7-8 Then I said, “If it please the king, provide me with letters to the governors across the Euphrates that authorize my travel through to Judah; and also an order to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, to supply me with timber for the beams of The Temple fortress, the wall of the city, and the house where I’ll be living.”

8-9 The generous hand of my God was with me in this and the king gave them to me. When I met the governors across The River (the Euphrates) I showed them the king’s letters. The king even sent along a cavalry escort.

10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very upset, angry that anyone would come to look after the interests of the People of Israel.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Student Devotional Bible: Psalms
The Message Student Devotional Bible: Psalms
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $8.49
Save: $1.50 (15%)
The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year - eBook
The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $9.00 (47%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown
Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $30.09
Save: $9.90 (25%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message//REMIX - eBook
The Message//REMIX - eBook
Retail: $14.99
Our Price: $9.69
Save: $5.30 (35%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars