I would have been ashamed to ask the emperor for a troop of cavalry to guard us from any enemies during our journey, because I had told him that our God blesses everyone who trusts him, but that he is displeased with and punishes anyone who turns away from him.

I have made every effort to prepare materials for the Temple---gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, precious stones and gems, stones for mosaics, and quantities of marble.

Over and above all this that I have provided, I have given silver and gold from my personal property because of my love for God's Temple.

For the sake of the house of the LORD our God I pray for your prosperity.

"The wood of the pine, the juniper, and the cypress, The finest wood from the forests of Lebanon, Will be brought to rebuild you, Jerusalem, To make my Temple beautiful, To make my city glorious.