Ezra
1:1 And in the 1st year of Cyrus king of Persia, at the completion of the Word of YHWH from the mouth of Jeremiah, has YHWH waked up the mind of Cyrus king of Persia, and he caused a proclamation to pass over into all his kingdom, and also in writing saying,1:2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, YHWH Elohim of the skies has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has charged me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem that is in Judah.1:3 Who is there among you of all his people? his Elohim is with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem that is in Judah, and build the Temple of YHWH Elohim of Israel, (he is the Elohim,) that is in Jerusalem.1:4 And whoever remains in any place where he sojourns, let the men of his place help him with silver, gold, and with goods and with animals, besides the freewill offering for the Temple of Elohim that is in Jerusalem.1:5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit Elohim had raised, to go up to build the Temple of YHWH that is in Jerusalem.1:6 And all they that were around them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.1:7 Also Cyrus the king brought out the vessels of the Temple of YHWH that Nebuchadnezzar had brought out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his elohim;1:8 Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.1:9 And this is the number of them: 30 chargers of gold, 1000 chargers of silver, 29 knives,1:10 and 30 basins of gold, silver basins of a second sort 410, and other vessels numbering 1000.1:11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were 5,400. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them from the captivity that were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem.
2:1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and came again to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city;2:2 That came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:2:3 The children of Parosh, 2,172.2:4 The children of Shephatiah, 372.2:5 The children of Arah, 775.2:6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab 2,812.2:7 The children of Elam, 1,254.2:8 The children of Zattu, 945.2:9 The children of Zaccai, 760.2:10 The children of Bani, 642.2:11 The children of Bebai, 623.2:12 The children of Azgad, 1,222.2:13 The children of Adonikam, 666.2:14 The children of Bigvai, 256.2:15 The children of Adin, 454.2:16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, 98.2:17 The children of Bezai, 323.2:18 The children of Jorah, 112.2:19 The children of Hashum, 223.2:20 The children of Gibbar, 95.2:21 The children of Bethlehem, 123.2:22 The men of Netophah, 56.2:23 The men of Anathoth, 128.2:24 The children of Azmaveth, 42.2:25 The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743.2:26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, 621.2:27 The men of Michmas, 122.2:28 The men of Bethel and Ai, 223.2:29 The children of Nebo, 52.2:30 The children of Magbish, 156.2:31 The children of the other Elam, 1,254.2:32 The children of Harim, 320.2:33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 725.2:34 The children of Jericho, 345.2:35 The children of Senaah, 3,630.2:36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, 973.2:37 The children of Immer, 1,052.2:38 The children of Pashur, 1,247.2:39 The children of Harim, 1,017.2:40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, 74.2:41 The singers: the children of Asaph, 128.2:42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all 139.2:43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,2:44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,2:45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,2:46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,2:47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,2:48 The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,2:49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,2:50 The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,2:51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,2:52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,2:53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,2:54 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.2:55 The children of Solomon's slaves: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,2:56 The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,2:57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.2:58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's slaves were 392.2:59 And these were they that went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not show their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:2:60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, 642.2:61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; that took a woman of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:2:62 These desired their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as defiled, put from the priesthood.2:63 And the Tirshatha (governor) said to them, that they should not eat of the Most Holy things, until there stood up a priest with the Urim- Thummim.2:64 The whole company together was 42,360,2:65 besides their slaves and their female slaves, of whom there were 7,337: and there were among them 200 singing men and singing women.2:66 Their horses were 736; their mules, 245;2:67 Their camels, 435; their donkeys, 6,720.2:68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the Temple of YHWH that is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the House of Elohim to set it up in his Established Place:2:69 They gave after their ability to the treasure of the work 61,000 drams [1,100 lbs.] of gold, and 500 minas [2 4/5 tons] of silver, and 100 priests' garments.2:70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
3:1 And when the 7th month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.3:2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his kinsmen the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his kinsmen, and rebuilt the Altar of Elohim of Israel, to offer whole Burnt- Offerings on it, as it is written in the Torah of Moses the man of Elohim.3:3 And they set the Altar upon its bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered whole Burnt-Offerings on it to YHWH, even whole Burnt-Offerings at sunrise and sunset.3:4 They observed also the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily whole Burnt- Offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;3:5 And afterward offered the continual whole Burnt-Offering, both of the new moons, and of all the sacred seasons of YHWH that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a Freewill-Offering to YHWH.3:6 From the 1st day of the 7th month began they to offer whole Burnt-Offerings to YHWH. But the foundation of the Temple of YHWH was not yet laid.3:7 They gave money also to the masons and carpenters; with food, drink and oil, to them of Zidon and Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the Sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia.3:8 Now in the 2nd year of their coming to the House of Elohim at Jerusalem, in the 2nd month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their kinsmen the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity to Jerusalem. And appointed the Levites, from 20 years old and upward, to set forward the work of the Temple of YHWH.3:9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his kinsmen, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the House of Elohim: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their kinsmen the Levites.3:10 And when the rebuilders laid the foundation of the Temple of YHWH, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise YHWH, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks to YHWH; because he is good, for his kindness endures for the ages toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised YHWH, because the foundation of the Temple of YHWH was laid.3:12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were older men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:3:13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: because the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were rebuilding the Temple to YHWH Elohim of Israel;4:2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers and said to them, let us rebuild with you: because we seek your Elohim, as you do; and we do sacrifice to him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur that brought us up here.4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel replied to them, you have nothing to do with us to rebuild a Temple to our Elohim; but we ourselves together will rebuild to YHWH Elohim of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.4:4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,4:5 And hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.4:6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote to him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.4:7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows:4:9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites,4:10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.4:11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king; Your servants the men on this side of the river, and at such a time.4:12 Be it known to the king that the Jews that came up from you to us are come to Jerusalem, rebuilding that rebellious and bad city, and have set up its walls and joined the foundations.4:13 Be it known now to the king, that if this city is rebuilt and its walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so you will endanger the revenue of the kings.4:14 Now, because that the salt of the palace is our salt, and the nakedness of the king we have no patience to see, therefore we have sent and made known to the king;4:15 That search may be made in the book of records of your forefathers: so you will find in the book of records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces. And that they have moved sedition within the same in olden times, for which cause was this city destroyed.4:16 We certify the king that, if this city is rebuilt again and its walls set up, by this means you will have no portion on this side of the river.4:17 Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that lived in Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, peace, and at such a time.4:18 The letter that you sent to us has been plainly read before me.4:19 And I commanded, and search has been made and it is found that this city of olden times has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made in it.4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem that have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid to them.4:21 Give now your commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be rebuilt, until another commandment will be given from me.4:22 Take heed now that you fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?4:23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and made them to cease by force and power.4:24 Then the work of the House of Elohim was stopped that is at Jerusalem. So it ceased to the 2nd year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
5:1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the Name of the Elohim of Israel, even to them.5:2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to rebuild the House of Elohim that is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of Elohim helping them.5:3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions and said to them, who has commanded you to rebuild this Temple, and to erect this wall?5:4 Then we replied to them after this manner, what are the names of the men that construct this building? 5:5 But the eye of their Elohim was upon the Elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to stop, until the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.5:6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent to Darius the king:5:7 They sent a letter to him in which was written; Unto Darius the king, all peace.5:8 Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judea, to the House of the great Elohim that is built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goes fast, and prospers in their hands.5:9 Then we asked those Elders, and said to them thus, who commanded you to rebuild this Temple and to erect these walls?5:10 We asked their names also, to certify you so that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.5:11 And so they returned us an answer saying, we are the slaves of the Elohim of the cosmos and earth, and rebuild the Temple that was made these many years ago that a great king of Israel built and completed.5:12 But after that our forefathers had provoked the Elohim of the skies to anger, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this Temple, and carried the people away to Babylon.5:13 But in the 1st year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to rebuild this House of Elohim.5:14 And the vessels also of gold and silver from the House of Elohim that Nebuchadnezzar took out of the Temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;5:15 And said to him, take these vessels, go, carry them into the Temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the House of Elohim be rebuilt in its place.5:16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the House of Elohim that is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now has it been in building, and still it is not finished.5:17 Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house that is there at Babylon, whether it is so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to rebuild this House of Elohim at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the books, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.6:2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a scroll, and in it was a record written:6:3 In the 1st year of Cyrus the king this same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the House of Elohim at Jerusalem. Let the Temple be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let its foundations be strongly laid; the height of it 60 cubits [90 feet], and the width 60 cubits [90 feet];6:4 With 3 rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:6:5 And also, the vessels of the House of Elohim, of gold and silver, that Nebuchadnezzar took out of the Temple that is in Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, let be given back, and go to the Temple that is in Jerusalem, each to its place, and put them down in the House of Elohim.6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites that are beyond the river, keep a distance from that place:6:7 Let the work of this House of Elohim alone; let the governor of the Jews and the Elders of the Jews build this House of Elohim in its place.6:8 Moreover I make a decree what you will do to the Elders of these Jews for the building of this House of Elohim: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, that expenses be given to these men so that they are not hindered.6:9 And what they have need of, both young oxen, rams, and lambs, for the whole Burnt-Offerings of the Elohim of the cosmos, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests that are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:6:10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savors to the Elohim of the cosmos, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.6:11 Also I have made a decree, that whoever will alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged on it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.6:12 And the Elohim that has caused his Name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that will put to their hand to alter and to destroy this House of Elohim that is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.6:13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to what Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.6:14 And the Elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built, and finished it, according to the commandment of the Elohim of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.6:15 And this House was finished on the 3rd day of the month Adar, that was in the 6th year of the reign of Darius the king.6:16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, observed the dedication of this Temple of Elohim with joy.6:17 And offered at the dedication of this Temple of Elohim 100 oxen, 200 rams, 400 lambs; and for a Sin Offering for all Israel, 12 he-goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.6:18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of Elohim that is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the Book of Moses.6:19 And the children of the captivity observed the Passover on the 14th day of the 1st month.6:20 Because the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were clean, and killed the Passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their kinsmen the priests, and for themselves.6:21 And the children of Israel that were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves to them from the uncleanness of the nations of the land, to seek YHWH Elohim of Israel, did eat,6:22 And observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread 7 days with joy: because YHWH had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the House of Elohim, the Elohim of Israel.
7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,7:2 The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,7:3 The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,7:4 The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,7:5 The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:7:6 Ezra himself has come up from Babylon, and he is a scribe ready in the Torah of Moses, that YHWH Elohim of Israel gave, and the king gives to him - according to the hand of YHWH his Elohim upon him - all his request.7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, to Jerusalem, in the 7th year of Artaxerxes the king.7:8 And he came to Jerusalem in the 5th month that was in the 7th year of the king.7:9 Because upon the 1st day of the 1st month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the 1st day of the 5th month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his Elohim upon him.7:10 Because Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Torah of YHWH, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.7:11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of YHWH, and of his statutes to Israel.7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a perfect scribe of the law of the Elohim of the cosmos, and at such a time:7:13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, that are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with you.7:14 Inasmuch as you are sent of the king, and of his 7 counselors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your Elohim that is in your hand;7:15 And to carry the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the Elohim of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,7:16 And all the silver and gold that you can find in all the province of Babylon, with the Freewill-Offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the Temple of their Elohim that is in Jerusalem:7:17 That you may buy speedily with this money oxen, rams, lambs, with their Meal-Offerings and their Drink-Offerings, and offer them upon the Altar of the Temple of your Elohim that is in Jerusalem.7:18 And whatever will seem good to you, and to your kinsmen, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your Elohim.7:19 The vessels also that are given you for the service of the House of your Elohim, those deliver you before the Elohim of Jerusalem.7:20 And whatever more will be needful for the Temple of your Elohim that you will have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasury.7:21 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers that are beyond the river, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the Elohim of the cosmos will require of you, let it be done speedily.7:22 Unto silver 100 talents [3 3/4th tons] and unto wheat 100 cors [600 bushels], and unto wine 100 baths [600 gallons], and unto oil 100 baths [600 gallons], and salt without reckoning7:23 Whatever is commanded by the Elohim of the cosmos, let it be diligently done for the Temple of the Elohim of the cosmos: because why should there be anger against the realm of the king and his sons? 7:24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this Temple of Elohim, it will not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.7:25 And you Ezra, after the wisdom of your Elohim, that is in your hand, set magistrates and judges that may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of your Elohim; and he who has not known you cause to know;7:26 And whoever will not do the law of your Elohim, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.7:27 Blessed is YHWH Elohim of our forefathers that has put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the House of YHWH that is in Jerusalem:7:28 And has extended goodness to me before the king, and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of YHWH my Elohim was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.
8:1 These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.8:2 Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.8:3 Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males 150.8:4 Of the sons of Pahathmoab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 males.8:5 Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him 300 males.8:6 Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him 50 males.8:7 And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him 70 males.8:8 And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him 80 males.8:9 Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him 218 males.8:10 And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 males.8:11 And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with 28 males.8:12 And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 males.8:13 And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 males.8:14 Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them 70 males.8:15 And I gathered them together to the river that flows to Ahava; and there we stayed in tents 3 days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.8:16 Then I sent for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.8:17 And I sent them with commandment to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say to Iddo, and to his kinsmen the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the Temple of our Elohim.8:18 And by the good hand of our Elohim upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his kinsmen, 18;8:19 And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his kinsmen and their sons, 20;8:20 Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, 220 Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava so that we might afflict ourselves before our Elohim, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.8:22 Because I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken to the king saying, the hand of our Elohim is upon all them for good that seek him. But his power and his anger is against all them that forsake him.8:23 So we fasted and besought our Elohim for this: and he was entreated of us.8:24 Then I separated 12 of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and 10 of their kinsmen with them,8:25 And weighed to them the silver, gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the Temple of our Elohim, which the king and his counselors, and his nobles, and all Israel there present, had offered:8:26 I even weighed to their hand 650 talents [25 tons] of silver, and silver vessels 100 talents [3 3/4th tons] and of gold 100 talents [3 3/4th tons];8:27 Also 20 basins of gold, of 1000 drams [19 lbs.]; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.8:28 And I said to them, you are Holy to YHWH; the vessels are Holy also; and the silver and the gold are a Freewill-Offering to YHWH Elohim of your forefathers.8:29 Watch and guard them, until you weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the Temple of YHWH.8:30 So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the House of our Elohim.8:31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the 12th day of the 1st month, to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our Elohim was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in ambush by the way.8:32 And we came to Jerusalem, and stayed there 3 days.8:33 Now on the 4th day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the House of our Elohim by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest. And with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;8:34 By number and by weight of everyone: and all the weight was written at that time.8:35 Also the children of those that had been carried away that were come out of the captivity, offered whole Burnt-Offerings to the Elohim of Israel, 12 oxen for all Israel, 96 rams, 77 lambs, 12 he- goats for a Sin-Offering. All this was a whole Burnt-Offering to YHWH.8:36 And they delivered the king's commissions to the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the House of Elohim.
9:1 Now when these things were done, the princes came to me saying, the people of Israel and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and the Amorites.9:2 Because they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the Holy seed has mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.9:3 And when I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down appalled.9:4 Then were assembled to me everyone that trembled at the Words of the Elohim of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice.9:5 And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having torn my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands to YHWH Elohim,9:6 and said, O my Elohim, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my Elohim: because our depravities are increased over our head, and our offense has grown up unto the cosmos.9:7 Since the days of our forefathers we have been in a great offense to this day; and for our depravities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.9:8 And now for a little space grace has been shown from YHWH Elohim, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in his Holy Place, that our Elohim may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.9:9 Because we were bondmen; yet our Elohim has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended goodness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the House of our Elohim, and to repair the desolation thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.9:10 And now, O our Elohim, what will we say after this? because we have forsaken your commandments.9:11 That you have commanded by your slaves the prophets saying, the land, to which you go to possess it, is an unclean land with the uncleanness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.9:12 Now therefore give not your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters to your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for the ages: that you may be strong, and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children for the ages.9:13 And after all that has come upon us for our bad deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that you our Elohim have punished us less than our depravities deserve, and have given us such deliverance as this;9:14 Should we again break your commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? would you not be angry with us until you had consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?9:15 O YHWH Elohim of Israel, you are righteous: because we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: look, we are before you in our trespasses: because we cannot stand before you because of this.
10:1 Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the Temple of Elohim, there assembled to him out of Israel a very great company of men and women and children: because the people wept greatly.10:2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said to Ezra, we have trespassed against our Elohim, and have taken foreign wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.10:3 Now therefore let us make a pledge with our Elohim to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my Adonai, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our Elohim; and let it be done according to the Torah.10:4 Arise; for this matter belongs to you: we also will be with you: be of good courage and do it.10:5 Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to adjure that they should do according to this word. And they adjured.10:6 Then Ezra rose up from before the House of Elohim, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came here, he did eat no food or drink water: because he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.10:7 And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together to Jerusalem;10:8 And that whoever would not come within 3 days, according to the counsel of the princes and the Elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the company of those that had been carried away.10:9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together to Jerusalem within 3 days. It was the 9th month, on the 20th day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the House of Elohim, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, you have transgressed, and have taken foreign wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.10:11 Now therefore make confession to YHWH Elohim of your forefathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the foreign wives.10:12 Then all the company answered and said with a loud voice, as you have said, so must we do.10:13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand outside, neither is this a work of one day or two: because we are many that have transgressed in this thing.10:14 Let now our rulers of all the company stand, and let all them that have taken foreign wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the Elders of every city, and the judges, until the fierce anger of our Elohim for this matter is turned from us.10:15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.10:16 And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their forefathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the 1st day of the 10th month to examine the matter.10:17 And they made an end with all the men that had taken foreign wives by the 1st day of the 1st month.10:18 And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken foreign wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his kinsmen; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.10:19 And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.10:20 And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.10:21 And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah.10:22 And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.10:23 Also of the Levites; Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.10:24 Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, Telem, and Uri.10:25 Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, Jeziah, Malchiah, Miamin, Eleazar, Malchijah, and Benaiah.10:26 And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Eliah.10:27 And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza.10:28 Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.10:29 And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Ramoth.10:30 And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, Binnui, and Manasseh.10:31 And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,10:32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.10:33 Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.10:34 Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,10:35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,10:36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,10:37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,10:38 And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,10:39 And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,10:40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,10:41 Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,10:42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.10:43 Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah.10:44 All these had taken foreign wives: and some of them had wives by whom they had children.
Copyright 2001 Dallas E. James