8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God:

Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury,y from the revenuesz of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offeringsa to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.b

11 Furthermore, I decree that if anyone defies this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaledc on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble.d 12 May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there,e overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.

I Dariusf have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.