⁵ But the eye of their God^(A) was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.

²⁸ and who has extended his good favor^(A) to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me,^(B) I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.

⁶ this Ezra^(A) came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted^(B) him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.^(C)

²² I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers^(A) and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone^(B) who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.^(C)”

²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.