This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.

The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.