So Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher who knew the Law of Moses very well. The Lord, the God of Israel, had given Israel that law. The king had given Ezra everything he asked for. That’s because the Lord his God helped him.
Ezra had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month. He arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month. That’s because God was gracious to him and helped him.
Take me away with you. Let us hurry! King Solomon, bring me into your palace.” “King Solomon, you fill us with joy. You make us happy. We praise your love more than we praise wine.” “It is right for them to love you!