[:en]Thoughts from Ezra 7[:]

[:en]Ezra was a teacher and well versed in the law of Moses.  He arrived in Jerusalem and devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord and to teach its decrees and laws in Israel.  King Artaxerses wrote a letter to Ezra giving permission for the Israelites to go to Jerusalem.  He also provided them from the royal treasury gold and silver for use in their offerings.  He authorized Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates and teach them the laws of God.[:]