We certify the king that, if this city be builded {again}, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he {was} a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

Now {therefore}, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which {are} beyond the river, be ye far from thence: {your...: Chaldee, their societies}

There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all {countries} beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do {it}, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he {was} a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe {which is} instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man {that is} an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure {things} new and old.

And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.

Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, {even} I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing {praise} to the LORD God of Israel.

Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.