A reading from the book of Ezra.

King Darius issued an order to the officials of West of Euphrates.

Let the governor and the elders of the Jews continue the work on that house of God.

They are to rebuild it on its former site.

I also issue this decree concerning your dealing with these elders of the Jews in the rebuilding

of that house of God.

From the royal revenue of the taxes of West of Euphrates, from the Royal Revenue of the

taxes of West of Euphrates, Let these men be repaid for their

expenses in full and without delay. I, Darius, have issued this decree. Let it be carefully executed.

The elders of the Jews continued to make progress in the building, supported by the message of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, son of Ido.

They finished the building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus and Arias and of Artaxerxes, King of Prussia.

They completed this house on the third day of the month, Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.

The children of Israel, priests, Levites, and the other returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this House of God with joy. For the dedication

of this House of God, they offered 100 bowls, 200 rings, and 400 leums, together with 12

Hegoats as a sin offering for all Israel, in keeping with the number of the tribes of Israel.

Finally, they set up the priests in their classes and the Levites in their divisions

for the service of God in Jerusalem, as is prescribed in the Book of Moses.

The exiles kept the Passover on the 14th day of the first month.

The Levites, every one of them, whom had purified himself for the occasion,

sacrificed the Passover for the rest of the exiles,

for their brethren, the priests, and for themselves. The word of the Lord.

Thanks to you, God. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

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