Ezra 6:6-12

Living Bible

⁶ So King Darius II sent this message^[a] to Governor Shethar-bozenai and the other officials west of the Euphrates:

“Do not disturb the construction of the Temple. Let it be rebuilt on its former site, ⁷ and don’t molest the governor of Judah and the other leaders in their work. ⁸ Moreover, I decree that you are to pay the full construction costs without delay from my taxes collected in your territory. ⁹ Give the priests in Jerusalem young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; and give them wheat, wine, salt, and olive oil each day without fail. ¹⁰ Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for me and my sons. ¹¹ Anyone who attempts to change this message in any way shall have the beams pulled from his house and built into a gallows on which he will be hanged;^[b] and his house shall be reduced to a pile of rubble. ¹² The God who has chosen the city of Jerusalem will destroy any king and any nation that alters this commandment and destroys this Temple. I, Darius, have issued this decree; let it be obeyed with all diligence.”