Darius orders noninterference and supplies

6Now Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates, the officials of Persia who are in Beyond the River, keep far away from there.

7Leave 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.

8Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these Jewish elders as they rebuild this house of God: Their expenses are to be paid promptly from the royal revenues—the tribute collected in Beyond the River—so that the work is not interrupted.

9And whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are in Jerusalem—let it be given to them day by day without fail,

10so that they may offer pleasing aromas to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.

11And from me a decree is issued: if any man alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out from his house, and he shall be impaled on it; and his house shall be made a refuse heap because of this.

12And may the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who stretches out his hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued a decree; let it be done with all diligence.