¹¹ And this is the copy of the letter of the edict, which king Artaxerxes gave to Esdras the priest, the scribe instructed in the words and commandments of the Lord, and his ceremonies in Israel.

¹² Artaxerxes king of kings to Esdras the priest, the most learned scribe of the law of the God of heaven, greeting.

¹³ It is decreed by me, that all they of the people of Israel, and of the priests and of the Levites in my realm, that are minded to go into Jerusalem, should go with thee.