# I hereby issue a decree that anyone ... who desires to go to Jerusalem

In those days people needed permission from the king to resettle and rebuild in an area previously destroyed by the conquering nation.

# I hereby issue a decree

The phrase "hereby issue" means that Darius, by speaking, is issuing the decree. Your language may have a different way to show that the speaker is claiming to make something happen, not simply explaining what he is doing. See how these words are translated in [Ezra 6:12](../06/12.md).

# may go with you

The word "you" refers to Ezra.