6 They left Babylonia on the first day of the first month in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes. God gave them a safe journey, and they arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month.
7 Ezra had a thorough knowledge of the Law of the Lord and neglected none of its details. As a result he could teach all its laws and regulations to all the people of Israel.
8 The following is a copy of the decree that Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest and scholar of the Law of the Lord:
9 “From Artaxerxes the emperor to Ezra the priest, scholar of the Law of the Lord, greetings.
10 “In my generosity I have decided to decree that throughout my empire any of the Jews who so desire, including priests and Levites, may go with you to Jerusalem.
11 I and the seven counsellors who hold the title ‘Friends of the Emperor’ have decided that all who wish to do so may go with you.
12 Let them investigate the conditions in Jerusalem and Judah to see how well the Law of the Lord is being obeyed.