⁹ He began the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month^(A) and arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month^(B) since the gracious hand of his God was on him.^(C)

⁸ And let me have a letter written to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress,^(A) the city wall, and the home where I will live.”^[a](B) The king granted my requests, for I was graciously strengthened by my God.^[b](C)