\id EZR  
\h Ezra 
\toc1 Ezra 
\toc2 Ezra 
\mt1 Ezra  
\c 1  
\s1 The Decree of Cyrus  
\p
\v 1  \w In the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*, \w in order to fulfill|strong="H1697"\w* \w the \+nd Lord’s\+nd*|strong="H3068"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* \w spoken|strong="H6310"\w* \w through|strong="H3414"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="H3414"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w stirred|strong="H5782"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w mind|strong="H7307"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*. \w He disseminated|strong="H5674"\w* \w a proclamation|strong="H6963"\w* \w throughout his entire|strong="H3605"\w* \w kingdom|strong="H4438"\w*, \w announcing in a written edict|strong="H4385"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* following:   
\p
\v 2 “\w Thus|strong="H3541"\w* \w says|strong="H0559"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*:  
\p “‘\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w has given|strong="H5414"\w* \w me all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the kingdoms|strong="H4467"\w* \w of the earth|strong="H0776"\w*. \w He has instructed|strong="H6485"\w* \w me to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w for him in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w is in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w from|strong="H5971"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w among you (may his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w be with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him!) may go up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w is in Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and may build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w – he is|strong="H1931"\w* \w the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w is in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Anyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who survives|strong="H7604"\w* \w in any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of those places|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H0834"\w* \w he is|strong="H1931"\w* \w a resident foreigner|strong="H1481"\w* \w must be helped by his neighbors|strong="H4725"\w* \w with silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w equipment|strong="H7399"\w*, \w and animals|strong="H0929"\w*, \w along with|strong="H5973"\w* \w voluntary|strong="H5071"\w* \w offerings for the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w is in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.’”   
\s1 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Exiles Prepare \w to|strong="H0376"\w* Return \w to|strong="H0376"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*  
\p
\v 5  \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w the leaders|strong="H0001"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w along with the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w – all|strong="H3605"\w* \w those whose mind|strong="H7307"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w stirred|strong="H5782"\w* – \w got|strong="H6965"\w* ready \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w go|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* order \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w in|strong="H0430"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 6  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w their neighbors|strong="H5439"\w* \w assisted|strong="H2388"\w* \w them with silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w utensils|strong="H3627"\w*, \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w equipment|strong="H7399"\w*, \w animals|strong="H0929"\w*, \w and expensive|strong="H4030"\w* \w gifts, not to mention|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the voluntary|strong="H5068"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5068"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w Then King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w brought out|strong="H3318"\w* \w the vessels|strong="H3627"\w* \w of the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H3069"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w* \w had brought from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and had displayed|strong="H5414"\w* \w in the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of his gods|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 8  \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w* \w entrusted|strong="H3318"\w* \w them to|strong="H5921"\w* \w Mithredath|strong="H4990"\w* \w the treasurer|strong="H1489"\w*, \w who counted them out|strong="H5608"\w* \w to Sheshbazzar|strong="H8339"\w* \w the leader|strong="H5387"\w* \w of the Judahite|strong="H3063"\w* exiles.   
\p
\v 9  \w The inventory|strong="H4557"\w* \w of these|strong="H0428"\w* \w items was as follows:|strong="H7970"\w*  
\q1 \w 30|strong="H7970"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w basins|strong="H0105"\w*,  
\q1 \w 1,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w basins|strong="H0105"\w*,  
\q1 \w 29|strong="H6242"\w* \w silver utensils|strong="H4252"\w*,   
\q1
\v 10  \w 30|strong="H7970"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w bowls|strong="H3713"\w*,  
\q1 \w 410|strong="H6235"\w* \w other|strong="H4932"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w bowls|strong="H3713"\w*,  
\q1 \w and 1,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w other|strong="H0312"\w* \w vessels|strong="H3627"\w*.   
\p
\v 11  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w these gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w and silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w vessels|strong="H3627"\w* \w totaled 5,400|strong="H3967"\w*. \w Sheshbazzar|strong="H8339"\w* \w brought them all|strong="H3605"\w* \w along|strong="H5973"\w* \w when the captives|strong="H1473"\w* \w were brought up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\c 2  
\p
\v 1  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w are the people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of the province|strong="H4082"\w* \w who were going up|strong="H5927"\w*, \w from the captives|strong="H7628"\w* \w of the exile|strong="H1473"\w* \w whom|strong="H0834"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5020"\w* \w of Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w had forced into exile|strong="H1540"\w* \w in Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*. \w They returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w each|strong="H0376"\w* \w to his own city|strong="H5892"\w*.  
\v 2  \w They came|strong="H0935"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Zerubbabel|strong="H2216"\w*, \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w Nehemiah|strong="H5166"\w*, \w Seraiah|strong="H8304"\w*, \w Reelaiah|strong="H7480"\w*, \w Mordecai|strong="H4782"\w*, \w Bilshan|strong="H1114"\w*, \w Mispar|strong="H4558"\w*, \w Bigvai|strong="H0902"\w*, \w Rehum|strong="H7348"\w*, \w and Baanah|strong="H1196"\w*.  
\p \w The number|strong="H4557"\w* \w of Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w was as follows|strong="H5971"\w*:   
\p
\v 3  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Parosh|strong="H6551"\w*\w : 2,172|strong="H8147"\w*;   
\p
\v 4  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shephatiah|strong="H8203"\w*\w : 372|strong="H8147"\w*;   
\p
\v 5  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Arah|strong="H0733"\w*\w : 775|strong="H7657"\w*;   
\p
\v 6  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Pahath-Moab|strong="H6355"\w* \w (from the line|strong="H3442"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \w and|strong="H3097"\w* \w Joab|strong="H3097"\w*\w ): 2,812|strong="H6240"\w*;   
\p
\v 7  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Elam|strong="H5867"\w*\w : 1,254|strong="H0702"\w*;   
\p
\v 8  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zattu|strong="H2240"\w*\w : 945|strong="H2568"\w*;   
\p
\v 9  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zaccai|strong="H2140"\w*\w : 760|strong="H8346"\w*;   
\p
\v 10  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bani|strong="H1137"\w*\w : 642|strong="H8147"\w*;   
\p
\v 11  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bebai|strong="H0893"\w*\w : 623|strong="H7969"\w*;   
\p
\v 12  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Azgad|strong="H5803"\w*\w : 1,222|strong="H8147"\w*;   
\p
\v 13  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Adonikam|strong="H0140"\w*\w : 666|strong="H8337"\w*;   
\p
\v 14  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bigvai|strong="H0902"\w*\w : 2,056|strong="H8337"\w*;   
\p
\v 15  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Adin|strong="H5720"\w*\w : 454|strong="H0702"\w*;   
\p
\v 16  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ater|strong="H0333"\w* \w (through|strong="H2396"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="H2396"\w*\w ): 98|strong="H8083"\w*;   
\p
\v 17  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bezai|strong="H1209"\w*\w : 323|strong="H7969"\w*;   
\p
\v 18  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jorah|strong="H3139"\w*\w : 112|strong="H6240"\w*;   
\p
\v 19  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hashum|strong="H2828"\w*\w : 223|strong="H7969"\w*;   
\p
\v 20  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Gibbar|strong="H1402"\w*\w : 95|strong="H2568"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w The men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bethlehem|strong="H1035"\w*\w :|strong="H7969"\w* 123;   
\p
\v 22  \w the men|strong="H0582"\w* \w of Netophah|strong="H5199"\w*\w : 56|strong="H8337"\w*;   
\p
\v 23  \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Anathoth|strong="H6068"\w*\w : 128|strong="H8083"\w*;   
\p
\v 24  \w the men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of the family|strong="H5820"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azmaveth|strong="H5820"\w*\w : 42|strong="H8147"\w*;   
\p
\v 25  \w the men of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kiriath Jearim|strong="H7157"\w*, \w Kephirah|strong="H3716"\w* \w and Beeroth|strong="H0881"\w*\w : 743|strong="H7969"\w*;   
\p
\v 26  \w the men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \w and Geba|strong="H1387"\w*\w : 621|strong="H0259"\w*;   
\p
\v 27  \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Micmash|strong="H4363"\w*\w : 122|strong="H8147"\w*;   
\p
\v 28  \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \w and Ai|strong="H5857"\w*\w : 223|strong="H7969"\w*;   
\p
\v 29  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebo|strong="H5015"\w*\w : 52|strong="H8147"\w*;   
\p
\v 30  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Magbish|strong="H4019"\w*\w : 156|strong="H8337"\w*;   
\p
\v 31  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of the other|strong="H0312"\w* \w Elam|strong="H5867"\w*\w : 1,254|strong="H0702"\w*;   
\p
\v 32  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Harim|strong="H2766"\w*\w : 320|strong="H6242"\w*;   
\p
\v 33  \w the men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Lod|strong="H3850"\w*, \w Hadid|strong="H2307"\w*, \w and Ono|strong="H0207"\w*\w : 725|strong="H2568"\w*;   
\p
\v 34  \w the men|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jericho|strong="H3405"\w*\w :|strong="H2568"\w* 345;   
\p
\v 35  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Senaah|strong="H5570"\w*\w : 3,630|strong="H7970"\w*.   
\p
\v 36  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w*\w : the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jedaiah|strong="H3048"\w* \w (through the family|strong="H1004"\w* \w of Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*\w ): 973|strong="H7969"\w*;   
\p
\v 37  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Immer|strong="H0564"\w*\w : 1,052|strong="H8147"\w*;   
\p
\v 38  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Pashhur|strong="H6583"\w*\w : 1,247|strong="H7651"\w*;   
\p
\v 39  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Harim|strong="H2766"\w*\w : 1,017|strong="H6240"\w*.   
\p
\v 40  \w The Levites|strong="H3881"\w*\w : the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \w and Kadmiel|strong="H6934"\w* \w (through the line of Hodaviah|strong="H1938"\w*\w ): 74|strong="H0702"\w*.   
\p
\v 41  \w The singers|strong="H7891"\w*\w : the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*\w : 128|strong="H8083"\w*.   
\p
\v 42  \w The gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w*\w :|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shallum|strong="H7967"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ater|strong="H0333"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Talmon|strong="H2929"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Akkub|strong="H6126"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hatita|strong="H2410"\w*, \w and the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shobai|strong="H7630"\w*\w : 139|strong="H8672"\w*.   
\p
\v 43  \w The temple servants|strong="H5411"\w*\w : the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ziha|strong="H6727"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hasupha|strong="H2817"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Tabbaoth|strong="H2884"\w*,  
\v 44  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Keros|strong="H7026"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Siaha|strong="H5517"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Padon|strong="H6303"\w*,  
\v 45  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Lebanah|strong="H3838"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hagabah|strong="H2286"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Akkub|strong="H6126"\w*,  
\v 46  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hagab|strong="H2285"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shalmai|strong="H8014"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hanan|strong="H2605"\w*,  
\v 47  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Giddel|strong="H1435"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Gahar|strong="H1515"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Reaiah|strong="H7211"\w*,  
\v 48  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Rezin|strong="H7526"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nekoda|strong="H5353"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gazzam|strong="H1502"\w*,  
\v 49  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Uzzah|strong="H5798"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Paseah|strong="H6454"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Besai|strong="H1153"\w*,  
\v 50  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Asnah|strong="H0619"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Meunim|strong="H4586"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nephussim|strong="H5300"\w*,  
\v 51  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bakbuk|strong="H1227"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hakupha|strong="H2709"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Harhur|strong="H2744"\w*,  
\v 52  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bazluth|strong="H1213"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Mehida|strong="H4240"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Harsha|strong="H2797"\w*,  
\v 53  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Barkos|strong="H1302"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Sisera|strong="H5516"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Temah|strong="H8547"\w*,  
\v 54  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Neziah|strong="H5335"\w*, \w and the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hatipha|strong="H2412"\w*.   
\p
\v 55  \w The descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*\w : the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Sotai|strong="H5479"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hassophereth|strong="H5618"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Peruda|strong="H6514"\w*,  
\v 56  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jaala|strong="H3279"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Darkon|strong="H1874"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Giddel|strong="H1435"\w*,  
\v 57  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shephatiah|strong="H8203"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hattil|strong="H2411"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Pokereth-Hazzebaim|strong="H6380"\w*, \w and the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ami|strong="H0532"\w*.   
\p
\v 58  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the temple servants|strong="H5411"\w* \w and the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of the servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*\w : 392|strong="H8673"\w*.   
\p
\v 59  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w are the ones that came up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from Tel Melah|strong="H8528"\w*, \w Tel Harsha|strong="H8521"\w*, \w Kerub|strong="H3743"\w*, \w Addon|strong="H0135"\w*, \w and Immer|strong="H0564"\w* \w (although they were unable|strong="H3201"\w* \w to certify|strong="H5046"\w* \w their family|strong="H1004"\w* \w connection|strong="H0001"\w* \w or|strong="H0518"\w* \w their ancestry|strong="H2233"\w*, \w as to whether|strong="H0518"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w really were from Israel|strong="H3478"\w*):   
\p
\v 60  \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Delaiah|strong="H1806"\w*, \w the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w*, \w and the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nekoda|strong="H5353"\w*\w : 652|strong="H8147"\w*.   
\p
\v 61  \w And from among|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*\w : the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hobaiah|strong="H2252"\w*, \w the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hakkoz|strong="H6976"\w*, \w and the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w (who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w taken|strong="H3947"\w* \w a wife|strong="H0802"\w* \w from the daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w of Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w the Gileadite|strong="H1569"\w* \w and was called|strong="H7121"\w* \w by that|strong="H8034"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*).  
\v 62  \w They|strong="H0428"\w* \w searched|strong="H1245"\w* \w for their records|strong="H3791"\w* \w in the genealogical materials|strong="H3187"\w*, \w but did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w them.|strong="H1351"\w* \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w were|strong="H0428"\w* therefore excluded \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the priesthood|strong="H3550"\w*.  
\v 63  \w The governor|strong="H8660"\w* \w instructed|strong="H0559"\w* \w them not|strong="H3808"\w* \w to eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w any of the sacred|strong="H6944"\w* \w food until|strong="H5704"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w* \w was a priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w who could consult|strong="H5975"\w* \w the Urim|strong="H0224"\w* \w and Thummim|strong="H8550"\w*.   
\p
\v 64  \w The entire group|strong="H6951"\w* \w numbered 42,360|strong="H8346"\w*,  
\v 65  \w not counting|strong="H0905"\w* \w their male and female|strong="H0519"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w who numbered 7,337|strong="H7651"\w*. \w They also had 200|strong="H3967"\w* \w male and female singers|strong="H7891"\w*  
\v 66  \w and 736|strong="H8337"\w* \w horses|strong="H5483"\w*, \w 245|strong="H2568"\w* \w mules|strong="H6505"\w*,  
\v 67  \w 435|strong="H2568"\w* \w camels|strong="H1581"\w*, \w and 6,720|strong="H6242"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w*.  
\v 68  \w When they came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w some of the family|strong="H0001"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w offered voluntary offerings|strong="H5068"\w* \w for the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w in order to rebuild|strong="H5975"\w* \w it on|strong="H5921"\w* \w its site|strong="H4349"\w*.  
\v 69  \w As they were able|strong="H3581"\w*, \w they gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to the treasury|strong="H0214"\w* \w for this work|strong="H4399"\w* \w 61,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w drachmas|strong="H1871"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w 5,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w minas|strong="H4488"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w and 100|strong="H3967"\w* \w priestly|strong="H3548"\w* \w robes|strong="H3801"\w*.   
\p
\v 70  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w the singers|strong="H7891"\w*, \w the gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w*, \w and the temple servants|strong="H5411"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in their towns|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the rest of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w lived in|strong="H3427"\w* \w their towns|strong="H5892"\w*.   
\c 3  
\p
\v 1  \w When the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w arrived|strong="H5060"\w* \w and the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w were living|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* \w their|strong="H5060"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w*, \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w assembled|strong="H0622"\w* \w in|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Then Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jozadak|strong="H3136"\w* \w and his priestly|strong="H3548"\w* \w colleagues|strong="H0251"\w* \w and Zerubbabel|strong="H2216"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shealtiel|strong="H7597"\w* \w and his colleagues|strong="H0251"\w* \w started|strong="H6965"\w* \w to build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w so they could offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it as required|strong="H3789"\w* \w by|strong="H8451"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w the man|strong="H0376"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 3  \w They established|strong="H3559"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4196"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w its foundations|strong="H4350"\w*, \w even though|strong="H3588"\w* \w they were in|strong="H5921"\w* \w terror|strong="H0367"\w* \w of the local|strong="H0776"\w* \w peoples|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and they offered|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , both the morning|strong="H1242"\w* \w and the evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5930"\w*.  
\v 4  \w They observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the Festival|strong="H2282"\w* \w of Temporary Shelters|strong="H5521"\w* \w as required|strong="H3789"\w* \w and offered the proper|strong="H4941"\w* \w number|strong="H4557"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w daily|strong="H3117"\w* \w burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w according|strong="H4941"\w* \w to the requirement for each day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Afterward|strong="H0310"\w* \w they offered the continual|strong="H8548"\w* \w burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w and those for the new moons|strong="H2320"\w* \w and those for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the holy|strong="H6942"\w* \w assemblies|strong="H4150"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w those that were being voluntarily offered|strong="H5068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 6  \w From the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they began|strong="H2490"\w* \w to offer|strong="H5927"\w* \w burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w to the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w*\w . However, the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s|strong="H3069"\w* \w temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w was not|strong="H3808"\w* \w at that time|strong="H3117"\w* \w established|strong="H3245"\w*.   
\s1 Preparations \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w Rebuilding|strong="H3245"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1964"\w*  
\p
\v 7  \w So they provided|strong="H5414"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w for the masons|strong="H2672"\w* \w and carpenters|strong="H2796"\w*, \w and food|strong="H3978"\w*, \w beverages|strong="H4960"\w*, \w and olive oil|strong="H8081"\w* \w for the people of Sidon|strong="H6722"\w* \w so that they would bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w cedar|strong="H0730"\w* \w timber|strong="H6086"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Lebanon|strong="H3844"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the seaport|strong="H3220"\w* \w at Joppa|strong="H3305"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w accord with the edict|strong="H7558"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*.  
\v 8  \w In the second|strong="H8145"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w after they had come|strong="H0935"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w in the second|strong="H8145"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*, \w Zerubbabel|strong="H2216"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shealtiel|strong="H7597"\w* \w and Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jozadak|strong="H3136"\w* \w initiated the work,|strong="H7605"\w* \w along|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w rest|strong="H7605"\w* \w of their associates|strong="H0251"\w*, \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w those who were coming|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w from the exile|strong="H7628"\w*. \w They appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H1121"\w* \w who were at least twenty|strong="H6242"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w old|strong="H4605"\w* \w to take charge|strong="H5329"\w* \w of the work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 9  \w So|strong="H5975"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w both his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and his relatives|strong="H0251"\w*, \w Kadmiel|strong="H6934"\w* \w and his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w (the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Yehudah|strong="H3063"\w* \w ), to take charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of the workers|strong="H4399"\w* \w in the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w along with the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Henadad|strong="H2582"\w*, \w their sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and their relatives|strong="H0251"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*.  
\v 10  \w When the builders|strong="H1129"\w* \w established|strong="H3245"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*’s \w temple|strong="H1964"\w*, \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w ceremonially attired|strong="H3847"\w* \w and with their clarions|strong="H2689"\w*, \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w (the sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Asaph|strong="H0623"\w*\w ) with their cymbals|strong="H4700"\w*, \w stood to praise|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w according|strong="H5921"\w* \w to the instructions left by|strong="H3027"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 11  \w With antiphonal response they sang|strong="H6030"\w*, \w praising|strong="H1984"\w* \w and glorifying|strong="H3034"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w :|strong="H3588"\w*  
\q1 \w “For|strong="H3588"\w* \w he is good|strong="H2896"\w*;  
\q1 \w his loyal love|strong="H2617"\w* \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w is forever|strong="H5769"\w*.”  
\p \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w gave a loud|strong="H1419"\w* \w shout|strong="H7321"\w* \w as they praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w when the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w was established|strong="H3245"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Many|strong="H7227"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and the leaders|strong="H0001"\w* – \w older|strong="H2205"\w* \w people who had|strong="H0834"\w* \w seen|strong="H7200"\w* \w with their own eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w the former|strong="H7223"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w while it was still established|strong="H3245"\w* – \w were weeping|strong="H1058"\w* \w loudly|strong="H1419"\w*, \w and many|strong="H7227"\w* \w others raised|strong="H7311"\w* \w their voice|strong="H6963"\w* \w in a joyous|strong="H8057"\w* \w shout|strong="H8643"\w*.  
\v 13  \w People|strong="H5971"\w* \w were unable to tell the difference|strong="H5234"\w* \w between the sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w of joyous|strong="H8057"\w* \w shouting|strong="H8643"\w* \w and the sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w of the people’s|strong="H5971"\w* \w weeping|strong="H1065"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were shouting|strong="H7321"\w* \w so loudly|strong="H1419"\w* \w that the sound|strong="H6963"\w* \w was heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w a long|strong="H5704"\w* \w way off|strong="H7350"\w*.   
\c 4  
\p
\v 1  \w When|strong="H8085"\w* \w the enemies|strong="H6862"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w learned that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the former exiles|strong="H1473"\w* \w were building|strong="H1129"\w* \w a temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*,  
\v 2  \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w came|strong="H5066"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Zerubbabel|strong="H2216"\w* \w and the leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*, \w “Let us help you build|strong="H1129"\w*, \w for|strong="H5973"\w* \w like you we seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w your God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and we|strong="H0587"\w* \w have been sacrificing|strong="H2076"\w* \w to him|strong="H3117"\w* \w from|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Esarhaddon|strong="H0634"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w*, \w who brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w us here|strong="H6311"\w*.”  
\v 3  \w But Zerubbabel|strong="H2216"\w*, \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w and the rest|strong="H7605"\w* \w of the leaders|strong="H0001"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them, “You have no|strong="H3808"\w* \w right|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H0559"\w* help \w us|strong="H3588"\w* \w build|strong="H1129"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w will build|strong="H1129"\w* \w it by ourselves|strong="H3162"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w just|strong="H0834"\w* \w as King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w*, \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*, \w has commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w us|strong="H3588"\w*.”  
\v 4  \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the local|strong="H0776"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w began to discourage|strong="H3027"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and to dishearten|strong="H1086"\w* \w them from building|strong="H1129"\w*.  
\v 5  \w They were hiring|strong="H7936"\w* \w advisers|strong="H3289"\w* \w to oppose them, so as to frustrate|strong="H6565"\w* \w their plans|strong="H6098"\w*, \w throughout|strong="H3605"\w* \w the time|strong="H3117"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3566"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the reign|strong="H4438"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Darius|strong="H1867"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*.   
\s1 Official Complaints \w Are|strong="H3117"\w* Lodged \w Against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Jews  
\p
\v 6  \w At the beginning|strong="H8462"\w* \w of the reign|strong="H4438"\w* \w of Ahasuerus|strong="H0325"\w* \w they filed|strong="H3789"\w* \w an accusation|strong="H7855"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the inhabitants|strong="H3427"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 7  \w And during the reign|strong="H3117"\w* \w of Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w*, \w Bishlam|strong="H1312"\w*, \w Mithredath|strong="H4990"\w*, \w Tabeel|strong="H2870"\w*, \w and the rest|strong="H7605"\w* \w of their colleagues|strong="H3674"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*. \w This letter|strong="H5406"\w* \w was first written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in Aramaic|strong="H0762"\w* \w but then translated|strong="H8638"\w*.  
\p \w [Aramaic|strong="H0762"\w*:]   
\p
\v 8  \w Rehum|strong="H7348"\w* \w the commander|strong="H2942"\w* \w and Shimshai|strong="H8124"\w* \w the scribe|strong="H5613"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3790"\w* \w a|strong="H2298"\w* \w letter|strong="H0104"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5922"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w to King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w* \w as follows|strong="H3660"\w*:  
\v 9  \w From|strong="H0116"\w* \w Rehum|strong="H7348"\w* \w the commander|strong="H2942"\w*, \w Shimshai|strong="H8124"\w* \w the scribe|strong="H5613"\w*, \w and the rest|strong="H7606"\w* \w of their colleagues|strong="H3675"\w* \w – the judges|strong="H1784"\w*, \w the rulers|strong="H0671"\w*, \w the officials|strong="H2967"\w*, \w the secretaries|strong="H0670"\w*, \w the Erechites|strong="H0756"\w*, \w the Babylonians|strong="H0896"\w*, \w the people|strong="H7801"\w* \w of Susa|strong="H7801"\w* \w (that|strong="H1768"\w* \w is,|strong="H5962"\w* \w the|strong="H0116"\w* \w Elamites|strong="H5962"\w*),  
\v 10  \w and the rest|strong="H7606"\w* \w of nations|strong="H0524"\w* \w whom|strong="H1768"\w* \w the great|strong="H7229"\w* \w and noble|strong="H3358"\w* \w Ashurbanipal|strong="H0620"\w* \w deported|strong="H1541"\w* \w and settled|strong="H1994"\w* \w in the cities|strong="H7149"\w* \w of Samaria|strong="H8115"\w* \w and other places|strong="H7606"\w* \w in Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*.  
\v 11  \w (This|strong="H1836"\w* \w is a copy|strong="H6573"\w* \w of the letter|strong="H0104"\w* \w they sent|strong="H7972"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w him:)|strong="H5922"\w*  
\p “\w To|strong="H5922"\w* \w King\w* \w Artaxerxes\w*, \w from your servants\w* \w in\w* \w Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*:  
\v 12  \w Now|strong="H4430"\w* let \w the|strong="H5922"\w* \w king|strong="H4430"\w* \w be|strong="H1934"\w* \w aware|strong="H3046"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w the Jews|strong="H3062"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w came up|strong="H5559"\w* \w to us from|strong="H4481"\w* \w you|strong="H3890"\w* \w have gone|strong="H0858"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*. \w They are rebuilding that rebellious|strong="H4779"\w* \w and odious|strong="H0873"\w* \w city|strong="H7149"\w*. \w They are completing|strong="H1124"\w* \w its walls|strong="H7792"\w* \w and repairing|strong="H2338"\w* \w its foundations|strong="H0787"\w*.  
\v 13  \w Let|strong="H3705"\w* \w the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w also be|strong="H1934"\w* \w aware|strong="H3046"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w if|strong="H2006"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w city|strong="H7149"\w* \w is built|strong="H1124"\w* \w and its walls|strong="H7792"\w* \w are completed|strong="H3635"\w*, \w no more|strong="H3809"\w* \w tax|strong="H4061"\w*, \w custom|strong="H1093"\w*, \w or toll|strong="H1983"\w* \w will be paid|strong="H5415"\w*, \w and the royal|strong="H4430"\w* \w treasury|strong="H0674"\w* \w will suffer loss|strong="H5142"\w*.  
\v 14  \w In light of|strong="H3705"\w* \w the fact|strong="H6903"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w we are loyal|strong="H4416"\w* \w to the king|strong="H1965"\w*, \w and since it does|strong="H2370"\w* \w not|strong="H3809"\w* \w seem|strong="H2370"\w* \w appropriate|strong="H0749"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w us that the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w should sustain|strong="H4415"\w* \w damage|strong="H6173"\w*, \w we are sending|strong="H7972"\w* \w the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w information|strong="H3046"\w*  
\v 15  \w so that|strong="H1768"\w* \w he may initiate a search|strong="H1240"\w* \w of the records|strong="H1799"\w* \w of his predecessors|strong="H0002"\w* \w and discover|strong="H7912"\w* \w in those records|strong="H1799"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w city|strong="H7149"\w* \w is rebellious|strong="H4779"\w* \w and injurious|strong="H5142"\w* \w to both kings|strong="H4430"\w* \w and provinces|strong="H4083"\w*, \w producing|strong="H5648"\w* \w internal|strong="H1459"\w* \w revolts|strong="H0849"\w* \w from|strong="H4481"\w* \w long|strong="H5957"\w* \w ago|strong="H3118"\w*. \w It is for|strong="H5922"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w very reason that this|strong="H1791"\w* \w city|strong="H7149"\w* \w was destroyed|strong="H2718"\w*.  
\v 16  \w We|strong="H0586"\w* \w therefore are informing|strong="H3046"\w* \w the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w if|strong="H2006"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w city|strong="H7149"\w* \w is rebuilt|strong="H1124"\w* \w and its walls|strong="H7792"\w* \w are completed|strong="H3635"\w*, \w you will|strong="H0383"\w* \w not|strong="H3809"\w* \w retain control|strong="H1836"\w* \w of|strong="H4430"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w portion|strong="H2508"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*.”   
\p
\v 17  \w The king|strong="H4430"\w* \w sent|strong="H7972"\w* \w the following response|strong="H6600"\w*:  
\p \w “To|strong="H5922"\w* \w Rehum|strong="H7348"\w* \w the commander|strong="H2942"\w*, \w Shimshai|strong="H8124"\w* \w the scribe|strong="H5613"\w*, \w and the rest of|strong="H7606"\w* \w their colleagues|strong="H3675"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w live in|strong="H3488"\w* \w Samaria|strong="H8115"\w* \w and other parts|strong="H7606"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*\w : Greetings|strong="H8001"\w*!  
\v 18  \w The letter|strong="H5407"\w* \w you sent|strong="H7972"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w us has been translated|strong="H6568"\w* \w and read|strong="H7123"\w* \w in my presence|strong="H6925"\w*.  
\v 19  \w So|strong="H4481"\w* \w I gave|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w*, \w and it was determined|strong="H7912"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w city|strong="H7149"\w* \w from|strong="H4481"\w* \w long|strong="H5957"\w* \w ago|strong="H3118"\w* \w has been engaging in insurrection|strong="H5376"\w* \w against|strong="H5922"\w* \w kings|strong="H4430"\w*. \w It has continually engaged in|strong="H5648"\w* \w rebellion|strong="H4776"\w* \w and revolt|strong="H0849"\w*.  
\v 20  \w Powerful|strong="H8624"\w* \w kings|strong="H4430"\w* \w have been|strong="H1934"\w* \w over|strong="H5922"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w who ruled|strong="H7990"\w* \w throughout the entire|strong="H3606"\w* \w Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w* \w and who were the beneficiaries|strong="H3052"\w* \w of|strong="H4061"\w* \w tribute|strong="H4061"\w*, \w custom|strong="H1093"\w*, \w and toll|strong="H1983"\w*.  
\v 21  \w Now|strong="H3705"\w* \w give|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w* \w that these|strong="H0479"\w* \w men|strong="H1400"\w* \w cease|strong="H0989"\w* \w their work and that this|strong="H1791"\w* \w city|strong="H7149"\w* \w not|strong="H3809"\w* \w be rebuilt|strong="H1124"\w* \w until|strong="H5705"\w* \w such time as I so instruct|strong="H7761"\w*.  
\v 22  \w Exercise appropriate caution|strong="H2095"\w* \w so that there is|strong="H1934"\w* \w no negligence|strong="H7960"\w* \w in|strong="H5922"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w matter. Why|strong="H4101"\w* \w should danger|strong="H2257"\w* \w increase|strong="H7680"\w* \w to the point that kings|strong="H4430"\w* \w sustain damage|strong="H5142"\w*?”   
\p
\v 23  \w Then|strong="H0116"\w*, \w as soon as|strong="H1768"\w* \w the copy|strong="H6573"\w* \w of the letter|strong="H5407"\w* \w from|strong="H1768"\w* \w King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w* \w was read|strong="H7123"\w* \w in the presence|strong="H6925"\w* \w of Rehum|strong="H7348"\w*, \w Shimshai|strong="H8124"\w* \w the scribe|strong="H5613"\w*, \w and their colleagues|strong="H3675"\w*, \w they proceeded|strong="H0236"\w* \w promptly|strong="H0924"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w the Jews|strong="H3062"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w and stopped|strong="H0989"\w* \w them|strong="H1994"\w* \w with threat|strong="H0153"\w* \w of armed force|strong="H2429"\w*.   
\p
\v 24  \w So|strong="H0116"\w* \w the work|strong="H5673"\w* \w on the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w came to a halt|strong="H0989"\w*. \w It remained|strong="H1934"\w* \w halted|strong="H0989"\w* \w until|strong="H5705"\w* \w the second|strong="H8648"\w* \w year|strong="H8140"\w* \w of the reign|strong="H4437"\w* \w of King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Darius|strong="H1868"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6540"\w*.   
\c 5  
\p
\v 1  \w Then the prophets|strong="H5013"\w* \w Haggai|strong="H2292"\w* \w and Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w son|strong="H1247"\w* \w of Iddo|strong="H5714"\w* \w prophesied|strong="H5013"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5922"\w* \w the Jews|strong="H3062"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w were in Judah|strong="H3061"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w in the name|strong="H8036"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3479"\w* \w who was over|strong="H5922"\w* them.  
\v 2  \w Then|strong="H0116"\w* \w Zerubbabel|strong="H2217"\w* \w the son|strong="H1247"\w* \w of Shealtiel|strong="H7598"\w* \w and Jeshua|strong="H3443"\w* \w the son|strong="H1247"\w* \w of Jozadak|strong="H3136"\w* \w began|strong="H8271"\w* \w to rebuild|strong="H1124"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*. \w The prophets|strong="H5029"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w were with|strong="H5974"\w* \w them, supporting|strong="H5583"\w* them.   
\p
\v 3  \w At that time|strong="H2166"\w* \w Tattenai|strong="H8674"\w* \w governor|strong="H6347"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*, \w Shethar-Bozenai|strong="H8370"\w*, \w and their colleagues|strong="H3675"\w* \w came|strong="H0858"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w them and asked|strong="H0560"\w*, \w “Who|strong="H4479"\w* \w gave|strong="H7761"\w* \w you authority|strong="H2942"\w* \w to rebuild|strong="H1124"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w and to complete|strong="H0846"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w structure|strong="H3635"\w*?”  
\v 4  \w They|strong="H3660"\w* \w also|strong="H3660"\w* \w asked|strong="H0560"\w* \w them, “What|strong="H4479"\w* \w are|strong="H0581"\w* \w the names|strong="H8036"\w* \w of the men|strong="H1400"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w are building|strong="H1124"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w edifice|strong="H1147"\w*?”  
\v 5  \w But God|strong="H0426"\w* \w was|strong="H1934"\w* \w watching|strong="H5870"\w* \w over|strong="H5922"\w* \w the elders|strong="H7868"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3062"\w*, \w and they|strong="H1994"\w* \w were not|strong="H3809"\w* \w stopped|strong="H0989"\w* \w until|strong="H5705"\w* \w a report|strong="H2941"\w* \w could be dispatched|strong="H1946"\w* \w to Darius|strong="H1868"\w* \w and|strong="H0116"\w* \w a letter|strong="H5407"\w* \w could be sent back|strong="H8421"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5922"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w*.   
\p
\v 6  \w This is a copy|strong="H6573"\w* \w of the letter|strong="H0104"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w Tattenai|strong="H8674"\w* \w governor|strong="H6347"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*, \w Shethar-Bozenai|strong="H8370"\w*, \w and his colleagues|strong="H3675"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w were the officials|strong="H0671"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w* \w sent|strong="H7972"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Darius|strong="H1868"\w*.  
\v 7  \w The report|strong="H6600"\w* \w they sent|strong="H7972"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w him was written|strong="H3790"\w* \w as follows|strong="H1459"\w*\w :|strong="H4430"\w*  
\p “\w To|strong="H5922"\w* \w King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Darius\w*\w : All\w* \w greetings\w*!  
\v 8  \w Let it be|strong="H1934"\w* \w known|strong="H3046"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w we have gone to|strong="H0236"\w* \w the province|strong="H4083"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3061"\w*, \w to the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of the great|strong="H7229"\w* \w God|strong="H0426"\w*. \w It is|strong="H1932"\w* \w being built|strong="H1124"\w* \w with large|strong="H1560"\w* \w stones|strong="H0069"\w*, \w and timbers|strong="H0636"\w* \w are being placed|strong="H7761"\w* \w in the walls|strong="H3797"\w*. \w This|strong="H1791"\w* \w work|strong="H5673"\w* \w is being done|strong="H5648"\w* \w with all diligence|strong="H0629"\w* \w and is prospering|strong="H6744"\w* \w in their hands|strong="H3028"\w*.  
\v 9  \w We inquired|strong="H7593"\w* \w of those|strong="H0479"\w* \w elders|strong="H7868"\w*, \w asking|strong="H0560"\w* \w them, ‘Who|strong="H4479"\w* \w gave|strong="H7761"\w* \w you the authority|strong="H2942"\w* \w to rebuild|strong="H1124"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w and to complete|strong="H3635"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w structure|strong="H0846"\w*?’  
\v 10  \w We also|strong="H0638"\w* \w inquired|strong="H7593"\w* \w of their names|strong="H8036"\w* \w in order to inform|strong="H3046"\w* \w you, so that|strong="H1768"\w* \w we might write|strong="H3790"\w* \w the names|strong="H8036"\w* \w of the men|strong="H1400"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w were their leaders|strong="H7217"\w*.  
\v 11  \w They responded|strong="H8421"\w* \w to us in the following|strong="H3660"\w* \w way|strong="H6600"\w*\w : ‘We|strong="H0586"\w* \w are|strong="H1994"\w* \w servants|strong="H5649"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8065"\w* \w and earth|strong="H0772"\w*. \w We are rebuilding|strong="H1124"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w was|strong="H1934"\w* \w previously built|strong="H1124"\w* \w many|strong="H7690"\w* \w years|strong="H8140"\w* \w ago|strong="H6928"\w*. \w A great|strong="H7229"\w* \w king|strong="H4430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3479"\w* \w built|strong="H1124"\w* \w it and completed|strong="H3635"\w* it.  
\v 12  \w But|strong="H3861"\w* \w after|strong="H4481"\w* \w our ancestors|strong="H0002"\w* \w angered|strong="H7265"\w* \w the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8065"\w*, \w he delivered|strong="H3052"\w* \w them|strong="H1994"\w* \w into the hands|strong="H3028"\w* \w of King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5020"\w* \w of Babylon|strong="H0895"\w*, \w the Chaldean|strong="H3679"\w*, \w who destroyed|strong="H5642"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w and exiled|strong="H1541"\w* \w the people|strong="H5972"\w* \w to Babylon|strong="H0895"\w*.  
\v 13  \w But|strong="H1297"\w* \w in the first|strong="H2298"\w* \w year|strong="H8140"\w* \w of King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3567"\w* \w of Babylon|strong="H0895"\w*, \w King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3567"\w* \w enacted|strong="H7761"\w* \w a decree|strong="H2942"\w* \w to rebuild|strong="H1124"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Even|strong="H0638"\w* \w the gold|strong="H1722"\w* \w and silver|strong="H3702"\w* \w vessels|strong="H3984"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5020"\w* \w had taken|strong="H5312"\w* \w from|strong="H4481"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1965"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w and had brought|strong="H2987"\w* \w to the palace|strong="H1965"\w* \w of Babylon|strong="H0895"\w* \w – even those things|strong="H1994"\w* \w King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3567"\w* \w brought|strong="H5312"\w* \w from|strong="H4481"\w* \w the palace|strong="H1965"\w* \w of Babylon|strong="H0895"\w* \w and presented|strong="H3052"\w* \w to a man by the name|strong="H8036"\w* \w of Sheshbazzar|strong="H8340"\w* \w whom|strong="H1768"\w* \w he had appointed|strong="H7761"\w* \w as governor|strong="H6347"\w*.  
\v 15  \w He said|strong="H0560"\w* \w to him, “Take|strong="H5376"\w* \w these|strong="H0412"\w* \w vessels|strong="H3984"\w* \w and go|strong="H0236"\w* \w deposit|strong="H5182"\w* \w them|strong="H1994"\w* \w in the temple|strong="H1965"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*, \w and let the house|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w be rebuilt|strong="H1124"\w* \w in|strong="H5922"\w* \w its proper location|strong="H0870"\w*.”  
\v 16  \w Then|strong="H0116"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w Sheshbazzar|strong="H8340"\w* \w went|strong="H0858"\w* \w and laid|strong="H3052"\w* \w the foundations|strong="H0787"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*. \w From that|strong="H4481"\w* \w time|strong="H0116"\w* \w to|strong="H5705"\w* \w the present moment|strong="H3705"\w* \w it has been in the process of being rebuilt|strong="H1124"\w*, \w although it is not|strong="H3809"\w* \w yet finished|strong="H8000"\w*.’   
\p
\v 17 “\w Now|strong="H3705"\w* \w if|strong="H2006"\w* \w the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w is so inclined|strong="H2869"\w*, \w let a search be conducted|strong="H1240"\w* \w in the royal|strong="H4430"\w* \w archives|strong="H1596"\w* \w there|strong="H8536"\w* \w in Babylon|strong="H0895"\w* \w in order|strong="H2006"\w* \w to determine|strong="H0383"\w* \w whether|strong="H1768"\w* \w King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3567"\w* \w did in fact issue|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w* \w for this|strong="H1791"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w to be rebuilt|strong="H1124"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*. \w Then let the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w send|strong="H7972"\w* \w us a decision|strong="H7470"\w* \w concerning|strong="H5922"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* matter.”   
\c 6  
\p
\v 1  \w So|strong="H0116"\w* \w Darius|strong="H1868"\w* \w the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w issued|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w*, \w and they searched|strong="H1240"\w* \w in the archives|strong="H5609"\w* \w of the treasury|strong="H1596"\w* \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w were deposited|strong="H5182"\w* \w there|strong="H8536"\w* \w in Babylon|strong="H0895"\w*.  
\v 2  \w A|strong="H2298"\w* \w scroll|strong="H4040"\w* \w was found|strong="H7912"\w* \w in the citadel|strong="H1001"\w* \w of Ecbatana|strong="H0307"\w* \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w is in the province|strong="H4083"\w* \w of Media|strong="H4076"\w*, \w and|strong="H3652"\w* \w it was inscribed|strong="H3790"\w* \w as follows|strong="H1459"\w*\w :|strong="H1799"\w*  
\p “Memorandum:  
\v 3  \w In the first|strong="H2298"\w* \w year|strong="H8140"\w* \w of his|strong="H3567"\w* \w reign|strong="H4430"\w*, \w King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Cyrus|strong="H3567"\w* \w gave|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w* \w concerning the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*\w :|strong="H1005"\w* ‘Let \w the|strong="H1768"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w be rebuilt|strong="H1124"\w* \w as a place|strong="H0870"\w* \w where|strong="H1768"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H1685"\w* \w are offered|strong="H1684"\w*. \w Let its foundations|strong="H0787"\w* \w be set in place|strong="H5446"\w*. \w Its height|strong="H7314"\w* \w is to be ninety|strong="H8361"\w* \w feet|strong="H0521"\w* \w and its width|strong="H6613"\w* \w ninety|strong="H8361"\w* \w feet|strong="H0521"\w*,  
\v 4  \w with three|strong="H8532"\w* \w layers|strong="H5073"\w* \w of large|strong="H1560"\w* \w stones|strong="H0069"\w* \w and one|strong="H5073"\w* \w layer|strong="H5073"\w* \w of timber|strong="H0636"\w*. \w The expense|strong="H5313"\w* \w is to|strong="H4481"\w* \w be subsidized|strong="H3052"\w* \w by the royal|strong="H4430"\w* \w treasury|strong="H1005"\w*.  
\v 5  \w Furthermore|strong="H0638"\w* \w let the gold|strong="H1722"\w* \w and silver|strong="H3702"\w* \w vessels|strong="H3984"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w*, \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5020"\w* \w brought from|strong="H5312"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1965"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w and carried to|strong="H2987"\w* \w Babylon|strong="H0895"\w*, \w be returned|strong="H8421"\w* \w and brought|strong="H1946"\w* \w to their proper place|strong="H0870"\w* \w in the temple|strong="H1965"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*. \w Let them be deposited|strong="H5182"\w* \w in the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w*.’   
\p
\v 6 “\w Now|strong="H3705"\w* \w Tattenai|strong="H8674"\w* \w governor|strong="H6347"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*, \w Shethar Bozenai|strong="H8370"\w*, \w and their colleagues|strong="H3675"\w*, \w the officials|strong="H0671"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w* \w – all of you stay|strong="H1934"\w* \w far|strong="H7352"\w* \w away from|strong="H4481"\w* \w there|strong="H8536"\w*!  
\v 7  \w Leave|strong="H7662"\w* \w the work on|strong="H5673"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w alone.|strong="H6347"\w* Let \w the|strong="H5922"\w* \w governor|strong="H6347"\w* \w of the Jews|strong="H3062"\w* \w and the elders|strong="H7868"\w* \w of the Jews|strong="H3062"\w* \w rebuild|strong="H1124"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w in its proper|strong="H5922"\w* \w place|strong="H0870"\w*.   
\p
\v 8 “\w I|strong="H4481"\w* \w also hereby|strong="H4481"\w* \w issue|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w* \w as to what|strong="H3964"\w* \w you are to do|strong="H5648"\w* \w with|strong="H5974"\w* \w those|strong="H0479"\w* \w elders|strong="H7868"\w* \w of the Jews|strong="H3062"\w* \w in order to rebuild|strong="H1124"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w*. \w From the royal|strong="H4430"\w* \w treasury|strong="H5232"\w*, \w from|strong="H1768"\w* \w the taxes|strong="H4061"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w* \w the complete|strong="H0629"\w* \w costs|strong="H5313"\w* \w are to be|strong="H1934"\w* \w given|strong="H3052"\w* \w to these|strong="H0479"\w* \w men|strong="H1400"\w*, \w so that|strong="H1768"\w* \w there may be no|strong="H3809"\w* \w interruption of the work|strong="H0989"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Whatever|strong="H4101"\w* \w is needed|strong="H2818"\w* \w – whether oxen|strong="H8450"\w* \w or rams|strong="H1798"\w* \w or lambs|strong="H0563"\w* \w or burnt offerings|strong="H5928"\w* \w for the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8065"\w* \w or wheat|strong="H2591"\w* \w or salt|strong="H4416"\w* \w or wine|strong="H2562"\w* \w or oil|strong="H4887"\w*, \w as required|strong="H3983"\w* \w by|strong="H3549"\w* \w the|strong="H1768"\w* \w priests|strong="H3549"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w are in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w – must be|strong="H1934"\w* \w given|strong="H3052"\w* \w to them daily|strong="H3118"\w* \w without any|strong="H3809"\w* \w neglect|strong="H7960"\w*,  
\v 10  \w so that|strong="H1768"\w* \w they may be|strong="H1934"\w* \w offering|strong="H7127"\w* \w incense|strong="H5208"\w* \w to the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8065"\w* \w and may be praying|strong="H6739"\w* \w for the good fortune|strong="H2417"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w and his family|strong="H1123"\w*.   
\p
\v 11 “\w I|strong="H4481"\w* \w hereby give|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w if anyone|strong="H0606"\w* \w changes|strong="H8133"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w directive|strong="H6600"\w* \w a beam|strong="H0636"\w* \w is to be pulled out|strong="H5256"\w* \w from|strong="H4481"\w* \w his house|strong="H1005"\w* \w and he is to be raised up|strong="H2211"\w* \w and impaled|strong="H4223"\w* \w on|strong="H5922"\w* \w it, and his house|strong="H1005"\w* \w is to be reduced|strong="H5648"\w* \w to a rubbish heap|strong="H5122"\w* \w for|strong="H5922"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* indiscretion.  
\v 12  \w May God|strong="H0426"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w makes|strong="H7932"\w* \w his name|strong="H8036"\w* \w to reside|strong="H7932"\w* \w there|strong="H8536"\w* \w overthrow|strong="H4049"\w* \w any|strong="H3606"\w* \w king|strong="H4430"\w* \w or nation|strong="H5972"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w reaches out|strong="H7972"\w* \w to cause|strong="H3028"\w* \w such change|strong="H8133"\w* \w so as to destroy|strong="H2255"\w* \w this|strong="H1791"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*. \w I|strong="H0576"\w*, \w Darius|strong="H1868"\w*, \w have given|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w*. \w Let them be carried out|strong="H5648"\w* \w with precision|strong="H0629"\w*!”   
\s1 \w The|strong="H3606"\w* \w Temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w Is|strong="H1768"\w* Finally Dedicated  
\p
\v 13  \w Then|strong="H0116"\w* \w Tattenai|strong="H8674"\w* \w governor|strong="H6347"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*, \w Shethar-Bozenai|strong="H8370"\w*, \w and their colleagues|strong="H3675"\w* \w acted|strong="H5648"\w* \w accordingly|strong="H6903"\w* \w – with precision|strong="H0629"\w*, \w just as|strong="H1768"\w* \w Darius|strong="H1868"\w* \w the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w had given instructions|strong="H7972"\w*.  
\v 14  \w The elders|strong="H7868"\w* \w of the Jews|strong="H3062"\w* \w continued building|strong="H1124"\w* \w and prospering|strong="H6744"\w*, \w while at the same time|strong="H2292"\w* \w Haggai|strong="H2292"\w* \w the prophet|strong="H5029"\w* \w and Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w the son|strong="H1247"\w* \w of Iddo|strong="H5714"\w* \w continued prophesying|strong="H5017"\w*. \w They built|strong="H1124"\w* \w and brought|strong="H3635"\w* \w it to completion|strong="H3635"\w* \w by|strong="H4481"\w* \w the command|strong="H2941"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3479"\w* \w and by the command|strong="H2942"\w* \w of Cyrus|strong="H3567"\w* \w and Darius|strong="H1868"\w* \w and Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w* \w king|strong="H4430"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6540"\w*.  
\v 15  \w They finished|strong="H3319"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w on|strong="H5705"\w* \w the third|strong="H8532"\w* \w day|strong="H3118"\w* \w of the month|strong="H3393"\w* \w Adar|strong="H0144"\w*, \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w is|strong="H1932"\w* \w the sixth|strong="H8353"\w* \w year|strong="H8140"\w* \w of the reign|strong="H4437"\w* \w of King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Darius|strong="H1868"\w*.   
\p
\v 16  \w The people|strong="H1123"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3479"\w* \w – the priests|strong="H3549"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3879"\w*, \w and the rest of|strong="H7606"\w* \w the exiles|strong="H1547"\w* – \w observed|strong="H5648"\w* \w the dedication|strong="H2597"\w* \w of this|strong="H1836"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w with joy|strong="H2305"\w*.  
\v 17  \w For the dedication|strong="H2597"\w* \w of this|strong="H1836"\w* \w temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w they offered|strong="H7127"\w* \w one hundred|strong="H3969"\w* \w bulls|strong="H8450"\w*, \w two hundred|strong="H3969"\w* \w rams|strong="H1798"\w*, \w four|strong="H0703"\w* \w hundred|strong="H3969"\w* \w lambs|strong="H0563"\w*, \w and twelve|strong="H6236"\w* \w male|strong="H6841"\w* \w goats|strong="H5796"\w* \w for|strong="H5922"\w* \w the sin|strong="H2402"\w* \w of all|strong="H3606"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3479"\w*, \w according to the number|strong="H4510"\w* \w of the tribes|strong="H7625"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3479"\w*.  
\v 18  \w They appointed|strong="H6966"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3549"\w* \w by their divisions|strong="H6392"\w* \w and the Levites|strong="H3879"\w* \w by their divisions|strong="H4255"\w* \w over|strong="H5922"\w* \w the worship|strong="H5673"\w* \w of God|strong="H0426"\w* \w at Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*, \w in accord with|strong="H3792"\w* \w the book|strong="H5609"\w* \w of Moses|strong="H4873"\w*.  
\v 19  \w The exiles|strong="H1473"\w* \w observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the Passover|strong="H6453"\w* \w on the fourteenth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day of the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*.  
\v 20  \w The priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w purified|strong="H2891"\w* \w themselves, every|strong="H3605"\w* \w last one|strong="H0259"\w*, \w and they all|strong="H3605"\w* \w were ceremonially pure|strong="H2889"\w*. \w They sacrificed|strong="H7819"\w* \w the Passover lamb|strong="H6453"\w* \w for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the exiles|strong="H1473"\w*, \w for their colleagues|strong="H0251"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and for themselves|strong="H1992"\w*.  
\v 21  \w The Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w who were returning|strong="H7725"\w* \w from the exile|strong="H1473"\w* \w ate|strong="H0398"\w* \w it, along with all|strong="H3605"\w* \w those who had joined them|strong="H0914"\w* \w in|strong="H0413"\w* separating \w themselves from the uncleanness|strong="H2932"\w* \w of the nations|strong="H1471"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 22  \w They observed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the Feast|strong="H2282"\w* \w of Unleavened|strong="H4682"\w* \w Bread for seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w with joy|strong="H8057"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w had given them joy|strong="H8055"\w* \w and had changed|strong="H5437"\w* \w the opinion|strong="H3820"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Assyria|strong="H0804"\w* \w toward them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w so that he assisted|strong="H2388"\w* \w them|strong="H3027"\w* \w in the work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\c 7  
\p
\v 1  \w Now after|strong="H0310"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w things had happened, during the reign|strong="H4438"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*, \w Ezra came up from Babylon.|strong="H5830"\w* \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Seraiah|strong="H8304"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w*,  
\v 2  \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shallum|strong="H7967"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ahitub|strong="H0285"\w*,  
\v 3  \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Amariah|strong="H0568"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Meraioth|strong="H4812"\w*,  
\v 4  \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zerahiah|strong="H2228"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Uzzi|strong="H5813"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bukki|strong="H1231"\w*,  
\v 5  \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Abishua|strong="H0050"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Phinehas|strong="H6372"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Eleazar|strong="H0499"\w*, \w who was the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Aaron|strong="H0175"\w* \w the chief|strong="H7218"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*.  
\v 6  \w This Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w the one|strong="H1931"\w* \w who came up|strong="H5927"\w* \w from Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*. \w He was|strong="H1931"\w* \w a scribe|strong="H5608"\w* \w who was skilled|strong="H4106"\w* \w in the law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w had given|strong="H5414"\w*. \w The king|strong="H4428"\w* \w supplied him with everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w he requested|strong="H1246"\w*, \w for the hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 7  \w In the seventh|strong="H7651"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w*, \w Ezra brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w some of the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w and some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*, \w the attendants|strong="H7891"\w*, \w the gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w*, \w and the temple servants|strong="H5411"\w*.  
\v 8  \w He entered|strong="H0935"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w in the fifth|strong="H2549"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w of the seventh|strong="H7637"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w*.  
\v 9  \w On the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w day of the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w had determined|strong="H3246"\w* \w to make|strong="H4609"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* ascent \w from Babylon|strong="H0894"\w*, \w and on the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w day of the fifth|strong="H2549"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w he arrived|strong="H0935"\w* \w at|strong="H0413"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w for the good|strong="H2896"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of his God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was on|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*.  
\v 10  \w Now Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H3559"\w* \w himself|strong="H3824"\w* \w to the study|strong="H1875"\w* \w of the|strong="H0853"\w* \w law|strong="H8451"\w* \w of the \+nd Lord\+nd*|strong="H3069"\w*\w , to its observance|strong="H3925"\w*, \w and to teaching|strong="H2706"\w* \w its|strong="H0853"\w* \w statutes|strong="H2706"\w* \w and judgments|strong="H4941"\w* \w in Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.   
\s1 Artaxerxes Gives Official Endorsement \w to|strong="H3068"\w* Ezra’s Mission  
\p
\v 11  \w What follows|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H0834"\w* \w a copy|strong="H6572"\w* \w of the letter|strong="H5406"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w the priestly|strong="H3548"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5608"\w*. \w Ezra was|strong="H5608"\w* \w a|strong="H5414"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5608"\w* \w in matters|strong="H1697"\w* \w pertaining to the commandments|strong="H4687"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0834"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w and his statutes|strong="H2706"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*:  
\v 12   
\p “\w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w*, \w king|strong="H4430"\w* \w of kings|strong="H4430"\w*, \w to Ezra|strong="H5831"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3549"\w*, \w a scribe|strong="H5613"\w* \w of the perfect|strong="H1585"\w* \w law|strong="H1882"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8065"\w*:  
\v 13  \w I|strong="H4481"\w* \w have now issued|strong="H7761"\w* \w a decree|strong="H2942"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w anyone|strong="H3606"\w* \w in my kingdom|strong="H4437"\w* \w from|strong="H4481"\w* \w the people|strong="H5972"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3479"\w* \w – even the priests|strong="H3549"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3879"\w* \w – who wishes to do so|strong="H5069"\w* \w may go up|strong="H1946"\w* \w with|strong="H5974"\w* \w you to Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*.  
\v 14  \w You are authorized|strong="H7972"\w* \w by|strong="H6925"\w* \w the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w and his seven|strong="H7655"\w* \w advisers|strong="H3272"\w* \w to inquire concerning|strong="H1240"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3061"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*, \w according to the law|strong="H1882"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0426"\w* \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w is in your possession|strong="H3028"\w*,  
\v 15  \w and to bring|strong="H2987"\w* \w silver|strong="H3702"\w* \w and gold|strong="H1722"\w* \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w and his advisers|strong="H3272"\w* \w have freely|strong="H5069"\w* \w contributed to the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3479"\w*, \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w resides|strong="H4907"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*,  
\v 16  \w along with all|strong="H3606"\w* \w the silver|strong="H3702"\w* \w and gold|strong="H1722"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w you may collect|strong="H7912"\w* \w throughout all|strong="H3606"\w* \w the province|strong="H4083"\w* \w of Babylon|strong="H0895"\w* \w and|strong="H5974"\w* \w the contributions|strong="H5069"\w* \w of the people|strong="H5972"\w* \w and the priests|strong="H3549"\w* \w for the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of their God|strong="H0426"\w* \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w is in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*.  
\v 17  \w With|strong="H6903"\w* \w this|strong="H1836"\w* \w money|strong="H3702"\w* \w you should be sure|strong="H0629"\w* \w to purchase|strong="H7066"\w* \w bulls|strong="H8450"\w*, \w rams|strong="H1798"\w*, \w and lambs|strong="H0563"\w*, \w along with the appropriate|strong="H4504"\w* meal \w offerings|strong="H5261"\w* \w and libations|strong="H5261"\w*. \w You should bring|strong="H7127"\w* \w them|strong="H1994"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w the altar|strong="H4056"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0426"\w* \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w is in Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w*.  
\v 18  \w You may do|strong="H5648"\w* \w whatever|strong="H4101"\w* \w seems appropriate|strong="H3191"\w* \w to|strong="H5922"\w* \w you and your colleagues|strong="H0252"\w* \w with the rest of|strong="H7606"\w* \w the silver|strong="H3702"\w* \w and the gold|strong="H1722"\w*, \w in keeping|strong="H5648"\w* \w with the will|strong="H7470"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0426"\w*.  
\v 19  \w Deliver|strong="H8000"\w* \w to|strong="H6925"\w* \w the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of Jerusalem|strong="H3390"\w* \w the vessels|strong="H3984"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w are given to|strong="H3052"\w* \w you for the service|strong="H6402"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0426"\w*.  
\v 20  \w The rest of|strong="H7606"\w* \w the needs|strong="H2818"\w* \w for the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0426"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w you may have to supply|strong="H5415"\w*, \w you may do so|strong="H5415"\w* \w from|strong="H4481"\w* \w the royal|strong="H4430"\w* \w treasury|strong="H1596"\w*.   
\p
\v 21 “\w I|strong="H0576"\w*, \w King|strong="H4430"\w* \w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w*, \w hereby|strong="H4481"\w* \w issue|strong="H7761"\w* \w orders|strong="H2942"\w* \w to all|strong="H3606"\w* \w the treasurers|strong="H1490"\w* \w of|strong="H5103"\w* \w Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w*, \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w you precisely|strong="H0629"\w* \w execute|strong="H5648"\w* \w all|strong="H3606"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w Ezra|strong="H5831"\w* \w the priestly|strong="H3549"\w* \w scribe|strong="H5613"\w* \w of the law|strong="H1882"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8065"\w* \w may request|strong="H7593"\w* \w of|strong="H0426"\w* \w you|strong="H1768"\w* –  
\v 22  \w up to|strong="H5705"\w* \w 100|strong="H3969"\w* \w talents|strong="H3604"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3702"\w*, \w 100|strong="H3969"\w* \w cors|strong="H3734"\w* \w of wheat|strong="H2591"\w*, \w 100|strong="H3969"\w* \w baths|strong="H1325"\w* \w of wine|strong="H2562"\w*, \w 100|strong="H3969"\w* \w baths|strong="H1325"\w* \w of olive oil|strong="H4887"\w*, \w and unlimited|strong="H3792"\w* \w salt|strong="H4416"\w*.  
\v 23  \w Everything|strong="H3606"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8065"\w* \w has required|strong="H2941"\w* \w should be precisely|strong="H0149"\w* \w done|strong="H5648"\w* \w for the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0426"\w* \w of heaven|strong="H8065"\w*. \w Why|strong="H4101"\w* \w should there be|strong="H1934"\w* \w wrath|strong="H7109"\w* \w against|strong="H5922"\w* \w the empire|strong="H4437"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w and his sons|strong="H1123"\w*?  
\v 24  \w Furthermore, be aware|strong="H3046"\w* \w of the fact|strong="H1768"\w* \w that|strong="H1768"\w* \w you have no|strong="H3809"\w* \w authority|strong="H7990"\w* \w to impose|strong="H7412"\w* \w tax|strong="H4061"\w*, \w tribute|strong="H1093"\w*, \w or toll|strong="H1983"\w* \w on|strong="H5922"\w* \w any|strong="H3606"\w* \w of the priests|strong="H3549"\w*, \w the Levites|strong="H3879"\w*, \w the musicians|strong="H2171"\w*, \w the doorkeepers|strong="H8652"\w*, \w the temple servants|strong="H5412"\w*, \w or the attendants|strong="H6399"\w* \w at the temple|strong="H1005"\w* \w of this|strong="H1836"\w* \w God|strong="H0426"\w*.   
\p
\v 25 “\w Now you|strong="H0607"\w*, \w Ezra|strong="H5831"\w*, \w in keeping with the wisdom|strong="H2452"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0426"\w* \w which|strong="H1768"\w* \w you possess|strong="H3028"\w*, \w appoint|strong="H4483"\w* \w judges|strong="H8200"\w* \w and court officials|strong="H1782"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w can|strong="H1934"\w* \w arbitrate cases|strong="H1778"\w* \w on behalf of all|strong="H3606"\w* \w the people|strong="H5972"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w are in Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5103"\w* \w who know|strong="H3046"\w* \w the laws|strong="H1882"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0426"\w*. \w Those who|strong="H1768"\w* \w do not|strong="H3809"\w* \w know|strong="H3046"\w* \w this law should be taught|strong="H3046"\w*.  
\v 26  \w Everyone|strong="H3606"\w* \w who|strong="H1768"\w* \w does|strong="H1934"\w* \w not|strong="H3809"\w* \w observe|strong="H5648"\w* \w both the law|strong="H1882"\w* \w of your God|strong="H0426"\w* \w and the law|strong="H1882"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4430"\w* \w will be completely|strong="H0629"\w* \w liable|strong="H0629"\w* \w to the appropriate|strong="H5648"\w* \w penalty|strong="H1780"\w*, \w whether|strong="H2006"\w* \w it is death|strong="H4193"\w* \w or|strong="H2006"\w* \w banishment|strong="H8332"\w* \w or|strong="H2006"\w* \w confiscation|strong="H6065"\w* \w of property|strong="H5232"\w* \w or detainment in prison|strong="H0613"\w*.”  
\v 27   
\p \w Blessed|strong="H1288"\w* \w be|strong="H1288"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of our fathers|strong="H0001"\w*, \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w so|strong="H5414"\w* \w moved|strong="H2063"\w* \w in the heart|strong="H3820"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w to so honor|strong="H6286"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w is in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*!  
\v 28  \w He|strong="H5186"\w* \w has also conferred|strong="H5186"\w* \w his favor|strong="H2617"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w me before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w his advisers|strong="H3289"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the influential|strong="H1368"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w*. \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w gained|strong="H1368"\w* \w strength|strong="H2388"\w* \w as the hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was on|strong="H5921"\w* \w me, and I gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w from Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w to go up|strong="H5927"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*.   
\c 8  
\p
\v 1  \w These|strong="H0428"\w* \w are the leaders|strong="H0001"\w* \w and those enrolled with them by genealogy|strong="H3187"\w* \w who were coming up|strong="H5927"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me from Babylon|strong="H0894"\w* \w during the reign|strong="H4438"\w* \w of King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Artaxerxes|strong="H0783"\w*:   
\p
\v 2  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Phinehas|strong="H6372"\w*, \w Gershom|strong="H1647"\w*;  
\p \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Ithamar|strong="H0385"\w*, \w Daniel|strong="H1840"\w*;  
\p \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w Hattush|strong="H2407"\w*  
\v 3  \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shecaniah|strong="H7935"\w*;  
\p \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Parosh|strong="H6551"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him were enrolled by genealogy|strong="H3187"\w* \w 150|strong="H2572"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 4  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Pahath-Moab|strong="H6355"\w*, \w Eliehoenai|strong="H0454"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zerahiah|strong="H2228"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 200|strong="H3967"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 5  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zattu,|strong="H7935"\w* \w Shecaniah|strong="H7935"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jahaziel|strong="H3166"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 300|strong="H3967"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 6  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Adin|strong="H5720"\w*, \w Ebed|strong="H5651"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jonathan|strong="H3129"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 50|strong="H2572"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 7  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Elam|strong="H5867"\w*, \w Jeshaiah|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Athaliah|strong="H6271"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 70|strong="H7657"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 8  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Shephatiah|strong="H8203"\w*, \w Zebadiah|strong="H2069"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Michael|strong="H4317"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 80|strong="H8084"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 9  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Joab|strong="H3097"\w*, \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 218|strong="H6240"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 10  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bani,|strong="H8019"\w* \w Shelomith|strong="H8019"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Josiphiah|strong="H3131"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 160|strong="H8346"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 11  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bebai|strong="H0893"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bebai|strong="H0893"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 28|strong="H8083"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 12  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Azgad|strong="H5803"\w*, \w Johanan|strong="H3110"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hakkatan|strong="H6997"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w him 110|strong="H6235"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 13  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Adonikam|strong="H0140"\w* \w there were the latter|strong="H0428"\w* \w ones.|strong="H8034"\w* \w Their|strong="H5973"\w* \w names|strong="H8034"\w* \w were Eliphelet|strong="H0467"\w*, \w Jeuel|strong="H3273"\w*, \w and Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them 60|strong="H8346"\w* \w men|strong="H2145"\w*;   
\p
\v 14  \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bigvai|strong="H0902"\w*, \w Uthai|strong="H5793"\w*, \w and Zaccur|strong="H2072"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them|strong="H7657"\w* 70 \w men|strong="H2145"\w*.   
\s1 \w The|strong="H5973"\w* Exiles Travel \w to|strong="H1121"\w* Jerusalem  
\p
\v 15  \w I had them assemble|strong="H6908"\w* \w at the canal|strong="H5104"\w* \w that flows|strong="H0935"\w* \w toward|strong="H0413"\w* \w Ahava|strong="H0163"\w*, \w and we camped|strong="H2583"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w I observed|strong="H0995"\w* \w that the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w were present, but I found|strong="H4672"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3878"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*.  
\v 16  \w So I sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w for Eliezer|strong="H0461"\w*, \w Ariel|strong="H0740"\w*, \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Elnathan|strong="H0494"\w*, \w Jarib|strong="H3402"\w*, \w Elnathan|strong="H0494"\w*, \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w and Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w*, \w who were leaders|strong="H7218"\w*, \w and Joiarib|strong="H3114"\w* \w and Elnathan|strong="H0494"\w*, \w who were teachers|strong="H0995"\w*.  
\v 17  \w I sent|strong="H3318"\w* \w them to|strong="H5921"\w* \w Iddo|strong="H0112"\w*, \w who was the leader|strong="H7218"\w* \w in the place|strong="H4725"\w* \w called Casiphia|strong="H3703"\w*. \w I told|strong="H6310"\w* \w them|strong="H1697"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w to say|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w Iddo|strong="H0112"\w* \w and his relatives|strong="H0251"\w*, \w who were the temple servants|strong="H5411"\w* \w in|strong="H3703"\w* \w Casiphia|strong="H3703"\w*, \w so they would bring|strong="H0935"\w* \w us attendants|strong="H8334"\w* \w for the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\p
\v 18  \w Due to the fact that the good|strong="H2896"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was on|strong="H5921"\w* \w us, they brought|strong="H0935"\w* \w us a skilled|strong="H7922"\w* \w man|strong="H0376"\w*, \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Mahli|strong="H4249"\w* \w the son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Levi|strong="H3878"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*. \w This man was Sherebiah|strong="H8274"\w*, \w who was accompanied by his sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w and brothers|strong="H0251"\w*, \w 18|strong="H6240"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w*,  
\v 19  \w and Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w along with|strong="H0854"\w* \w Jeshaiah|strong="H3470"\w* \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Merari|strong="H4847"\w*, \w with his brothers|strong="H0251"\w* \w and their sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w 20|strong="H6242"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w*,  
\v 20  \w and some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of the temple servants|strong="H5411"\w* \w that David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and his officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w had established for the work|strong="H5656"\w* \w of the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w – 220|strong="H6242"\w* \w of them|strong="H5411"\w*. \w They were all|strong="H3605"\w* \w designated|strong="H5344"\w* \w by name|strong="H8034"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w I called|strong="H7121"\w* \w for a fast|strong="H6685"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w by the Ahava|strong="H0163"\w* \w Canal|strong="H5104"\w*, \w so that we might humble|strong="H6031"\w* \w ourselves before|strong="H6440"\w* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and seek|strong="H1245"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w him a safe|strong="H3477"\w* \w journey|strong="H1870"\w* \w for us, our children|strong="H2945"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w our property|strong="H7399"\w*.  
\v 22  \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w was embarrassed|strong="H0954"\w* \w to request|strong="H7592"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \w and horsemen|strong="H6571"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w to protect us|strong="H5826"\w* \w from the enemy|strong="H0341"\w* \w along the way|strong="H1870"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w we had said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w “The good|strong="H2896"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is on|strong="H5921"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who is seeking|strong="H1245"\w* \w him, but his great|strong="H5797"\w* \w anger|strong="H0639"\w* \w is against|strong="H5921"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who forsakes|strong="H5800"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*.”  
\v 23  \w So we fasted|strong="H6684"\w* \w and prayed|strong="H1245"\w* \w to our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w about this|strong="H2063"\w*, \w and he answered|strong="H6279"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w*.   
\p
\v 24  \w Then I set apart|strong="H0914"\w* \w twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w of the leading|strong="H8269"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w together with|strong="H8274"\w* \w Sherebiah|strong="H8274"\w*, \w Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w and ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w of their brothers|strong="H0251"\w*,  
\v 25  \w and I weighed|strong="H8254"\w* \w out to them|strong="H1992"\w* \w the silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and the|strong="H0853"\w* \w vessels|strong="H3627"\w* \w intended|strong="H8641"\w* \w for the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w – items|strong="H7311"\w* \w that the king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w his advisers|strong="H3289"\w*, \w his officials|strong="H8269"\w*, \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w who were present had contributed|strong="H4672"\w*.  
\v 26  \w I weighed|strong="H8254"\w* \w out to them|strong="H2572"\w* 650 \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w vessels|strong="H3627"\w* \w worth 100|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w*, \w 100|strong="H3967"\w* \w talents|strong="H3603"\w* \w of gold|strong="H2091"\w*,  
\v 27  \w 20|strong="H6242"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w bowls|strong="H3713"\w* \w worth 1,000|strong="H0505"\w* \w darics|strong="H0150"\w*, \w and two|strong="H8147"\w* \w exquisite|strong="H2896"\w* \w vessels|strong="H3627"\w* \w of gleaming|strong="H6668"\w* \w bronze|strong="H5178"\w*, \w as valuable|strong="H2532"\w* \w as gold|strong="H2091"\w*.  
\v 28  \w Then I said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to them|strong="H0413"\w*, \w “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w are holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , just as these vessels|strong="H3627"\w* \w are holy|strong="H6944"\w*. \w The silver|strong="H3701"\w* \w and the gold|strong="H2091"\w* \w are a voluntary|strong="H5071"\w* \w offering|strong="H5071"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H0559"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*\w , the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of your fathers|strong="H0001"\w*.  
\v 29  \w Be careful|strong="H8245"\w* \w with them and protect|strong="H8104"\w* \w them, until|strong="H5704"\w* \w you weigh|strong="H8254"\w* \w them out before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the leading|strong="H8269"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and the family|strong="H0001"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w in the storerooms|strong="H3957"\w* \w of the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.”   
\p
\v 30  \w Then the priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w took|strong="H6901"\w* \w charge|strong="H4948"\w* \w of|strong="H3701"\w* \w the|strong="H0935"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w the gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and the vessels|strong="H3627"\w* \w that had been weighed out, to transport|strong="H0935"\w* \w them to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\p
\v 31  \w On the twelfth|strong="H6240"\w* \w day of the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w we began traveling|strong="H5265"\w* \w from the Ahava|strong="H0163"\w* \w Canal|strong="H5104"\w* \w to go|strong="H1980"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w The hand|strong="H3027"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w us, and he delivered|strong="H5337"\w* \w us from our enemy|strong="H0341"\w* \w and from bandits|strong="H0693"\w* \w along|strong="H5921"\w* \w the way|strong="H1870"\w*.  
\v 32  \w So we came|strong="H0935"\w* \w to Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w and we stayed|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w for three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 33  \w On the fourth|strong="H7243"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w we weighed|strong="H8254"\w* \w out the silver|strong="H3701"\w*, \w the gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and the vessels|strong="H3627"\w* \w in the house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w into the care|strong="H3027"\w* \w of Meremoth|strong="H4822"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Uriah|strong="H0223"\w*, \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and Eleazar|strong="H0499"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Phinehas|strong="H6372"\w*, \w who were accompanied|strong="H5973"\w* \w by Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \w and Noadiah|strong="H5129"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Binnui|strong="H1131"\w*, \w who were Levites|strong="H3881"\w*.  
\v 34  \w Everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w was verified|strong="H4557"\w* \w by|strong="H3605"\w* \w number|strong="H4557"\w* \w and by weight|strong="H4948"\w*, \w and the total|strong="H3605"\w* \w weight|strong="H4948"\w* \w was written|strong="H3789"\w* \w down at that time|strong="H6256"\w*.   
\p
\v 35  \w The exiles|strong="H1473"\w* \w who were returning|strong="H0935"\w* \w from the captivity|strong="H7628"\w* \w offered|strong="H7126"\w* \w burnt offerings|strong="H5930"\w* \w to the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w – twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w bulls|strong="H6499"\w* \w for all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w ninety-six|strong="H8337"\w* \w rams|strong="H0352"\w*, \w seventy-seven|strong="H7651"\w* \w male lambs|strong="H3532"\w*, \w along with twelve|strong="H6240"\w* \w male goats|strong="H6842"\w* \w as a sin offering|strong="H2403"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w this was a burnt offering|strong="H5930"\w* \w to|strong="H0935"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd*.  
\v 36  \w Then|strong="H5414"\w* \w they presented|strong="H5414"\w* \w the decrees|strong="H1881"\w* \w of the king|strong="H4428"\w* \w to the king’s|strong="H4428"\w* \w satraps|strong="H0323"\w* \w and to the governors|strong="H5676"\w* \w of Trans-Euphrates|strong="H5104"\w*, \w who gave help|strong="H5375"\w* \w to the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and to the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*.   
\c 9  
\p
\v 1  \w Now when these|strong="H0428"\w* \w things had been completed|strong="H3615"\w*, \w the leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w approached|strong="H5066"\w* \w me|strong="H0413"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w*, \w “The people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and the Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w have not|strong="H3808"\w* \w separated|strong="H0914"\w* \w themselves from the local|strong="H0776"\w* \w residents|strong="H5971"\w* \w who practice detestable|strong="H8441"\w* \w things similar to those of the Canaanites|strong="H3669"\w*, \w the Hittites|strong="H2850"\w*, \w the Perizzites|strong="H6522"\w*, \w the Jebusites|strong="H2983"\w*, \w the Ammonites|strong="H5984"\w*, \w the Moabites|strong="H4125"\w*, \w the Egyptians|strong="H4713"\w*, \w and the Amorites|strong="H0567"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Indeed, they have taken|strong="H5375"\w* \w some of their daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w as wives for themselves|strong="H1992"\w* \w and for their sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w so that the holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w race|strong="H2233"\w* \w has become intermingled with the local|strong="H0776"\w* \w residents|strong="H5971"\w*. \w Worse still, the leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w and the officials|strong="H5461"\w* \w have been|strong="H1961"\w* \w at the forefront|strong="H7223"\w* \w of all of this|strong="H2088"\w*!”   
\p
\v 3  \w When I heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w report|strong="H1697"\w*, \w I tore|strong="H7167"\w* \w my tunic|strong="H0899"\w* \w and my robe|strong="H4598"\w* \w and ripped|strong="H4803"\w* \w out some of the hair|strong="H8181"\w* \w from my head|strong="H7218"\w* \w and beard|strong="H2206"\w*. \w Then I sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w down, quite devastated|strong="H8074"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who held the words|strong="H1697"\w* \w of the God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w in awe|strong="H2730"\w* \w gathered|strong="H0622"\w* \w around me because of the unfaithful acts|strong="H4604"\w* \w of the people of the exile|strong="H1473"\w*. \w Devastated|strong="H8074"\w*, \w I|strong="H0589"\w* \w continued to sit|strong="H3427"\w* \w there until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w offering|strong="H4503"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \w At the time of the evening|strong="H6153"\w* \w offering|strong="H4503"\w* \w I got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w from my self-abasement|strong="H8589"\w*, \w with my tunic|strong="H0899"\w* \w and robe|strong="H4598"\w* \w torn|strong="H7167"\w*, \w and then dropped|strong="H3766"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w my knees|strong="H1290"\w* \w and spread|strong="H6566"\w* \w my hands|strong="H3709"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w my God|strong="H0430"\w*.  
\v 6  \w I prayed|strong="H0559"\w*,  
\p \w “O my God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w I am ashamed|strong="H0954"\w* \w and embarrassed|strong="H3637"\w* \w to lift|strong="H7311"\w* \w my face|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w you, my God|strong="H0430"\w*\w ! For|strong="H3588"\w* \w our iniquities|strong="H5771"\w* \w have climbed|strong="H7235"\w* \w higher|strong="H4605"\w* \w than our heads|strong="H7218"\w*, \w and our guilt|strong="H0819"\w* \w extends|strong="H1431"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the heavens|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 7  \w From the days|strong="H3117"\w* \w of our fathers|strong="H0001"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w very day|strong="H3117"\w* \w our|strong="H0587"\w* \w guilt|strong="H0819"\w* \w has been great|strong="H1419"\w*. \w Because of our iniquities|strong="H5771"\w* \w we|strong="H0587"\w*, \w along with our kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w have been delivered|strong="H5414"\w* \w over by|strong="H3027"\w* \w the local|strong="H0776"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w to sword|strong="H2719"\w*, \w captivity|strong="H7628"\w*, \w plunder|strong="H0961"\w*, \w and embarrassment|strong="H1322"\w* \w – right up to|strong="H6440"\w* \w the present|strong="H2088"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*.   
\p
\v 8 “\w But now|strong="H6258"\w* \w briefly|strong="H7281"\w* \w we have|strong="H1961"\w* \w received mercy|strong="H8467"\w* \w from the|strong="H0853"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3069"\+w*\nd* \w our God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w in that he has left|strong="H7604"\w* \w us a remnant|strong="H6413"\w* \w and has given|strong="H5414"\w* \w us a secure position|strong="H3489"\w* \w in his holy|strong="H6944"\w* \w place|strong="H4725"\w*. \w Thus our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has enlightened|strong="H0215"\w* \w our eyes|strong="H5869"\w* \w and has given|strong="H5414"\w* \w us a little|strong="H4592"\w* \w relief|strong="H4241"\w* \w in our time of servitude|strong="H5659"\w*.  
\v 9  \w Although|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H0587"\w* \w are slaves|strong="H5650"\w*, \w our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w has not|strong="H3808"\w* \w abandoned|strong="H5800"\w* \w us in our servitude|strong="H5659"\w*. \w He has extended|strong="H5186"\w* \w kindness|strong="H2617"\w* \w to us|strong="H5921"\w* \w in the sight of the kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of Persia|strong="H6539"\w*, \w in that he has revived|strong="H4241"\w* \w us|strong="H0853"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w restore|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H0853"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and to raise|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H7311"\w* \w its ruins|strong="H2723"\w* \w and to give|strong="H5414"\w* \w us a protective wall|strong="H1447"\w* \w in Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 10 “\w And now|strong="H6258"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w are we able to say|strong="H0559"\w* \w after|strong="H0310"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*, \w our God|strong="H0430"\w*\w ? For we|strong="H3588"\w* \w have forsaken|strong="H5800"\w* \w your commandments|strong="H4687"\w*  
\v 11  \w which|strong="H0834"\w* \w you commanded|strong="H6680"\w* \w us through|strong="H3027"\w* \w your servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w the prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w with these words:|strong="H0776"\w* ‘\w The|strong="H0559"\w* \w land|strong="H0776"\w* \w that|strong="H0834"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are entering|strong="H0935"\w* \w to possess|strong="H3423"\w* \w is a land|strong="H0776"\w* \w defiled by the impurities|strong="H5079"\w* \w of the local|strong="H0776"\w* \w residents|strong="H5971"\w*\w !|strong="H5079"\w* \w With|strong="H4390"\w* \w their|strong="H0935"\w* \w abominations|strong="H8441"\w* \w they have|strong="H0834"\w* \w filled|strong="H4390"\w* \w it from one end to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the other with their filthiness|strong="H2932"\w*.  
\v 12  \w Therefore|strong="H6258"\w* \w do not|strong="H0408"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w your daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w in marriage to their sons|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and do not|strong="H0408"\w* \w take|strong="H5375"\w* \w their daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w in marriage for your sons|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Do not|strong="H3808"\w* \w ever seek|strong="H1875"\w* \w their peace|strong="H7965"\w* \w or welfare|strong="H2896"\w*, \w so that|strong="H4616"\w* \w you may be strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and may eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w the good|strong="H2898"\w* \w of the land|strong="H0776"\w* \w and may leave it as an inheritance|strong="H3423"\w* \w for|strong="H5704"\w* \w your children|strong="H1121"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*.’   
\p
\v 13 “\w Everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that has happened|strong="H0310"\w* \w to us has come|strong="H0935"\w* \w about because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of our wicked|strong="H7451"\w* \w actions|strong="H4639"\w* \w and our great|strong="H1419"\w* \w guilt|strong="H0819"\w*. \w Even so|strong="H3588"\w*, \w our God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w have exercised restraint|strong="H4295"\w* \w toward our iniquities|strong="H5771"\w* \w and have given|strong="H5414"\w* \w us a remnant|strong="H6413"\w* \w such as this|strong="H2063"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Shall we once again|strong="H7725"\w* \w break|strong="H6565"\w* \w your commandments|strong="H4687"\w* \w and intermarry|strong="H2859"\w* \w with these|strong="H0428"\w* \w abominable|strong="H8441"\w* \w peoples|strong="H5971"\w*\w ? Would you not|strong="H3808"\w* \w be so angered|strong="H0599"\w* \w by|strong="H5704"\w* \w us that you would wipe|strong="H3615"\w* \w us out, with no|strong="H0369"\w* \w survivor|strong="H6413"\w* \w or remnant|strong="H7611"\w*?  
\v 15  \w O|strong="H0859"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w you|strong="H0859"\w* \w are righteous|strong="H6662"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w we are left|strong="H7604"\w* \w as a remnant|strong="H6413"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w Indeed|strong="H2005"\w*, \w we stand before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you in our guilt|strong="H0819"\w*. \w However, because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of this|strong="H2063"\w* \w guilt|strong="H0369"\w* \w no|strong="H0369"\w* \w one|strong="H0369"\w* \w can really stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H0859"\w*.”   
\c 10  
\p
\v 1  \w While Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w was praying|strong="H6419"\w* \w and confessing|strong="H3034"\w*, \w weeping|strong="H1058"\w* \w and throwing himself to the ground|strong="H5307"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w a very|strong="H3966"\w* \w large|strong="H7227"\w* \w crowd|strong="H6951"\w* \w of Israelites|strong="H3478"\w* \w – men|strong="H0582"\w*, \w women|strong="H0802"\w*, \w and children|strong="H3206"\w* \w alike|strong="H6440"\w* – \w gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w around|strong="H6440"\w* \w him|strong="H0413"\w*. \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w wept|strong="H1058"\w* \w loudly|strong="H3966"\w*.  
\v 2  \w Then|strong="H6030"\w* \w Shecaniah|strong="H7935"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Elam|strong="H5867"\w*, \w addressed|strong="H0559"\w* \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w*\w :|strong="H0587"\w*  
\p “\w We|strong="H0587"\w* \w have been unfaithful\w* \w to our God\w* \w by marrying\w* \w foreign\w* \w women\w* \w from the local\w* \w peoples\w*. \w Nonetheless, there is\w* \w still hope\w* \w for Israel\w* \w in this\w* \w regard|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 3  \w Therefore|strong="H6258"\w* \w let us enact|strong="H3772"\w* \w a covenant|strong="H1285"\w* \w with our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w to send|strong="H3318"\w* \w away all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H1992"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w and their offspring|strong="H3205"\w*, \w in keeping|strong="H1992"\w* \w with your counsel|strong="H6098"\w*, \w my lord|strong="H0113"\w*, \w and that of those who respect|strong="H2730"\w* \w the commandments|strong="H4687"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w*. \w And let it|strong="H6213"\w* \w be done|strong="H6213"\w* \w according to the law|strong="H8451"\w*.  
\v 4  \w Get|strong="H6965"\w* \w up, for|strong="H3588"\w* \w this matter|strong="H1697"\w* \w concerns you. We|strong="H0587"\w* \w are with|strong="H5973"\w* \w you, so be strong|strong="H2388"\w* \w and act|strong="H6213"\w* decisively!”   
\p
\v 5  \w So Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and made the leading|strong="H8269"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w and all|strong="H3605"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w* \w take an oath|strong="H7650"\w* \w to carry out|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w plan|strong="H1697"\w*. \w And they all took a solemn oath|strong="H7650"\w*.  
\v 6  \w Then Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w got up|strong="H6965"\w* \w from in front of|strong="H6440"\w* \w the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w* \w and went|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w the room|strong="H3957"\w* \w of Jehohanan|strong="H3076"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Eliashib|strong="H0475"\w*. \w While he stayed|strong="H1980"\w* \w there|strong="H8033"\w*, \w he did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w eat|strong="H0398"\w* \w food|strong="H3899"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w he was in mourning|strong="H0056"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w the infidelity|strong="H4604"\w* \w of the exiles|strong="H1473"\w*.   
\p
\v 7  \w A proclamation|strong="H5674"\w* \w was circulated|strong="H6963"\w* \w throughout Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w that all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the exiles|strong="H1473"\w* \w were to be assembled|strong="H6908"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.  
\v 8  \w Everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H0834"\w* \w did not|strong="H3808"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w within three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w would thereby forfeit|strong="H2763"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his property|strong="H7399"\w*, \w in keeping with the counsel|strong="H6098"\w* \w of the officials|strong="H8269"\w* \w and the elders|strong="H2205"\w*. \w Furthermore, he himself would be excluded|strong="H0914"\w* \w from the assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w of the exiles|strong="H1473"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w of Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w were gathered|strong="H6908"\w* \w in Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w within the three|strong="H7969"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*. \w (It was|strong="H1931"\w* \w in the ninth|strong="H8671"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*, \w on the twentieth|strong="H6242"\w* \w day of that month|strong="H2320"\w*.\w ) All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w in the square|strong="H7339"\w* \w at the temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w of God|strong="H0430"\w*, \w trembling|strong="H7460"\w* \w because of this matter|strong="H1697"\w* \w and because of the rains|strong="H1653"\w*.   
\p
\v 10  \w Then Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w stood up|strong="H6965"\w* \w and said|strong="H0559"\w* \w to|strong="H0413"\w* \w them, “You|strong="H0859"\w* \w have behaved|strong="H4603"\w* \w in an unfaithful manner|strong="H4603"\w* \w by taking|strong="H3427"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*\w ! This|strong="H5921"\w* \w has contributed|strong="H3254"\w* \w to the guilt|strong="H0819"\w* \w of Israel|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 11  \w Now|strong="H6258"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w praise|strong="H8426"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \nd \+w Lord|strong="H3068"\+w*\nd* \w God|strong="H0430"\w* \w of your fathers|strong="H0001"\w*, \w and do|strong="H6213"\w* \w his will|strong="H7522"\w*. \w Separate|strong="H0914"\w* \w yourselves from the local|strong="H0776"\w* \w residents|strong="H5971"\w* \w and from|strong="H4480"\w* \w these|strong="H5971"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*.”   
\p
\v 12  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the assembly|strong="H6951"\w* \w replied|strong="H0559"\w* \w in a loud|strong="H1419"\w* \w voice|strong="H6963"\w*\w : “We|strong="H3651"\w* \w will do|strong="H6213"\w* \w just as|strong="H1697"\w* \w you have said|strong="H1697"\w*!  
\v 13  \w However|strong="H0061"\w*, \w the people|strong="H5971"\w* \w are numerous|strong="H7227"\w* \w and it is the rainy|strong="H1653"\w* \w season|strong="H6256"\w*. \w We are unable|strong="H3581"\w* \w to stand|strong="H5975"\w* \w here outside|strong="H2351"\w*. \w Furthermore, this business|strong="H4399"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w be resolved in a day|strong="H0259"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w*, \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w we have sinned|strong="H6586"\w* \w greatly|strong="H7235"\w* \w in this|strong="H2088"\w* \w matter|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 14  \w Let our|strong="H5975"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w take steps|strong="H3605"\w* \w on|strong="H0935"\w* \w behalf|strong="H5973"\w* \w of|strong="H0430"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the assembly|strong="H6951"\w*. \w Let all|strong="H3605"\w* \w those|strong="H0834"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w our towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w who|strong="H3427"\w* \w have married|strong="H0802"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w women|strong="H0802"\w* \w come|strong="H0935"\w* \w at an appointed|strong="H2163"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w*, \w and with|strong="H5973"\w* \w them the|strong="H5892"\w* \w elders|strong="H2205"\w* \w of each town|strong="H5892"\w* \w and its judges|strong="H8199"\w*, \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w the hot|strong="H2740"\w* \w anger|strong="H0639"\w* \w of our God|strong="H0430"\w* \w is turned away from|strong="H4480"\w* \w us in|strong="H3427"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w matter|strong="H1697"\w*.”   
\p
\v 15  \w Only|strong="H0389"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3129"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Asahel|strong="H6214"\w* \w and Jahzeiah|strong="H3167"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Tikvah|strong="H8616"\w* \w were|strong="H5921"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w*, \w assisted|strong="H5826"\w* \w by Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w* \w and Shabbethai|strong="H7678"\w* \w the Levite|strong="H3881"\w*.  
\v 16  \w So the exiles|strong="H1473"\w* \w proceeded|strong="H6213"\w* \w accordingly|strong="H3651"\w*. \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w the priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w separated out|strong="H0914"\w* \w by name|strong="H8034"\w* \w men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who were leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w in their family groups|strong="H0001"\w*. \w They sat down|strong="H3427"\w* \w to consider|strong="H1875"\w* \w this matter|strong="H1697"\w* \w on the first|strong="H0259"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the tenth|strong="H6224"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*,  
\v 17  \w and on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w of the first|strong="H7223"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w* \w they finished|strong="H3615"\w* \w considering|strong="H5704"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the men|strong="H0376"\w* \w who|strong="H3427"\w* \w had married foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*.   
\s1 \w Those|strong="H3605"\w* \w Who|strong="H3605"\w* \w Had|strong="H0376"\w* \w Taken|strong="H3427"\w* \w Foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w Wives|strong="H0802"\w*  
\p
\v 18  \w It|strong="H4672"\w* \w was determined|strong="H4672"\w* \w that from the descendants of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w the following|strong="H3427"\w* \w had|strong="H0834"\w* \w taken foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*\w : from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Jozadak|strong="H3136"\w*, \w and his brothers|strong="H0251"\w*\w : Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Eliezer|strong="H0461"\w*, \w Jarib|strong="H3402"\w*, \w and Gedaliah|strong="H1436"\w*.  
\v 19  \w (They gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w their word|strong="H3027"\w* \w to send away|strong="H3318"\w* \w their wives|strong="H0802"\w*; \w their guilt offering|strong="H0818"\w* \w was a ram|strong="H0352"\w* \w from the flock|strong="H6629"\w* \w for their guilt|strong="H0819"\w*.)   
\p
\v 20  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Immer|strong="H0564"\w*\w : Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w and Zebadiah|strong="H2069"\w*.   
\p
\v 21  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Harim|strong="H2766"\w*\w : Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*, \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w and Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*.   
\p
\v 22  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Pashhur|strong="H6583"\w*\w : Elioenai|strong="H0454"\w*, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Ishmael|strong="H3458"\w*, \w Nethanel|strong="H5417"\w*, \w Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, \w and Elasah|strong="H0501"\w*.   
\p
\v 23  \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w the Levites|strong="H3881"\w*\w : Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, \w Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*, \w Kelaiah|strong="H7041"\w* \w (also known as Kelita|strong="H7042"\w*\w ), Pethahiah|strong="H6611"\w*, \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and Eliezer|strong="H0461"\w*.   
\p
\v 24  \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w the singers|strong="H7891"\w*\w : Eliashib|strong="H0475"\w*. \w From|strong="H4480"\w* \w the gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w*\w : Shallum|strong="H7967"\w*, \w Telem|strong="H2928"\w*, \w and Uri|strong="H0221"\w*.   
\p
\v 25  \w From the Israelites|strong="H3478"\w*\w : from the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Parosh|strong="H6551"\w*\w : Ramiah|strong="H7422"\w*, \w Izziah|strong="H3150"\w*, \w Malkijah|strong="H4441"\w*, \w Mijamin|strong="H4326"\w*, \w Eleazar|strong="H0499"\w*, \w Malkijah|strong="H4441"\w*, \w and Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*.   
\p
\v 26  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Elam|strong="H5867"\w*\w : Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w Jehiel|strong="H3171"\w*, \w Abdi|strong="H5660"\w*, \w Jeremoth|strong="H3406"\w*, \w and Elijah|strong="H0452"\w*.   
\p
\v 27  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Zattu|strong="H2240"\w*\w : Elioenai|strong="H0454"\w*, \w Eliashib|strong="H0475"\w*, \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w Jeremoth|strong="H3406"\w*, \w Zabad|strong="H2066"\w*, \w and Aziza|strong="H5819"\w*.   
\p
\v 28  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bebai|strong="H0893"\w*\w : Jehohanan|strong="H3076"\w*, \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w*, \w Zabbai|strong="H2079"\w*, \w and Athlai|strong="H6270"\w*.   
\p
\v 29  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bani|strong="H1137"\w*\w : Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w*, \w Malluch|strong="H4409"\w*, \w Adaiah|strong="H5718"\w*, \w Jashub|strong="H3437"\w*, \w Sheal|strong="H7594"\w*, \w and Jeremoth|strong="H3406"\w*.   
\p
\v 30  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Pahath-Moab|strong="H6355"\w*\w : Adna|strong="H5733"\w*, \w Kelal|strong="H3636"\w*, \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w Bezalel|strong="H1212"\w*, \w Binnui|strong="H1131"\w*, \w and Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*.   
\p
\v 31  \w From|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H8098"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Harim|strong="H2766"\w*\w : Eliezer|strong="H0461"\w*, \w Ishijah|strong="H3449"\w*, \w Malkijah|strong="H4441"\w*, \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Shimeon|strong="H8095"\w*,  
\v 32  \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*, \w Malluch|strong="H4409"\w*, \w and Shemariah|strong="H8114"\w*.   
\p
\v 33  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Hashum|strong="H2828"\w*\w : Mattenai|strong="H4982"\w*, \w Mattattah|strong="H4992"\w*, \w Zabad|strong="H2066"\w*, \w Eliphelet|strong="H0467"\w*, \w Jeremai|strong="H3413"\w*, \w Manasseh|strong="H4519"\w*, \w and Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*.   
\p
\v 34  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Bani|strong="H1137"\w*\w :|strong="H4572"\w* \w Maadai|strong="H4572"\w*, \w Amram|strong="H6019"\w*, \w Uel|strong="H0177"\w*,  
\v 35  \w Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*, \w Bedeiah|strong="H0912"\w*, \w Keluhi|strong="H3622"\w*,  
\v 36  \w Vaniah|strong="H2057"\w*, \w Meremoth|strong="H4822"\w*, \w Eliashib|strong="H0475"\w*,  
\v 37  \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w Mattenai|strong="H4982"\w*, \w and Jaasu|strong="H3299"\w*.   
\p
\v 38  \w From|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1121"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Binnui|strong="H1131"\w*\w : Shimei|strong="H8096"\w*,  
\v 39  \w Shelemiah|strong="H8018"\w*, \w Nathan|strong="H5416"\w*, \w Adaiah|strong="H5718"\w*,  
\v 40  \w Machnadebai|strong="H4367"\w*, \w Shashai|strong="H8343"\w*, \w Sharai|strong="H8298"\w*,  
\v 41  \w Azarel|strong="H5832"\w*, \w Shelemiah|strong="H8018"\w*, \w Shemariah|strong="H8114"\w*,  
\v 42  \w Shallum|strong="H7967"\w*, \w Amariah|strong="H0568"\w*, \w and Joseph|strong="H3130"\w*.   
\p
\v 43  \w From the descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of Nebo|strong="H5015"\w*\w : Jeiel|strong="H3273"\w*, \w Mattithiah|strong="H4993"\w*, \w Zabad|strong="H2066"\w*, \w Zebina|strong="H2081"\w*, \w Jaddai|strong="H3035"\w*, \w Joel|strong="H3100"\w*, \w and Benaiah|strong="H1141"\w*.   
\p
\v 44  \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H0428"\w* \w had taken|strong="H5375"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w wives|strong="H0802"\w*, \w and some|strong="H3426"\w* \w of them|strong="H1992"\w* \w also had children|strong="H1121"\w* \w by these women|strong="H0802"\w*.