A reading from the book of Ezra.

Then Darius the King made a decree, and search was made in Babylonia in the house of the archives

where the documents were stored.

And in Ekbatina, the citadel that is in the province of media, a scroll was found on

which this was written.

A record.

In the first year of Cyrus the King, Cyrus the King issued a decree.

Concerning the House of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt,

the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained.

Its height shall be 60 cubits, and its breadth,

60 cubits, with three layers of great stones and one layer of timber. Let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. And also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God,

which Nebuchadnezzar took

out of the temple that is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored, and brought back

to the temple that is in Jerusalem, each to its place.

You shall put them in the house of God.

Now therefore, Tattinai, governor of the province beyond the river, Sheth Arbosinai and your associates, the governors who are in the province beyond the river, keep away.

Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this House of God on its site.

Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this House of God.

The cost is to be paid to these men in full, and without delay, from the royal revenue, the tribute

of the province from beyond the river. And whatever is needed, bulls,

rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil as the priests

at Jerusalem require. Let that be given to them day by day without fail, that they may offer

...