50 There by the River Theras I made a vow that the young men should fast in the presence of our Lord and ask him for a safe journey for us, our children, and our animals.
51 I would have been ashamed to ask the emperor for infantry and cavalry to accompany us and protect us from our enemies,
52 because I had told him that our Lord by his strength blesses and protects those who trust him.
53 So once again we prayed for our Lord to protect us, and he answered our prayers.
54 From among the leading priests I chose Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten others.
55 Then I weighed out the silver, the gold, and the sacred utensils which the emperor, his advisers and officials, and the people of Israel had given to be used in the Temple, and I gave it to the priests.
58 I said to the priests, “You are sacred to the Lord, the Lord of our ancestors, and so are the utensils and the silver and gold brought to him in fulfilment of a vow.