1 Esdras 8:8-10

Revised Standard Version

The King’s Mandate

⁸ 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:

⁹ “King Artaxerxes to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Lord, greeting. ¹⁰ 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.