13 But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, king Cyrus gave permission to build this house of God;

14 And the vessels of the house of God, gold and silver, which Nebuchadnezzar brought out of the temple of Jerusalem, and carried to the temple of Babylon, Cyrus the king brought out of the temple of Babylon. And they gave them by name to Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor,

15 And he said to him, 'Take these vessels, go and take them to the temple of Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built in its place.'

16 Then that Sheshbazzar came, laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and since then it has been under construction, and it is not yet finished.

17 Therefore, if it pleases the king, let them search in the house of the king's treasures, there in Babylon, whether King Cyrus has given permission to build this house of God in Jerusalem, and let the king's will be sent to us about it.

Chapter 6

1 Then king Darius gave orders, and they searched in Babylon for the book depository, where they had deposited treasures.

2 And it was found in Ecbatana in the palace, which is in the region of Media, one scroll, and in it it is written: "For remembrance:

3 In the first year of king Cyrus, king Cyrus gave a command concerning the house of God in Jerusalem, that a house should be built in the place where the sacrifices were offered, and that a firm foundation be laid for it. its height shall be sixty cubits, and its breadth sixty cubits;

4 rows of stones, three large, and one row of wood; and let the expenses be paid out of the king's house.

5 And the vessels of the house of God, gold and silver, which Nebuchadnezzar brought out of the temple of Jerusalem, and carried to Babylon, let them return, and go to the temple of Jerusalem, every man in his own place, and be placed in the house of God.

6 Therefore, Taphnai, the governor beyond the river, and Shephar-boznai, with your companions the Atharesheites, who are beyond the river, depart from thence.

7 Cease not the work of this house of God; let the Jewish governor and the Jewish elders build this house of God in its place.

8 And a command is given from me concerning how ye shall assist those elders of the Jews in the building of that house of God, and that is, of the king's property, out of the tax beyond the river, take immediately, and give unto those people, that the work may not be stopped;