6 This Ezʹra came up from Babylon. He was a copyist* who was well-versed in* the Law of Moses,+ which Jehovah the God of Israel had given. The king granted everything he requested, for the hand of Jehovah his God was upon him.

7 Then I said to the king: “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me for the governors of the region Beyond the River,*+ granting me safe passage until I reach Judah, 8 as well as a letter to Aʹsaph the keeper of the Royal Park,* so that he may give me timber for beams for the gates of the Fortress+ of the House* and for the walls of the city+ and for the house where I will go.” So the king gave them to me,+ for the good hand of my God was upon me.+