The cost ⸤for this⸥ should be paid out of the king’s own money from the taxes ⸤on the province⸥ west of the Euphrates. Full payment should be made to these men so that the work is not interrupted. ⁹Also, whatever the priests in Jerusalem need for burnt offerings to the God of heaven—young bulls, rams, lambs, wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil—should be provided for them each day. Make sure that nothing is omitted. ¹⁰Then they can offer sacrifices that please the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.

¹¹I am also issuing a decree that if anyone tampers with my orders, that person should be impaled on a beam torn from his own house and his house should be turned into a pile of rubble.¹²May the God whose name is worshiped there cause the downfall of each king and nation who tries to tamper with my orders or tries to destroy the temple of the God in Jerusalem.

I, Darius, have issued a decree. It’s to be carried out exactly as ordered.

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