10 That they may have to offer sweet odors unto the God of heaven, and pray for the king’s life, and for his sons.

11 And I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this sentence, the wood shall be pulled down from his house, and shall be set up, and he shall be hanged thereon, and his house shall be made a dunghill for this.

12 And the God that hath caused his Name [a]to dwell there, destroy all kings and people that put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God, which is in Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree, let it be done with speed.

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Footnotes

  1. Ezra 6:12 Who hath appointed that place to have his Name called upon there.

10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.(A)

11 Furthermore, I decree that if anyone defies this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled(B) on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble.(C) 12 May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there,(D) overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.

I Darius(E) have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.

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