, including all the silver and gold belonging to the Lord which may be found in Babylonia,
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and all that is given by the people of Israel for the Temple of their Lord. The silver and gold are to be collected to buy bulls, rams, lambs, and everything else that is necessary,
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so that sacrifices may be offered on the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem.
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"You may use the silver and gold for whatever you and the rest of your people desire, in accordance with the will of your God.
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You may obtain from the royal treasury the sacred vessels of the Lord that are being entrusted to you for use in the Temple of your God in Jerusalem, as well as anything else you may need for the Temple service.