23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for the house of the God of heaven, so that wrath will not fall on the realm of the king and his sons.(A) 24 Be advised that tribute, duty, and land tax must not be imposed on any priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

25 And you, Ezra, according to[a] God’s wisdom that you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people in the region west of the Euphrates who know the laws of your God and to teach anyone who does not know them.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Ezra 7:25 Lit to your

23 Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should his wrath fall on the realm of the king and of his sons?(A) 24 You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty(B) on any of the priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God.(C)

25 And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint(D) magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach(E) any who do not know them.

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