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The following is a copy of the written commission from Artaxerxes the king which 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, who freely choose to do so, may go with you to Jerusalem.
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Let as many as are so disposed, therefore, depart with you 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 which 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,
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together with what is given by the nation for the temple of their Lord which is in Jerusalem, both gold and silver for bulls and rams and lambs and what goes with them,
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so as to offer sacrifices upon the altar of their Lord which is in Jerusalem.
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And whatever you and your brethren are minded to do with the gold and silver, perform it in accordance with the will of your God;
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and deliver the holy vessels of the Lord which are given you for the use of the temple of your God which is in Jerusalem.
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And whatever else occurs to you as necessary for the temple of your God, you may provide out of the royal treasury.