and a letterto Asaphthe keeperof the king'sforest,that he may giveme timberto makebeamsfor the gatesof the fortresswhichis by the temple,for the wallof the cityand for the houseto whichI will go."And the kinggranted[them] to me because the goodhandof my God[was] on me.
He said,"Your nameshall nolongerbe Jacob,but Israel;for you have strivenwith Godand with menand have prevailed."
But the eyeof their Godwas on the eldersof the Jews,and they did not stopthem untila reportcould cometo Darius,and thena writtenreplybe returnedconcerningit.
And they observedthe Feastof UnleavenedBreadsevendayswith joy,for the LORDhad caused them to rejoice,and had turnedthe heartof the kingof Assyriatowardthem to encouragethem in the workof the houseof God,the Godof Israel.
"Moreover, I issuea decreeconcerning whatyou are to dofor theseeldersof Judahin the rebuildingof thishouseof God:the fullcostis to be paidto thesepeoplefrom the royaltreasuryout of the taxesof [the provinces] beyondthe River,and that withoutdelay.
ThisEzrawentup from Babylon,and he was a scribeskilledin the lawof Moses,whichthe LORDGodof Israelhad given;and the kinggrantedhim allhe requestedbecause the handof the LORDhis God[was] upon him.
For on the firstof the firstmonthhe beganto goup from Babylon;and on the firstof the fifthmonthhe cameto Jerusalem,because the goodhandof his God[was] upon him.
then I putHananimy brother,and Hananiahthe commanderof the fortress,in chargeof Jerusalem,for he was a faithfulmanand fearedGodmorethanmany.
The king'sheartis [like] channelsof waterin the handof the LORD;He turnsit whereverHe wishes.
I madegardensand parksfor myself and I plantedin them allkinds of fruittrees;
I madepondsof waterfor myself from which to irrigatea forestof growingtrees.
Then you will see[this], and your heartwill be glad,And your boneswill flourishlike the newgrass;And the handof the LORDwill be madeknownto His servants,But He will be indignanttowardHis enemies.
Now GodgrantedDanielfavorand compassionin the sightof the commanderof the officials,
"So,having obtainedhelpfrom God,I standto thisdaytestifyingbothto smalland great,statingnothingbut whatthe Prophetsand Mosessaidwas goingto take place;
and rescuedhim from allhis afflictions,and grantedhim favorand wisdomin the sightof Pharaoh,kingof Egypt,and he madehim governoroverEgyptand allhis household.
But thanksbe to Godwho putsthe sameearnestnesson your behalfin the heartof Titus.
