Then I cameto the governors[of the provinces] beyondthe Riverand gavethem the king'sletters.Now the kinghad sentwith me officersof the armyand horsemen.
For I was ashamedto requestfrom the kingtroopsand horsemento protectus from the enemyon the way,becausewe had saidto the king,"The handof our Godis favorablydisposedto allthose who seekHim, but His powerand His angerare againstallthose who forsakeHim."
And I saidto the king,"Ifit pleasethe king,let lettersbe givenme for the governors[of the provinces] beyondthe River,that they may allow me to passthroughuntilI cometo Judah,
