Study Desk

"I myself, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the provinces beyond the Euphrates River, that whatever Ezra the priest, ^(C1)the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it shall be done diligently,

up to ^(F1)a hundred talents of silver, ^(F2)a hundred kors of wheat, ^(F3)a hundred baths of wine, ^(F3)a hundred baths of anointing oil, and salt ^(F4)as needed.

"Whatever is ^(F1)commanded by the God of heaven, it shall be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, ^(C1)so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons.

"We also inform you that ^(C1)it is not allowed to impose tax, tribute, or toll ^(C2)on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

"And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, ^(C1)appoint magistrates and judges so that they may judge all the people who are in the province beyond the Euphrates River, that is, all those who know the laws of your God; and you may ^(C2)teach anyone who is ignorant of them.