²¹ Now I, King Artaxerxes, decree that all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates are to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, the teacher of the Law of the God of heaven, may ask of you—

¹⁶ We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.

¹² Artaxerxes, king of kings,^(B)

To Ezra the priest, teacher of the Law of the God of heaven:

Greetings.

¹³ Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who volunteer to go to Jerusalem with you, may go.

⁶ Now then, Tattenai,^(A) governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai^(B) and you other officials of that province, stay away from there.

²⁰ Jerusalem has had powerful kings ruling over the whole of Trans-Euphrates,^(A) and taxes, tribute and duty were paid to them.