7:11 What follows 1 is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priestly scribe. 2 Ezra was 3 a scribe in matters pertaining to the commandments of the Lord and his statutes over Israel:
7:12 4 “Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a scribe of the perfect law of the God of heaven: 7:13 I have now issued a decree 5 that anyone in my kingdom from the people of Israel – even the priests and Levites – who wishes to do so may go up with you to Jerusalem. 6 7:14 You are authorized 7 by the king and his seven advisers to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your possession, 8 7:15 and to bring silver and gold which the king and his advisers have freely contributed to the God of Israel, who resides in Jerusalem, 7:16 along with all the silver and gold that you may collect 9 throughout all the province of Babylon and the contributions of the people and the priests for the temple of their God which is in Jerusalem.
1 tn Heb “this.”
2 tn Heb “the priest, the scribe.” So also in v. 21.
3 tn The words “Ezra was” are not in the Hebrew text but have been added in the translation for clarity.
4 sn Ezra 7:12-26 is written in Aramaic rather than Hebrew.
7 tn Heb “from me is placed a decree.” So also in v. 21.
8 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
10 tn Aram “sent.”
11 tn Aram “in your hand.”
13 tn Aram “find.”