11. King Artaxerxes had given a letter to Ezra, a priest and teacher who taught about the commands and laws the Lord gave Israel. This is a copy of the letter:
12. From Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven.Greetings.
13. Now I give this order: Any Israelite in my kingdom who wishes may go with you to Jerusalem, including priests and Levites.