Ezra the Priest the Scribe
The Latin Book of Esdras
First Esdras [Latin 1Ezra]
Chapter 1
1 YahshiYahwah [Josiah] held the feast of the passover in Yerusalem [Jerusalem] to Yahwah [YHWH], and offered the passover the fourteenth day of the first month [2 Chronicles 34&35].
2 He set the priests according to their daily courses, being arrayed in long garments, in the temple of Yahwah.
3 He spoke to the Levites, the holy ministers of Yisrayah [Israel], that they should hallow themselves to Yahwah, to set the holy ark of Yahwah in the house that king Solomon the son of David had built.
4 He said: You shall no longer bear the ark upon your shoulders, now therefore serve Yahwah. Minister to His people Yisrayah, and prepare yourselves after your families and kindreds,
5 according as David the king of Yisrayah prescribed, and according to the magnificence of Solomon his son. Stand in the temple according to the dignity of the families of you the Levites, who minister in the presence of your brothers the children of Yisrayah.
6 Offer the passover in order, and make ready the sacrifices for your brothers. Keep the passover according to the commandment of Yahwah, which was given to Moshe [Moses].
7 And to the people who were found there YahshiYahwah gave thirty thousand lambs and kids, and three thousand calves. These things were given of the king's allowance, according as he promised, to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites.
8 And Helkyah, Zacharyah, and Syelus, the governors of the temple, gave to the priests for the passover two thousand and six hundred sheep, and three hundred calves.
9 And Yahconyah, and Samaias, and Nathanayah his brother, and Assabyah, and Ochiyah, and Joram, captains over thousands, gave to the Levites for the passover five thousand sheep, and seven hundred calves.
10 And when these things were done, the priests and Levites, having the unleavened bread, stood in very comely order according to the kindreds.
11 According to the several dignities of the fathers, before the people, to offer to Yahwah, as it is written in the book of Moshe. Thus did they in the morning.
12 And they roasted the passover with fire, as appertains. As for the sacrifices, they soaked them in brass pots and pans with a good savour,
13 and set them before all the people. Afterward they prepared for themselves, and for the priests their brothers, the sons of Aaron.
14 For the priests offered the fat until night. The Levites prepared for themselves, and the priests their brothers, the sons of Aaron.
15 The holy singers also, the sons of Asaph, were in their order, according to the appointment of David, to wit, Asaph, Zacharyah, and Yeduthun, who was of the king's retinue.
16 Moreover the porters were at every gate. It was not lawful for any to go from his ordinary service, so their brothers the Levites prepared for them.
17 Thus were the things that belonged to the sacrifices of Yahwah accomplished in that day, that they might hold the passover,
18 and offer sacrifices upon the altar of Yahwah, according to the commandment of king YahshiYahwah.
19 So the children of Yisrayah which were present held the passover at that time, and the feast of sweet bread seven days.
20 And such a passover was not kept in Yisrayah since the time of the prophet Samuel.
21 Yea, none of the kings of Yisrayah held such a passover as YahshiYahwah, and the priests, and the Levites, and the Yahudim [Jews], held with all Yisrayah that were found dwelling at Yerusalem.
22 In the eighteenth year of the reign of YahshiYahwah was this passover kept.
23 And the works of YahshiYahwah were upright before Yahwah with a heart full of righteousness.
24 As for the things that came to pass in his time, they were written in former times, concerning those that sinned, and did wickedly against Yahwah above all people and kingdoms, and how they grieved him exceedingly, so that the words of Yahwah rose up against Yisrayah.
25 Now after all these acts of YahshiYahwah it came to pass, that Pharaoh the king of Egypt came to raise war at Carchamis upon Euphrates. YahshiYahwah went out against him.
26 But the king of Egypt sent to him, saying: What have I to do with you, O king of Yisrayah?
27 I am not sent out from Yahwah against you; for my war is upon Euphrates. So now Yahwah is with me, yea, Yahwah is with me hasting me forward. Depart from me, and do not be against Yahwah.
28 However YahshiYahwah did not turn back his chariot from him, but undertook to fight with him, not regarding the words of the prophet Yeremyah [Jeremiah] spoken by the mouth of Yahwah.
29 He joined battle with him in the plain of Magiddo, and the princes came against king YahshiYahwah.
30 Then the king said to his servants: Carry me away out of the battle, for I am very weak. Immediately his servants took him away out of the battle.
31 Then he got up upon his second chariot, was brought back to Yerusalem, died, and was buried in his father's sepulchre.
32 And in all Yisrayah they mourned for YahshiYahwah, yea, Yeremyah the prophet lamented for YahshiYahwah, and the chief men with the women made lamentation for him to this day. So this was given out for an ordinance to be done continually in all the nation of Yisrayah.
33 These things are written in the book of the stories of the kings of Yahudah, and every one of the acts that YahshiYahwah did, and his glory, and his understanding in the law of Yahwah, and the things that he had done before, and the things now recited, are reported in the book of the kings of Yisrayah and Yahudah.
34 So the people took Joachaz the son of YahshiYahwah, and made him king instead of YahshiYahwah his father, when he was twenty and three years old.
35 He reigned in Yahudah and in Yerusalem three months, and then the king of Egypt deposed him from reigning in Yerusalem.
36 And he set a tax upon the land of an hundred talents of silver and one talent of gold.
37 The king of Egypt also made Joacim his brother king of Yahudah and Yerusalem.
38 And he bound Joacim and the nobles, but Zaraces his brother he apprehended, and brought him out of Egypt.
39 Five and twenty years old was Joacim when he was made king in the land of Yahudah and Yerusalem, and he did evil before Yahwah.
40 So Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up against him, and bound him with a chain of brass, and carried him into Babylon.
41 Nabuchodonosor also took of the holy vessels of Yahwah, and carried them away, and set them in his own temple at Babylon.
42 But those things that are recorded of him, and of his uncleanness and impiety, are written in the chronicles of the kings.
43 And Joacim his son reigned in his stead, he was made king being eighteen years old.
44 He reigned but three months and ten days in Yerusalem, and did evil before Yahwah.
45 So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought into Babylon with the holy vessels of Yahwah.
46 He made Zedechyah king of Yahudah and Yerusalem, when he was one and twenty years old, and he reigned eleven years.
47 And he did evil also in the sight of Yahwah, and cared not for the words that were spoken to him by the prophet Yeremyah from the mouth of Yahwah.
48 After king Nabuchodonosor had made him to swear by the name of Yahwah, he forswore himself, and rebelled. Hardening his neck, and his heart, he transgressed the laws of Yahwah Father of Yisrayah.
49 The governors also of the people and of the priests did many things against the laws, and passed all the pollutions of all nations, and defiled the temple of Yahwah, which was sanctified in Yerusalem.
50 Nevertheless the Father of their fathers sent by his messenger to call them back, because he spared them and his tabernacle also.
51 But they had his messengers in derision, and look, when Yahwah spoke to them, they made a sport of his prophets.
52 So that He, being wroth with His people for their great unrighteousness, commanded the kings of the Chaldeans to come up against them.
53 They killed their young men with the sword, yea, even within the compass of their holy temple, and spared neither young man nor maid, old man nor child, among them. For YHWH delivered all into their hands.
54 They took all the holy vessels of Yahwah, both great and small, with the vessels of the ark of Yahwah, and the king's treasures, and carried them away into Babylon.
55 As for the house of Yahwah, they burnt it, and broke down the walls of Yerusalem, and set fire upon her towers.
56 As for her glorious things, they never ceased till they had consumed and brought them all to nothing. The people that were not killed with the sword he carried to Babylon.
57 They became servants to him and his children till the Persians reigned, to fulfil the word of Yahwah spoken by the mouth of Yeremyah:
58 Until the land has enjoyed her sabbaths, the whole time of her desolation she will rest, until the full term of seventy years.
Chapter 2
1 In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of Yahwah might be accomplished which he had promised by the mouth of Yeremyah [Jeremiah],
2 Yahwah raised up the spirit of Cyrus the king of the Persians [Yeshayah 44:28-45:3]. He made proclamation through all his kingdom, and also by writing, saying:
3 Thus says Cyrus king of the Persians: Yahwah of Yisrayah, the Most-High, YHWH, has made me king of the whole world,
4 and commanded me to build him a house at Yerusalem in Yahudah.
5 If therefore there are any of you that are of his people, let Yahwah, even Yahwah, be with him, and let him go up to Yerusalem that is in Yahudah, and build the house of Yahwah of Yisrayah: for he is Yahwah who dwells in Yerusalem.
6 Whosoever then dwells in the places around, let them help him, (those, I say, that are his neighbours,) with gold, and with silver,
7 with gifts, with horses, and with cattle, and other things, which have been set forth by vow, for the temple of Yahwah at Yerusalem.
8 Then the chief of the families of Yahudah and of the tribe of Benjamin stood up. Also the priests, and the Levites, and all those whose mind Yahwah had moved to go up, and to build a house for Yahwah at Yerusalem.
9 And those who dwelt round about them, and whose minds were stirred up, helped them in all things with silver and gold, with horses and cattle, and with very many free gifts of a great number.
10 King Cyrus also brought forth the holy vessels, which Nabuchodonosor had carried away from Yerusalem, and had set up in his temple of idols.
11 Now when Cyrus king of the Persians had brought them forth, he delivered them to Mithridates his treasurer.
12 By him they were delivered to Sanabassar the governor of Yahudah.
13 And this was the number of them: a thousand golden cups, and a thousand of silver, censers of silver twenty nine, vials of gold thirty, and of silver two thousand four hundred and ten, and a thousand other vessels.
14 So all the vessels of gold and of silver, which were carried away, were five thousand four hundred threescore and nine.
15 These were brought back by Sanabassar, together with those of the captivity, from Babylon to Yerusalem.
16 But in the time of Artexerxes king of the Persians, Belemus, and Mithridates, and Tabellius, and Rathumus, and Beeltethmus, and Semellius the secretary, with others that were in commission with them, dwelling in Samaria and other places, wrote to him against those who dwelt in Yahudah and Yerusalem these letters following:
17 To king Artexerxes our lord, your servants, Rathumus the storywriter, and Semellius the scribe, and the rest of their council, and the judges that are in Celosyria and Phenice.
18 Be it now known to the lord king, that the Yahudim that are come up from you to us, being come into Yerusalem (that rebellious and wicked city), do build the marketplaces, and repair the walls of it, and do lay the foundation of the temple.
19 Now if this city and its walls are made up again, they will not only refuse to give tribute, but also rebel against kings.
20 And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it meet to not neglect such a matter,
21 but to speak to our lord the king, to the intent that, if it be your pleasure it may be sought out in the books of your fathers:
22 And you shall find in the chronicles what is written concerning these things, and shall understand that city was rebellious, troubling both kings and cities.
23 And that the Yahudim were rebellious, and always raised wars there. For that cause even this city was made desolate.
24 Wherefore now we do declare to you, O lord the king, that if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up anew, you shall from henceforth have no passage into Celosyria and Phenice.
25 Then the king wrote back again to Rathumus the storywriter, to Beeltethmus, to Semellius the scribe, and to the rest that were in commission, and dwellers in Samaria and Syria and Phenice, after this manner:
26 I have read the epistle which you have sent to me. Therefore I commanded to make diligent search, and it has been found that that city was from the beginning practising against kings.
27 And the men therein were given to rebellion and war, and that mighty kings and fierce were in Yerusalem, who reigned and exacted tributes in Celosyria and Phenice.
28 Now therefore I have commanded to hinder those men from building the city, and heed to be taken that there be no more done in it,
29 and that those wicked workers proceed no further to the annoyance of kings.
30 Then king Artexerxes his letters being read, Rathumus, and Semellius the scribe, and the rest that were in commission with them, removing in haste toward Yerusalem with a troop of horsemen and a multitude of people in battle array, began to hinder the builders. The building of the temple in Yerusalem ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of the Persians.
Chapter 3
1 Now when Darius reigned, he made a great feast to all his subjects, and to all his household, and unto all the princes of Media and Persia,
2 and to all the governors and captains and lieutenants that were under him, from India to Ethiopia, of a hundred twenty and seven provinces.
3 And when they had eaten and drunken, and being satisfied were gone home, then Darius the king went into his bedchamber, and slept, and soon after awaked.
4 Then three young men, that were of the guard that kept the king's body, spoke one to another.
5 Let every one of us speak a sentence. He that shall overcome, and whose sentence shall seem wiser than the others, unto him shall the king Darius give great gifts, and great things in token of victory.
6 As, to be clothed in purple, to drink in gold, and to sleep upon gold, and a chariot with bridles of gold, and a headtire of fine linen, and a chain about his neck.
7 And he shall sit next to Darius because of his wisdom, and shall be called Darius' cousin.
8 And then every one wrote his sentence, sealed it, and laid it under king Darius' pillow.
9 They said when the king is risen, some will give him the writings. Of whose side the king and the three princes of Persia shall judge that his sentence is the wisest, to him shall the victory be given, as was appointed.
10 The first wrote: Wine is the strongest.
11 The second wrote: The king is strongest.
12 The third wrote: Women are strongest, but above all things Truth bears away the victory.
13 Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings, and delivered them to him, and so he read them.
14 And sending forth he called all the princes of Persia and Media, and the governors, and the captains, and the lieutenants, and the chief officers.
15 He sat down in the royal seat of judgment, and the writings were read before them.
16 And he said: Call the young men, and they shall declare their own sentences. So they were called, and came in.
17 And he said to them: Declare to us your mind concerning the writings. Then began the first, who had spoken of the strength of wine.
18 And he said thus: O you men, how exceeding strong is wine! It causes all men to err that drink it.
19 It makes the mind of the king and of the fatherless child to be all one, of the bondman and of the freeman, of the poor man and of the rich.
20 It turns every thought into jollity and mirth, so that a man remembers neither sorrow nor debt.
21 And it makes every heart rich, so that a man remembers neither king nor governor. And it makes to speak all things by talents.
22 And when they are in their cups, they forget their love both to friends and brothers, and a little after draw out swords.
23 But when they are recovered from the wine, they do not remember what they have done.
24 O you men, is not wine the strongest, that enforces to do thus? And when he had so spoken, he held his peace.
Chapter 4
1 Then the second, that had spoken of the strength of the king, began to say:
2 O you men, do not men excel in strength, that bear rule over sea and land, and all things in them?
3 But yet the king is more mighty. He is lord of all these things, and has dominion over them, and whatsoever he commands them they do.
4 If he bid them make war the one against the other, they do it. If he send them out against the enemies, they go, and break down mountains, walls, and towers.
5 They kill and are killed, but do not transgress the king's commandment. If they get the victory, they bring all to the king, as well the spoil, as all things else.
6 Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do with wars, but use husbandry, when they have reaped again that which they had sown, they bring it to the king, and compel one another to pay tribute to the king.
7 And yet he is but one man. If he command to kill, they kill; if he command to spare, they spare;
8 if he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they build;
9 if he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant.
10 So all his people and his armies obey him. Furthermore he lies down, he eats and drinks, and takes his rest.
11 And these keep [watch] round about him, neither may any one depart, and do his own business, nor disobey him in any thing.
12 O you men, how should the king not be mightiest, when in such sort he is obeyed? And he held his tongue.
13 Then the third, who had spoken of women, and of the truth, began to speak (this was Zorobabel).
14 O you men, it is not the great king, nor the multitude of men, neither is it wine, that excells. Who is it then that rules them, or has the lordship over them? Are they not women?
15 Women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule by sea and land.
16 Even of them they came. They nourished them up that planted the vineyards, from which the wine comes.
17 These also make garments for men, these bring glory unto men, and without women men cannot be.
18 Yea, and if men have gathered together gold and silver, or any other goodly thing, do they not love a woman which is comely in favour and beauty?
19 And letting all those things go, do they not gape, and even with open mouth fix their eyes fast on her? Have not all men more desire to her than to silver or gold, or any goodly thing whatsoever?
20 A man leaves his own father that brought him up, and his own country, and cleaves to his wife.
21 He does not hesitate to spend his life with his wife. He remembers neither father, nor mother, nor country.
22 By this also you must know that women have dominion over you: do you not labour and toil, and give and bring all to the woman?
23 Yea, a man takes his sword, and goes his way to rob and to steal, to sail upon the sea and upon rivers.
24 He looks upon a lion, and goes in the darkness, and when he has stolen, spoiled, and robbed, he brings it to his love.
25 So a man loves his wife better than father or mother.
26 Yea, many there are who have run out of their wits for women, and become servants for their sakes.
27 Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women.
28 And now do you not believe me? Is not the king great in his power? Do not all regions fear to touch him?
29 Yet did I see him and Apame the king's concubine, the daughter of the admirable Bartacus, sitting at the right hand of the king?
30 She took the crown from the king's head, and setting it upon her own head, she also struck the king with her left hand.
31 And yet for all this the king gaped and gazed upon her with open mouth. If she laughed upon him, he laughed also. But if she took any displeasure at him, the king was fain to flatter, that she might be reconciled to him again.
32 O you men, how can it be but women should be strongest, seeing they do this?
33 Then the king and the princes looked one upon another, so he began to speak of the truth.
34 O you men, are women not strong? Great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the sun in his course, for he compasses the heavens round about, and fetches his course again to his own place in one day.
35 Is he not great that makes these things? Therefore great is the truth, and stronger than all things.
36 All the earth calls upon the truth, and the heaven blesses it. All works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no unrighteous thing.
37 Wine is wicked, the king is wicked, women are wicked, all the children of men are wicked, and such are all their wicked works. There is no truth in them, in their unrighteousness they shall perish.
38 As for the truth, it endures, and is always strong. It lives and conquers for evermore.
39 With her there is no accepting of persons or rewards. She does the things that are just, and refrains from all unjust and wicked things. All men do well like of her works.
40 In her judgment is no unrighteousness. She is the strength, kingdom, power, and majesty, of all ages. Blessed be Yahwah of truth.
41 And with that he held his peace. All the people then shouted, and said: Great is Truth, and mighty above all things.
42 Then the king said to him: Ask what will you more than is appointed in the writing, and we will give it to you, because you are found wisest. You shall sit next me, and shall be called my cousin.
43 Then he said to the king: Remember your vow, when you vowed to build Yerusalem, in the day when you came to your kingdom.
44 And to send away all the vessels that were taken away out of Yerusalem, which Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy Babylon, and to send them there again.
45 You also have vowed to build up the temple, which the Edomites burned when Yahudah was made desolate by the Chaldeans.
46 And now, O lord the king, this is that which I require, and which I desire of you: it is the princely liberality proceeding from yourself. I desire therefore that you make good the vow, the performance which with your own mouth you have vowed to the King of heaven.
47 Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, and wrote letters for him to all the treasurers and lieutenants and captains and governors, that they should safely convey on their way both him, and all those that go up with him to build Yerusalem.
48 He wrote letters also to the lieutenants that were in Celosyria and Phenice, and to them in Lebanon, that they should bring cedar wood from Lebanon to Yerusalem, and that they should build the city with him.
49 Moreover he wrote for all the Yahudim that went out of his realm up into Yahudah, concerning their freedom, that no officer, no ruler, no lieutenant, nor treasurer, should forcibly enter into their doors.
50 Also that all the country which they hold should be free without tribute, and that the Edomites should give over the villages of the Yahudim which then they held.
51 Yea, that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it was built,
52 and other ten talents yearly, to maintain the burnt offerings upon the altar every day (as they had a commandment to offer seventeen),
53 and that all those who went from Babylon to build the city should have free liberty, as well they as their posterity, and all the priests that went away.
54 He wrote also concerning the charges, and the priests' vestments wherein they minister,
55 and likewise for the charges of the Levites, to be given them until the day that the house were finished, and Yerusalem built up.
56 And he commanded to give to all that kept the city pensions and wages.
57 He sent away also all the vessels from Babylon, that Cyrus had set apart. All that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same he also charged to be done, and sent to Yerusalem.
58 Now when this young man was gone forth, he lifted up his face to heaven toward Yerusalem, and praised the King of heaven,
59 and said: From you comes victory, from you comes wisdom, yours is the glory, and I am your servant.
60 Blessed are you, who has given me wisdom, for to you I give thanks, O Yahwah of our fathers.
61 And so he took the letters, and went out, and came to Babylon, and told it to all his brothers.
62 They praised the Father of their fathers, because he had given them freedom and liberty
63 to go up, to build Yerusalem, and the temple which is called by His name. So they feasted with instruments of music and gladness seven days.
Chapter 5
1 After this were the principal men of the families chosen according to their tribes, to go up with their wives and sons and daughters, with their menservants and maidservants, and their cattle.
2 Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen, till they had brought them back to Yerusalem safely, with musical [instruments], tabrets, and flutes.
3 And all their brothers played, and he made them go up together with them.
4 And these are the names of the men which went up, according to their families among their tribes, after their several heads.
5 The priests, the sons of Phinees the son of Aaron: Yahshua the son of Josedec, the son of Saraias, and Joacim the son of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the house of David, out of the kindred of Phares, of the tribe of Judah,
6 who spoke wise sentences before Darius the king of Persia in the second year of his reign, in the month Nisan, which is the first month.
7 And these are they of Yahudah that came up from the captivity, where they dwelt as strangers, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon.
8 So they returned to Yerusalem, and to the other parts of Yahudah, every man to his own city, who came with Zorobabel, with Yahshua, Nehemyah, and Zacharyah, and Reesayah, Enenius, Mardocheus, Beelsarus, Aspharasus, Reelius, Roimus, and Baana, their guides.
9 The number of those of the nation, and their governors, sons of Phoros, two thousand and hundred seventy and two. The sons of Saphat, four hundred seventy and two;
10 The sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty and six;
11 The sons of Phaath Moab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve;
12 The sons of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four; the sons of Zathul, nine hundred forty and five; the sons of Corbe, seven hundred and five; the sons of Bani, six hundred forty and eight;
13 The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three; the sons of Sadas, three thousand two hundred twenty and two;
14 The sons of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and seven; the sons of Bagoi, two thousand sixty and six; the sons of Adin, four hundred fifty and four;
15 The sons of Aterezias, ninety and two; the sons of Ceilan and Azetas, threescore and seven; the sons of Azuran, four hundred thirty and two;
16 The sons of Ananias, a hundred and one; the sons of Arom, thirty two; and the sons of Bassa, three hundred twenty and three; the sons of Azephurith, an hundred and two;
17 The sons of Meterus, three thousand and five; the sons of Bethlomon, an hundred twenty and three;
18 They of Netophah, fifty and five; they of Anathoth, an hundred fifty and eight; they of Bethsamos, forty and two;
19 They of Kiriathiarius, twenty and five; they of Caphira and Beroth, seven hundred forty and three; they of Pira, seven hundred;
20 They of Chadias and Ammidioi, four hundred twenty and two; they of Cirama and Gabdes, six hundred twenty and one;
21 They of Macalon, an hundred twenty and two; they of Betolius, fifty and two; the sons of Nephis, an hundred fifty and six;
22 The sons of Calamolalus and Onus, seven hundred twenty and five; the sons of Jerechus, two hundred forty and five;
23 The sons of Annaas, three thousand three hundred and thirty.
24 The priests: the sons of Jeddu, the son of Yahshua, among the sons of Sanasib, nine hundred seventy and two; the sons of Meruth, a thousand fifty and two;
25 The sons of Phassaron, a thousand forty and seven; the sons of Carme, a thousand and seventeen.
26 The Levites: the sons of Jessue, and Cadmiel, and Banuas, and Sudias, seventy and four.
27 The holy singers: the sons of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
28 The porters: the sons of Salum, the sons of Jatal, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Dacobi, the sons of Teta, the sons of Sami, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
29 The servants of the temple: the sons of Esau, the sons of Asipha, the sons of Tabaoth, the sons of Ceras, the sons of Sud, the sons of Phaleas, the sons of Labana, the sons of Graba,
30 The sons of Acua, the sons of Uta, the sons of Cetab, the sons of Agaba, the sons of Subai, the sons of Anan, the sons of Cathua, the sons of Geddur,
31 The sons of Airus, the sons of Daisan, the sons of Noeba, the sons of Chaseba, the sons of Gazera, the sons of Azia, the sons of Phinees, the sons of Azara, the sons of Bastai, the sons of Asana, the sons of Meani, the sons of Naphisi, the sons of Acub, the sons of Acipha, the sons of Assur, the sons of Pharacim, the sons of Basaloth,
32 The sons of Meeda, the sons of Coutha, the sons of Charea, the sons of Charcus, the sons of Aserer, the sons of Thomoi, the sons of Nasith, the sons of Atipha.
33 The sons of the servants of Solomon: the sons of Azaphion, the sons of Pharira, the sons of Jeeli, the sons of Lozon, the sons of Isdael, the sons of Sapheth,
34 The sons of Hagia, the sons of Pharacareth, the sons of Sabi, the sons of Sarothie, the sons of Masias, the sons of Gar, the sons of Addus, the sons of Suba, the sons of Apherra, the sons of Barodis, the sons of Sabat, the sons of Allom.
35 All the ministers of the temple, and the sons of the servants of Solomon, were three hundred seventy and two.
36 These came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas, Charaathalar leading them, and Aalar.
37 Neither could they show their families, nor their stock, how they were of Yisrayah: the sons of Ladan, the son of Ban, the sons of Necodan, six hundred fifty and two.
38 And of the priests that usurped the office of the priesthood, and were not found: the sons of Obdia, the sons of Accoz, the sons of Addus, who married Augia one of the daughters of Barzelus, and was named after his name.
39 And when the description of the kindred of these men was sought in the register, and was not found, they were removed from executing the office of the priesthood.
40 For to them said Nehemyah and Atharyah, that they should not be partakers of the holy things, till there arose up a high priest clothed with doctrine and truth [Urim and Thummim].
41 So of Yisrayah, from them of twelve years old and upward, they were all in number forty thousand, beside menservants and womenservants two thousand three hundred and sixty.
42 Their menservants and handmaids were seven thousand three hundred forty and seven; the singing men and singing women, two hundred forty and five.
43 Four hundred thirty and five camels, seven thousand thirty and six horses, two hundred forty and five mules, five thousand five hundred twenty and five beasts used to the yoke.
44 Certain of the chief of their families, when they came to the temple of Yahwah that is in Yerusalem, vowed to set up the house again in his own place according to their ability
45 and to give into the holy treasury of the works a thousand pounds of gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred priestly vestments.
46 And so dwelt the priests and the Levites and the people in Yerusalem, and in the country, the singers also and the porters: all Yisrayah in their villages.
47 But when the seventh month was at hand, and when the children of Yisrayah were every man in his own place, they came all together with one consent into the open place of the first gate which is toward the east.
48 Then Yahshua the son of Josedec stood up, and his brothers the priests, and Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and his brothers, and made ready the altar of Yahwah of Yisrayah,
49 to offer burnt sacrifices upon it, according as it is expressly commanded in the book of Moshe the man of Yahwah.
50 And there were gathered to them out of the other nations of the land, and they erected the altar upon his own place, because all the nations of the land were at enmity with them, and oppressed them. They offered sacrifices according to the time, and burnt offerings to Yahwah both morning and evening.
51 Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law, and offered sacrifices daily, as was appropriate.
52 And after that, the continual oblations, and the sacrifice of the sabbaths, and of the new moons, and of all holy feasts.
53 And all those who had made any vow to Yahwah began to offer sacrifices to Yahwah from the first day of the seventh month, although the temple of Yahwah was not yet built.
54 So they gave to the masons and carpenters money, meat, and drink, with cheerfulness.
55 To them of Sidon also and Tyre they gave carrs, that they should bring cedar trees from Lebanon, which should be brought by floats to the haven of Joppe, according as it was commanded them by Cyrus king of the Persians.
56 And in the second year and second month after his coming to the temple of Yahwah at Yerusalem began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Yahshua the son of Josedec, and their brothers, and the priests, and the Levites, and all those who were come to Yerusalem out of the captivity.
57 And they laid the foundation of the house of Yahwah in the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come to Yahudah and Yerusalem.
58 And they appointed the Levites from twenty years old over the works of Yahwah. Then stood up Yahshua, and his sons and brothers, and Cadmiel his brother, and the sons of Madiabun, with the sons of Joda the son of Eliadun, with their sons and brothers, all Levites, with one accord setters forward of the business, labouring to advance the works in the house of Yahwah. So the workmen built the temple of Yahwah.
59 The priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical instruments and trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph had cymbals,
60 singing songs of thanksgiving, and praising Yahwah, according as David the king of Yisrayah had ordained.
61 And they sung with loud voices songs to the praise of Yahwah, because his mercy and glory is for ever in all Yisrayah.
62 And all the people sounded trumpets, and shouted with a loud voice, singing songs of thanksgiving to Yahwah for the rearing up of the house of Yahwah.
63 Also of the priests and Levites, and of the chief of their families, the ancients who had seen the former house came to the building of this with weeping and great crying.
64 But many with trumpets and joy shouted with loud voice,
65 insomuch that the trumpets might not be heard for the weeping of the people. Yet the multitude sounded marvellously, so that it was heard afar off.
66 When the enemies of the tribe of Yahudah and Benjamin heard it, they came to know what that noise of trumpets should mean.
67 And they perceived that those who were of the captivity did build the temple unto Yahwah Father of Yisrayah.
68 So they went to Zorobabel and Yahshua, and to the chief of the families, and said to them: We will build together with you.
69 For we likewise, as you, do obey Yahwah, and do sacrifice to Him from the days of Azbazareth the king of the Assyrians, who brought us here.
70 Then Zorobabel and Yahshua and the chief of the families of Yisrayah said to them: It is not for us and you to build together a house to Yahwah.
71 We ourselves alone will build to Yahwah of Yisrayah, according as Cyrus the king of the Persians has commanded us.
72 But the heathen of the land were heavy upon the inhabitants of Yahudah, and holding them strait, hindered their building.
73 And by their secret plots, and popular persuasions and commotions, they hindered the finishing of the building all the time that king Cyrus lived. So they were hindered from building for the space of two years, until the reign of Darius.
Chapter 6
1 Now in the second year of the reign of Darius, Aggeus, and Zacharyah the son of Addo, the prophets, prophesied to the Yahudim in Yahudah and Yerusalem in the name of Yahwah Father of Yisrayah, which was upon them.
2 Then Zorobabel the son of Salatiel stood up, and Yahshua the son of Josedec, and began to build the house of Yahwah at Yerusalem, the prophets of Yahwah being with them, and helping them.
3 At the same time came to them Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phenice, with Sathrabuzanes and his companions, and said to them:
4 By whose appointment do you build this house and this roof, and perform all the other things? And who are the workmen that perform these things?
5 Nevertheless the elders of the Yahudim obtained favour, because Yahwah had visited the captivity.
6 And they were not hindered from building until such time as notification was given to Darius concerning them, and an answer received.
7 The copy of the letters which Sisinnes, governor of Syria and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, rulers in Syria and Phenice, wrote and sent to Darius:
8 To king Darius, greeting. Let all things be known to our lord the king, that being come into the country of Yahudah, and entered into the city of Yerusalem we found in the city of Yerusalem the ancients of the Yahudim that were of the captivity,
9 building a house to Yahwah, great and new, of hewn and costly stones, and the timber already laid upon the walls.
10 And those works are done with great speed, and the work goes on prosperously in their hands, and with all glory and diligence is it made.
11 Then we asked these elders, saying: By whose commandment do you build this house, and lay the foundations of these works?
12 Therefore to the intent that we might give knowledge to you by writing, we demanded of them who were the chief doers, and we required of them the names in writing of their principal men.
13 So they gave us this answer: We are the servants of Yahwah which made heaven and earth.
14 And as for this house, it was built many years ago by a king of Yisrayah great and strong, and was finished.
15 But when our fathers provoked Yahwah to wrath, and sinned against Yahwah of Yisrayah which is in heaven, He gave them over into the power of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, of the Chaldeans.
16 They pulled down the house, burned it, and carried away the people captives to Babylon.
17 But in the first year that king Cyrus reigned over the country of Babylon Cyrus the king wrote to build up this house.
18 And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, that Nabuchodonosor had carried away out of the house at Yerusalem, and had set them in his own temple, those Cyrus the king brought forth again out of the temple at Babylon, and they were delivered to Zorobabel and to Sanabassarus the ruler,
19 With commandment that he should carry away the same vessels, and put them in the temple at Yerusalem, and that the temple of Yahwah should be built in his place.
20 Then the same Sanabassarus, being come here, laid the foundations of the house of Yahwah at Yerusalem. From that time to this being still building, it is not yet fully ended.
21 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let search be made among the records of king Cyrus.
22 And if it be found that the building of the house of Yahwah at Yerusalem has been done with the consent of king Cyrus, and if our lord the king be so minded, let him signify to us thereof.
23 Then king Darius commanded to seek among the records at Babylon, and so at Ecdatana the palace, which is in the country of Media, there was found a roll wherein these things were recorded:
24 In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king Cyrus commanded that the house of Yahwah at Yerusalem should be built again, where they do sacrifice with continual fire.
25 The height shall be sixty cubits, and the breadth sixty cubits, with three rows of hewn stones, and one row of new wood of that country, and the expences thereof to be given out of the house of king Cyrus.
26 And that the holy vessels of the house of Yahwah, both of gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at Yerusalem, and brought to Babylon, should be restored to the house at Yerusalem, and be set in the place where they were before.
27 And also he commanded that Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, and their companions, and those which were appointed rulers in Syria and Phenice, should be careful not to meddle with the place, but allow Zorobabel, the servant of Yahwah, and governor of Yahudah, and the elders of the Yahudim, to build the house of Yahwah in that place.
28 I have commanded also to have it built up whole again, and that they look diligently to help those that are of the captivity of the Yahudim, till the house of Yahwah is finished.
29 And out of the tribute of Celosyria and Phenice a portion carefully to be given these men for the sacrifices of Yahwah. That is: to Zorobabel the governor, for bulls, and rams, and lambs.
30 And also corn, salt, wine, and oil, and that continually every year without further question, according as the priests that are in Yerusalem shall signify to be spent daily,
31 that offerings may be made to the most-high Yahwah for the king and for his children, and that they may pray for their lives.
32 And he commanded that whosoever should transgress, yea, or make light of any thing spoken or written, out of his own house should a tree be taken, and he be hanged on it, and all his goods seized for the king.
33 Yahwah therefore, whose name is there called upon, utterly destroy every king and nation, that stretches out his hand to hinder or damage that house of Yahwah in Yerusalem.
34 I, Darius the king, have ordained that according to these things it be done with diligence.
Chapter 7
1 Then Sisinnes the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, following the commandments of king Darius,
2 did very carefully oversee the holy works, assisting the ancients of the Yahudim and governors of the temple.
3 And so the holy works prospered when Aggeus and Zacharyah the prophets prophesied.
4 And they finished these things by the commandment of Yahwah Father of Yisrayah, and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius, and Artexerxes, kings of Persia.
5 And thus was the holy house finished in the three and twentieth day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of Darius king of the Persians.
6 The children of Yisrayah, the priests, and the Levites, and others that were of the captivity, that were added unto them, did according to the things written in the book of Moshe.
7 And to the dedication of the temple of Yahwah they offered an hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs,
8 and twelve goats for the sin of all Yisrayah, according to the number of the chief of the tribes of Yisrayah.
9 The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in their vestments, according to their kindreds, in the service of Yahwah Father of Yisrayah, according to the book of Moshe, and the porters at every gate.
10 And the children of Yisrayah that were of the captivity held the passover the fourteenth day of the first month, after that the priests and the Levites were sanctified.
11 Those who were of the captivity were not all sanctified together, but the Levites were all sanctified together.
12 And so they offered the passover for all those of the captivity, and for their brothers the priests, and for themselves.
13 And the children of Yisrayah that came out of the captivity did eat, even all those who had separated themselves from the abominations of the people of the land, and sought Yahwah.
14 And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days, making merry before Yahwah,
15 because he had turned the counsel of the king of Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the works of Yahwah Father of Yisrayah.
Chapter 8
1 After these things, when Artaxerxes the king of the Persians reigned, came Ezra the son of Saraias, the son of Ezerias, the son of Helchiah, the son of Salum,
2 the son of Sadduc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias, the son of Ezias, the son of Memeroth, the son of Zaraias, the son of Savias, the son of Boccas, the son of Abisum, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest.
3 This Ezra went up from Babylon, as a scribe, being very ready in the law of Moshe, that was given by the Fsther of Yisrayah.
4 And the king did him honour, for he found grace in his sight in all his requests.
5 There went up with him also certain of the children of Yisrayah, of the priest, of the Levites, of the holy singers, porters, and ministers of the temple, to Yerusalem.
6 In the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes, in the fifth month, this was the king's seventh year. For they went from Babylon in the first day of the first month, and came to Yerusalem, according to the prosperous journey which Yahwah gave them.
7 Ezra had very great skill, so that he omitted nothing of the law and commandments of Yahwah, but taught all Yisrayah the ordinances and judgments.
8 Now the copy of the commission, which was written from Artexerxes the king, and came to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of Yahwah, is this that follows:
9 King Artexerxes sends greeting to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of Yahwah.
10 Having determined to deal graciously, I have given order, that such of the nation of the Yahudim, and of the priests and Levites being within our realm, as are willing and desirous should go with you to Yerusalem.
11 As many therefore as have a mind to, let them depart with you, as it has seemed good both to me and my seven friends the counsellers.
12 That they may look to the affairs of Yahudah and Yerusalem, agreeably to that which is in the law of Yahwah,
13 and carry the gifts to Yahwah of Yisrayah to Yerusalem, which I and my friends have vowed, and all the gold and silver that in the country of Babylon can be found, to Yahwah in Yerusalem.
14 With that also which is given of the people for the temple of Yahwah at Yerusalem, and that silver and gold may be collected for bulls, rams, lambs, and things appertaining,
15 to the end that they may offer sacrifices to Yahwah upon the altar of Yahwah their Father, which is in Yerusalem.
16 And whatsoever you and your brothers will do with the silver and gold, that do, according to the will of Yahwah.
17 And the holy vessels of Yahwah, which are given you for the use of the temple of Yahwah, which is in Yerusalem, you shall set before Yahwah in Yerusalem.
18 And whatsoever thing else you shall remember for the use of the temple of Yahwah, you shall give it out of the king's treasury.
19 I, king Artexerxes, have also commanded the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phenice, that whatsoever Ezra the priest and the reader of the law of the most-high Yahwah shall send for, they should give it to him with speed,
20 to the sum of a hundred talents of silver, likewise also of wheat even to a hundred cors, and a hundred pieces of wine, and other things in abundance.
21 Let all things be performed after the law of Yahwah diligently to the most-high, that wrath not come upon the kingdom of the king and his sons.
22 I command you also, that you require no tax, nor any other imposition, of any of the priests, or Levites, or holy singers, or porters, or ministers of the temple, or of any that have doings in this temple, and that no man have authority to impose any thing upon them.
23 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of Yahwah ordain judges and justices, that they may judge in all Syria and Phenice all those that know the law of Yahwah. And you shall teach those that do not know it.
24 Whosoever shall transgress the law of Yahwah, and of the king, shall be punished diligently, whether it be by death, or other punishment, by penalty of money, or by imprisonment.
25 Then Ezra the scribe said: Blessed is the only Yahwah Father of my fathers, who has put these things into the heart of the king, to glorify his house that is in Yerusalem.
26 He honoured me in the sight of the king, and his counsellors, and all his friends and nobles.
27 Therefore was I encouraged by the help of Yahwah my Father, and gathered together men of Yisrayah to go up with me.
28 And these are the chief according to their families and several dignities, that went up with me from Babylon in the reign of king Artexerxes:
29 Of the sons of Phinees, Gerson; of the sons of Ithamar, Gamael; of the sons of David, Lettus the son of Sechenias;
30 Of the sons of Pharez, Zacharyah, and with him were counted an hundred and fifty men;
31 Of the sons of Pahath Moab, Eliaonias, the son of Zaraias, and with him two hundred men;
32 Of the sons of Zathoe, Sechenias the son of Jezelus, and with him three hundred men; of the sons of Adin, Obeth the son of Jonathan, and with him two hundred and fifty men;
33 Of the sons of Elam, YahshiYahwah son of Gotholias, and with him seventy men;
34 Of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son of Michael, and with him threescore and ten men;
35 Of the sons of Joab, Abadias son of Jezelus, and with him two hundred and twelve men;
36 Of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son of Josaphias, and with him an hundred and threescore men;
37 Of the sons of Babi, Zacharyah son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight men;
38 Of the sons of Astath, Johannes son of Acatan, and with him an hundred and ten men;
39 Of the sons of Adonikam, the last, and these are the names of them, Eliphalet, Jeuel, and Samaias, and with them seventy men;
40 Of the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of Istalcurus, and with him seventy men.
41 And these I gathered together to the river called Theras, where we pitched our tents three days, and then I surveyed them.
42 But I found there none of the priests and Levites.
43 Then sent I to Eleazar, and Iduel, and Masman,
44 and Alnathan, and Mamaias, and Joribus, and Nathan, Eunatan, Zacharias, and Mosollamon, principal men and learned.
45 And I asked those they should go to Saddeus the captain, who was in the place of the treasury.
46 And commanded those they should speak to Daddeus, and to his brothers, and to the treasurers in that place, to send us such men as might execute the priests' office in the house of Yahwah.
47 And by the mighty hand of Yahwah they brought to us skilful men of the sons of Moli the son of Levi, the son of Yisrayah, Asebebia, and his sons, and his brothers, who were eighteen.
48 And Asebia, and Annuus, and Osaias his brother, of the sons of Channuneus, and their sons, were twenty men.
49 And of the servants of the temple whom David had ordained, and the principal men for the service of the Levites, to wit, the servants of the temple two hundred and twenty, the catalogue of whose names were shown.
50 And there I vowed a fast to the young men before Yahwah, to desire of Him a prosperous journey both for us and those who were with us, for our children, and for the cattle.
51 For I was ashamed to ask the of king footmen, and horsemen, and conduct for safeguard against our adversaries.
52 For we had said to the king: the power of Yahwah our Father should be with those who seek Him, to support them in all ways.
53 And again we begged Yahwah as touching these things, and found Him favourable to us.
54 Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Esebriyah, and Assanyah, and ten men of their brothers with them.
55 And I weighed them the gold, and the silver, and the holy vessels of the house of Yahwah, which the king, and his council, and the princes, and all Yisrayah, had given.
56 And when I had weighed it, I delivered to them six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels of an hundred talents, and an hundred talents of gold,
57 and twenty golden vessels, and twelve vessels of brass, even of fine brass, glittering like gold.
58 And I said to them: Both you are holy to Yahwah, and the vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver is a vow to Yahwah, Yahwah of our fathers.
59 Watch you, and keep them till you deliver them to the chief of the priests and Levites, and to the principal men of the families of Yisrayah, in Yerusalem, into the chambers of the house of Yahwah.
60 So the priests and the Levites, who had received the silver and the gold and the vessels, brought them to Yerusalem, into the temple of Yahwah.
61 And from the river Theras we departed the twelfth day of the first month, and came to Yerusalem by the mighty hand of Yahwah, which was with us. From the beginning of our journey Yahwah delivered us from every enemy, and so we came to Yerusalem.
62 And when we had been there three days, the gold and silver that was weighed was delivered in the house of Yahwah on the fourth day to Marmoth the priest the son of Iri.
63 And with him was Eleazar the son of Phinees, and with them were Josabad the son of Jesu and Moeth the son of Sabban, Levites. All was delivered to them by number and weight.
64 And all the weight of them was written up the same hour.
65 Moreover those who were come out of the captivity offered sacrifice to Yahwah Father of Yisrayah, even twelve bulls for all Yisrayah, fourscore and sixteen rams,
66 threescore and twelve lambs, goats for a peace offering, twelve: all of them a sacrifice to Yahwah.
67 And they delivered the king's commandments to the king's stewards, and to the governors of Celosyria and Phenice. So they honoured the people and the temple of Yahwah.
68 Now when these things were done, the rulers came to me, and said:
69 The nation of Yisrayah, the princes, the priests and Levites, have not put away from them the heathen people of the land, nor the pollutions of the Gentiles, to wit: of the Canaanites, Hittites, Pheresites, Jebusites, and the Moabites, Egyptians, and Edomites.
70 For both they and their sons have married with their daughters, and the holy seed is mixed with the heathen people of the land. From the beginning of this matter the rulers and the great men have been partakers of this iniquity.
71 And as soon as I had heard these things, I tore my clothes, and the holy garment, and pulled off the hair from off my head and beard, and sat me down sad and very heavy.
72 So all those who were then moved at the word of Yahwah Father of Yisrayah assembled to me, while I mourned for the iniquity. But I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice.
73 Then rising up from the fast with my clothes and the holy garment torn, and bowing my knees, and stretching forth my hands to Yahwah,
74 I said: O Yahwah, I am confounded and ashamed before your face.
75 For our sins are multiplied above our heads, and our ignorances have reached up to heaven.
76 For ever since the time of our fathers we have been and are in great sin, even to this day.
77 And for our sins and our fathers' we with our brothers and our kings and our priests were given up to the kings of the earth, to the sword, and to captivity, and for a prey with shame, to this day.
78 And now in some measure has mercy been shown to us from you, O Yahwah, that there should be left us a root and a name in the place of your sanctuary.
79 And to discover to us a light in the house of Yahwah our Father, and to give us food in the time of our servitude.
80 Yea, when we were in bondage, we were not forsaken of Yahwah. He made us gracious before the kings of Persia, so that they gave us food.
81 Yea, and honoured the temple of Yahwah, and raised up the desolate Zion, that they have given us a sure abiding in Yahudah and Yerusalem.
82 And now, O Yahwah, what shall we say, having these things? For we have transgressed your commandments, which you gave by the hand of your servants the prophets, saying:
83 That the land, which you enter into to possess as an heritage, is a land polluted with the pollutions of the pagans of the land, and they have filled it with their uncleanness.
84 Therefore now you shall not join your daughters to their sons, neither shall you take their daughters to your sons.
85 Moreover you shall never seek to have peace with them, that you may be strong, and eat the good things of the land, and that you may leave the inheritance of the land to your children for evermore.
86 And all that is befallen is done to us for our wicked works and great sins. For you, O Yahwah, did make our sins light, and did give to us such a root.
87 But we have turned back again to transgress your law, and to mingle ourselves with the uncleanness of the nations of the land.
88 Might you not be angry with us to destroy us, till you had left us neither root, seed, nor name?
89 O Yahwah of Yisrayah, you are true, for we are left a root this day.
90 Behold, now we are before you in our iniquities, for we cannot stand any longer by reason of these things before you.
91 And as Ezra in his prayer made his confession, weeping, and lying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered to him from Yerusalem a very great multitude of men and women and children; for there was great weeping among the multitude.
92 Then Yechonyah the son of Jeelus, one of the sons of Yisrayah, called out, and said: O Ezra, we have sinned against Yahwah, we have married foreign women of the nations of the land, and now is all Yisrayah aloft.
93 Let us make an oath to Yahwah, that we will put away all our wives which we have taken of the heathen, with their children.
94 Like as you have decreed, and as many as do obey the law of Yahwah.
95 Arise, and put in execution, for to you does this matter appertain, and we will be with you. Do valiantly.
96 So Ezra arose, and took an oath of the chief of the priests and Levites of all Yisrayah to do after these things, and so they swore.
Chapter 9
1 Then Ezra rising from the court of the temple went to the chamber of Joanan the son of Eliasib,
2 And remained there, and did eat no meat nor drink water, mourning for the great iniquities of the multitude.
3 And there was a proclamation in all Yahudah and Yerusalem to all those who were of the captivity, that they should be gathered together at Yerusalem.
4 And that whosoever did not meet there within two or three days, according as the elders that bore rule appointed, their cattle should be seized to the use of the temple, and himself cast out from those who were of the captivity.
5 And in three days were all they of the tribe of Yahudah and Benjamin gathered together at Yerusalem the twentieth day of the ninth month.
6 And all the multitude sat trembling in the broad court of the temple because of the present foul weather.
7 So Ezra arose up, and said to them: You have transgressed the law in marrying foreign wives, thereby to increase the sins of Yisrayah.
8 And now by confessing give glory to Yahwah Father of our fathers.
9 Do His will, separate yourselves from the heathen of the land, and from the strange women.
10 Then the whole multitude cried, and said with a loud voice: Like as you have spoken, so we will do.
11 But forasmuch as the people are many, and it is foul weather, so that we cannot stand outside, and this is not a work of a day or two, seeing our sin in these things is spread far,
12 therefore let the rulers of the multitude stay, and let all them of our habitations that have heathen wives come at the time appointed,
13 and with them the rulers and judges of every place, till we turn away the wrath of Yahwah from us for this matter.
14 Then Yonathan the son of Azael and Ezechyah the son of Theocanus accordingly took this matter upon them, and Mosollam and Levis and Sabbatheus helped them.
15 And those who were of the captivity did according to all these things.
16 Ezra the priest chose to him the principal men of their families, all by name. And in the first day of the tenth month they sat together to examine the matter.
17 So their cause that held strange wives was brought to an end in the first day of the first month.
18 And of the priests that were come together, and had strange wives, there were found:
19 Of the sons of Yahshua the son of Josedec, and his brothers: Matthelas, and Eleazar, and Joribus, and Joadanus.
20 And they gave their hands to put away their wives, and to offer rams to make reconcilement for their errors.
21 And of the sons of Emmer: Ananias, and Zabdeus, and Eanes, and Sameius, and Hiereel, and Azarias.
22 And of the sons of Phaisur: Elionas, Massias, Ismael, and Nathanael, and Ocidelus, and Talsas.
23 And of the Levites: Jozabad, and Semis, and Colius, who was called Calitas, and Patheus, and Judas, and Jonas.
24 Of the holy singers: Eleazurus, Bacchurus.
25 Of the porters: Sallumus, and Tolbanes.
26 Of them of Yisrayah, of the sons of Phoros: Hiermas, and Eddias, and Melchias, and Maelus, and Eleazar, and Asibias, and Baanias.
27 Of the sons of Ela: Matthanias, Zacharias, and Hierielus, and Hieremoth, and Aedias.
28 And of the sons of Zamoth: Eliadas, Elisimus, Othonias, Jarimoth, and Sabatus, and Sardeus.
29 Of the sons of Babai: Johannes, and Ananias and Josabad, and Amatheis.
30 Of the sons of Mani: Olamus, Mamuchus, Jedeus, Jasubus, Jasael, and Hieremoth.
31 And of the sons of Addi: Naathus, and Moosias, Lacunus, and Naidus, and Mathanias, and Sesthel, Balnuus, and Manasseas.
32 And of the sons of Annas: Elionas, and Aseas, and Melchias, and Sabbeus, and Simon Chosameus.
33 And of the sons of Asom: Altaneus, and Matthias, and Baanaia, Eliphalet, and Manasses, and Semei.
34 And of the sons of Maani: Jeremias, Momdis, Omaerus, Juel, Mabdai, and Pelias, and Anos, Carabasion, and Enasibus, and Mamnitanaimus, Eliasis, Bannus, Eliali, Samis, Selemias, Nathanias. And of the sons of Ozora: Sesis, Esril, Azaelus, Samatus, Zambis, Josephus.
35 And of the sons of Ethma: Mazitias, Zabadaias, Edes, Juel, Banaias.
36 All these had taken foreign wives, and they put them away with their children.
37 And the priests and Levites, and those who were of Yisrayah, dwelt in Yerusalem, and in the country, in the first day of the seventh month, so the children of Yisrayah were in their habitations.
38 And the whole multitude came together with one accord into the broad place of the holy porch toward the east.
39 And they spoke to Ezra the priest and reader, that he would bring the law of Moshe, that was given of Yahwah Father of Yisrayah.
40 So Ezra the chief priest brought the law to the whole multitude from man to woman, and to all the priests, to hear law in the first day of the seventh month.
41 And he read in the broad court before the holy porch from morning to midday, before both men and women. And the multitude gave heed to the law.
42 Ezra the priest and reader of the law stood up upon a pulpit of wood, which was made for that purpose.
43 And there stood up by him Mattathias, Sammus, Ananyah, Azaryah, Uryah, Ezecias, Balasamus, upon the right hand.
44 And upon his left hand stood Phaldaius, Misael, Melchias, Lothasubus, and Nabarias.
45 Then Ezra took the book of the law before the multitude, for he sat honourably in the first place in the sight of them all.
46 And when he opened the law, they all stood straight up. So Ezra blessed Yahwah Father Most-High, Yahwah of hosts, Almighty.
47 And all the people answered, Amein. Lifting up their hands they fell to the ground, and worshipped Yahwah.
48 Also Yahshua, Anus, Sarabias, Adinus, Jacubus, Sabateas, Auteas, Maianeas, and Calitas, Azaryah, and Joazabdus, and Ananyah, Biatas, the Levites, taught the law of Yahwah, making them to understand it.
49 Then Attharates spoke to Ezra the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, even to all, saying:
50 This day is holy to Yahwah, for they all wept when they heard the law.
51 Go then, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part to those who have nothing.
52 For this day is holy to Yahwah. Do not be sorrowful, for Yahwah will bring you to honour.
53 So the Levites published all things to the people, saying: This day is holy to Yahwah, do not be sorrowful.
54 Then they went their way, every one to eat and drink, and make merry, and to give part to those who had nothing, and to make great cheer,
55 because they understood the words with which they were instructed, and for the reason they had been assembled.
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