\id NEH - Translation 4 Translators 1 
\ide 65001 - Unicode (UTF-8)
\h Nehemiah 
\toc1 NEHEMIAH 
\toc2 Nehemiah 
\toc3 Neh 
\mt2 This book contains the account of Nehemiah supervising the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and of teaching the people the laws that God wanted them to obey. We call this book  
\mt1 Nehemiah  
\c 1  
\s1 Nehemiah’s prayer  
\p
\v 1  \add I am\add* \w Nehemiah|strong="H5166"\w*, \w the|strong="H1697"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hacaliah|strong="H2446"\w*. \add I am writing\add* \w this|strong="H1697"\w* \w account|strong="H1697"\w* \add of what I did when I returned to Jerusalem. After King Artaxerxes had been ruling the Persian Empire\add* \w for|strong="H1121"\w* almost 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, near \w the|strong="H1697"\w* end \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w*, \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Susa|strong="H7800"\w*, \w the|strong="H1697"\w* capital \add of Persia\add*.   
\p
\v 2 \w My|strong="H5921"\w* brother \w Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w came|strong="H3063"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* visit \w me|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w some|strong="H4480"\w* other men \w had|strong="H3063"\w* just \w returned|strong="H3064"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*. \w I|strong="H5921"\w* queried \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jews|strong="H3064"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* living \w there|strong="H4480"\w*, \w whose|strong="H3064"\w* \add parents\add* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* been ◄exiled/\w taken|strong="H7628"\w* forcefully► \add to Babylonia many years previously\add*. \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w also|strong="H3063"\w* \w asked|strong="H7592"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \add what was happening in\add* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 3 \w They|strong="H8033"\w* said \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w me|strong="H4480"\w*, “\w The|strong="H4480"\w* Jews \w in|strong="H7604"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w who|strong="H7604"\w* returned \w there|strong="H8033"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* Babylonia \w are|strong="H8179"\w* living \w in|strong="H7604"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H1419"\w* \w difficult|strong="H1419"\w* situation. \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w walls|strong="H2346"\w* \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w have|strong="H3389"\w* been \w broken|strong="H6555"\w* \w down|strong="H6555"\w*, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* even \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w have|strong="H3389"\w* been \w burned|strong="H3341"\w* \w down|strong="H6555"\w*.”   
\p
\v 4 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w*, \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w sat|strong="H3427"\w* \w down|strong="H3427"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w cried|strong="H1058"\w*. \w For|strong="H6440"\w* several \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w mourned|strong="H1058"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* ◄\w fasted|strong="H6684"\w*/abstained \w from|strong="H6440"\w* eating food►, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w our|strong="H8085"\w* \w God|strong="H8064"\w*, \add who is/rules\add* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 5 \w I|strong="H3068"\w* said, “\w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*, \add you who are/rule\add* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w you|strong="H3372"\w* \w are|strong="H8064"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* wonderful \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w awesome|strong="H3372"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w You|strong="H3372"\w* \w keep|strong="H8104"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w promise|strong="H1285"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* those \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w you|strong="H3372"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w who|strong="H3068"\w* \w obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w*.  
\v 6 \w Now|strong="H4994"\w* \w please|strong="H4994"\w* \w look|strong="H5869"\w* \w down|strong="H6440"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w what|strong="H8085"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w am|strong="H1961"\w* \w praying|strong="H6419"\w*. \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w pray|strong="H6419"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w*. \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w confess|strong="H3034"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w*. \w Even|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H8085"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*.  
\v 7 We \w have|strong="H5650"\w* \w acted|strong="H2254"\w* \w very|strong="H2254"\w* wickedly. \add Many years ago\add* \w your|strong="H8104"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* us \w your|strong="H8104"\w* \w laws|strong="H2706"\w* \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w all|strong="H6680"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w things|strong="H4687"\w* \w you|strong="H6680"\w* \w commanded|strong="H6680"\w* us \w to|strong="H8104"\w* \w do|strong="H6680"\w* [DOU], \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H5650"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w obeyed|strong="H8104"\w*/done \w them|strong="H6680"\w*.   
\p
\v 8 “\w But|strong="H5971"\w* \w please|strong="H4994"\w* \w remember|strong="H2142"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H6680"\w* \w told|strong="H6680"\w* \w your|strong="H6680"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*. \w You|strong="H6680"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w*, ‘If \w you|strong="H6680"\w* sin, \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w scatter|strong="H6327"\w* \w you|strong="H6680"\w* \w among|strong="H5971"\w* \w the|strong="H6680"\w* ◄\add heathen nations/nations that do not believe in me\add*►.  
\v 9 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w if|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w me|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w obey|strong="H8104"\w* \w my|strong="H8104"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w*, \w even|strong="H6213"\w* \w if|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* exiled \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w very|strong="H6213"\w* \w remote|strong="H7097"\w*/distant \w places|strong="H4725"\w* \w on|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w earth|strong="H8064"\w*, \w I|strong="H8033"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w bring|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w here|strong="H4725"\w* \add to Israel\add*, \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w land|strong="H4725"\w* \w that|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H8033"\w* [MTY] \w have|strong="H1961"\w* chosen \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* honored \w in|strong="H6213"\w*.’   
\p
\v 10 “We \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w your|strong="H3027"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*. We \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w the|strong="H3027"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w whom|strong="H1992"\w* \w you|strong="H3027"\w* \w brought|strong="H3027"\w* here \w by|strong="H3027"\w* \w your|strong="H3027"\w* \w very|strong="H1419"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w power|strong="H3027"\w* [MTY, DOU]  
\v 11 \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*, \w please|strong="H4994"\w* hear \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w prayer|strong="H8605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w mine|strong="H5414"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H5414"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* people \w who|strong="H5650"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* delighted \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w revere|strong="H3372"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* [MTY]. \w Today|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w go|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w request|strong="H6440"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w do|strong="H4994"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w great|strong="H6440"\w* \w favor|strong="H6440"\w*. \w Please|strong="H4994"\w* motivate \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w act|strong="H4994"\w* \w kindly|strong="H6440"\w* \w toward|strong="H6440"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w*, \w in|strong="H4428"\w* order \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w successful|strong="H6743"\w* \add in obtaining what I want\add*.”  
\p \w At|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*, \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w whose|strong="H5650"\w* \w work|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* taste \w all|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* food \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w drink|strong="H4945"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H8034"\w* \w served|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \add to be sure that no one had put poison in it\add*.   
\c 2  
\s1 Artaxerses allowed Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem  
\p
\v 1 \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* Artaxerxes \add had been ruling the Persian Empire\add* \w for|strong="H6440"\w* almost 20 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, ◄\w during|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* spring/\w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* hot season► \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w*, \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w serve|strong="H1961"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \add during a feast\add*, \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w took|strong="H5375"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w and|strong="H6242"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w*. \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w never|strong="H3808"\w* \w looked|strong="H5375"\w* \w sad|strong="H7451"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w*, \add but on that day he saw that I looked very sad\add*.  
\v 2 \w So|strong="H3966"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w asked|strong="H2470"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w*, “\w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w are|strong="H4428"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w sad|strong="H7451"\w*? \add I know that\add* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H4428"\w* \w not|strong="H2088"\w* \w sick|strong="H2470"\w*. \w It|strong="H3588"\w* must \w be|strong="H3820"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H4428"\w* \w troubled|strong="H7451"\w* \w about|strong="H4428"\w* something.” \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3820"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*, \add because it was not proper to be sad when I came to the king\add* (\w OR|strong="H3068"\w*, \add because I was worried what the king would do to me if he refused to do what I was about to request him to do\add*).   
\p
\v 3 \w I|strong="H3808"\w* replied, “\w Your|strong="H6440"\w* majesty, \w I|strong="H3808"\w* hope \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w live|strong="H2421"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H7489"\w* \w long|strong="H5769"\w* \w time|strong="H5769"\w*! \w But|strong="H3808"\w* ◄\w how|strong="H4069"\w* \w can|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H3808"\w* prevent myself \w from|strong="H6440"\w* \w being|strong="H1004"\w* \w sad|strong="H7489"\w*, \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w my|strong="H6440"\w* ancestors \w are|strong="H5892"\w* buried \add has been destroyed\add* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w is|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w ruins|strong="H2717"\w*?/\w I|strong="H3808"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w keep|strong="H2421"\w* myself \w from|strong="H6440"\w* looking \w sad|strong="H7489"\w*, \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w my|strong="H6440"\w* ancestors \w are|strong="H5892"\w* buried \add has been destroyed and\add* \w is|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w ruins|strong="H2717"\w*.► [RHQ] \add Even\add* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w have|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H5769"\w* completely burned.”   
\p
\v 4 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* replied, “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w want|strong="H1245"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H4100"\w* \add for you\add*?”  
\p \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w prayed|strong="H6419"\w* \add silently\add* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H8064"\w* \add who is/rules\add* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Then|strong="H7971"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* replied, “If \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w are|strong="H5892"\w* willing \add to do it\add*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* if \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H5650"\w* \w pleased|strong="H3190"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*, \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \add of Jerusalem\add* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \add province\add* \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* ancestors \w are|strong="H5892"\w* buried, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* order \w that|strong="H4428"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w may|strong="H4428"\w* \add help people to\add* \w rebuild|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*.”   
\p
\v 6 \w While|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w queen|strong="H7694"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w sitting|strong="H3427"\w* \w beside|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, \w he|strong="H5704"\w* \w asked|strong="H7971"\w*, \add “If I allow you to go,\add* \w how|strong="H4970"\w* \w long|strong="H5704"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w gone|strong="H7725"\w*? \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w*?” \add I told the king how long I would be gone, and\add* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w permission|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w*, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* told \w him|strong="H5414"\w* what day \add I wanted to leave\add*.   
\p
\v 7 \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* said \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*, “If \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H4428"\w* willing \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w do|strong="H2895"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*, write letters \w for|strong="H5704"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w take|strong="H5674"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w governors|strong="H6346"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* province \w west|strong="H5676"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \add Euphrates\add* \w River|strong="H5104"\w*. Tell \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w travel|strong="H5674"\w* safely \add through their province\add* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* arrive \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Also|strong="H4428"\w*, \add please write\add* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* letter \w to|strong="H5921"\w* Asaph, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w man|strong="H2896"\w* \w who|strong="H8104"\w* \w takes|strong="H5414"\w* \w care|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w forest|strong="H6508"\w* \add in that area\add*, telling \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w timber|strong="H6086"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w make|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w beams|strong="H7136"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w support|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w fortress|strong="H1002"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w is|strong="H3027"\w* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w timber|strong="H6086"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w making|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w walls|strong="H2346"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* building \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w which|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \add will live\add*.” \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w did|strong="H8104"\w* \w what|strong="H2896"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* requested \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H8104"\w*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w my|strong="H8104"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w was|strong="H5892"\w* \w graciously|strong="H2896"\w*/\w kindly|strong="H2896"\w* ◄helping/acting \w for|strong="H5921"\w*► \w me|strong="H5414"\w*.   
\p
\v 9  \add After I got ready, I left to travel to Judah\add*. \w The|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* some \w army|strong="H2428"\w* \w officers|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* riding \w on|strong="H7971"\w* \w horses|strong="H6571"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* accompany \w me|strong="H5414"\w*, \add to protect me\add*. \w When|strong="H7971"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w came|strong="H4428"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* where \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w governors|strong="H6346"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* provinces \w west|strong="H5676"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \add Euphrates\add* \w River|strong="H5104"\w* lived, \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* letters \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* written.   
\p
\v 10 \w But|strong="H1992"\w* \w when|strong="H8085"\w* \add two government officials,\add* \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \add a village near\add* Horon \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w Ammon|strong="H5984"\w* \add people-group\add*, \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w I|strong="H5650"\w* \w had|strong="H3478"\w* arrived, \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w very|strong="H1419"\w* angry \w that|strong="H8085"\w* someone \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w come|strong="H3478"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* help \w the|strong="H8085"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w*.   
\s1 Nehemiah inspected the walls of Jerusalem  
\p
\v 11-12 When I arrived in Jerusalem, I did not tell anyone what thoughts God had given to me about what I should do there. Three days after I arrived in Jerusalem, I went out of the city in the evening, taking \w a|strong="H3068"\w* few other men with me. I was riding \w a|strong="H3068"\w* donkey; \w we|strong="H3068"\w* had no other animals with us.   
\p
\v 13 We \w left|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w*, \w going|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w through|strong="H6555"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w past|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w well|strong="H5869"\w* called \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Jackal (\w OR|strong="H3068"\w*, \w Dragon|strong="H8577"\w*’s) \w Well|strong="H5869"\w*, \w and|strong="H5869"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w past|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* called \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Rubbish/Garbage \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. We \w inspected|strong="H7663"\w* \w all|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w walls|strong="H2346"\w* \w that|strong="H8179"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* \w broken|strong="H6555"\w* \w down|strong="H6555"\w* \w and|strong="H5869"\w* \w all|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w that|strong="H8179"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* burned \w down|strong="H6555"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Then|strong="H5674"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w went|strong="H5674"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* \w Fountain|strong="H5869"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H8478"\w* \w pool|strong="H1295"\w* called \w the|strong="H8478"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w Pool|strong="H1295"\w*, \w but|strong="H4428"\w* \w my|strong="H5674"\w* donkey could \w not|strong="H5869"\w* get \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \add the narrow opening\add* (\w OR|strong="H3068"\w*, \add the rubble\add*).  
\v 15 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* along \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \add Kidron\add* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w*. \w We|strong="H7725"\w* \w inspected|strong="H7663"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w before|strong="H1961"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w*/\w around|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w entered|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w* \w at|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*.  
\v 16 \w The|strong="H6213"\w* \add city\add* \w officials|strong="H5461"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w know|strong="H3045"\w* \w where|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w had|strong="H3045"\w* \w gone|strong="H1980"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w was|strong="H3808"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w*, \w because|strong="H3651"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w had|strong="H3045"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* anyone \w about|strong="H1980"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H5704"\w* planned \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*. \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w had|strong="H3045"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w said|strong="H3651"\w* \w anything|strong="H4399"\w* \w about|strong="H1980"\w* \w it|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Jewish|strong="H3064"\w* \w leaders|strong="H2715"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w officials|strong="H5461"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w any|strong="H6213"\w* \w of|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* others \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w would|strong="H4100"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* helping \w me|strong="H5046"\w* \w in|strong="H1980"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \add that I wanted to do\add*.   
\p
\v 17 \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w now|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H7200"\w* said \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w them|strong="H7200"\w*, “\w You|strong="H3808"\w* \w all|strong="H7200"\w* know very well \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w terrible|strong="H7451"\w* \w things|strong="H7451"\w* \add that have happened to\add* \w our|strong="H7200"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w*. \w The|strong="H7200"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w is|strong="H1961"\w* \w ruined|strong="H2717"\w*; \w even|strong="H5750"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w are|strong="H8179"\w* \w burned|strong="H3341"\w* \w down|strong="H3341"\w*. \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* should \w rebuild|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w If|strong="H7200"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* do \w that|strong="H7200"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w longer|strong="H5750"\w* \w feel|strong="H7200"\w* humiliated/disgraced.”  
\v 18 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w told|strong="H5046"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* how \w God|strong="H3027"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w kindly|strong="H2896"\w*/\w graciously|strong="H2896"\w* \w helped|strong="H2388"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w* \add when I talked to the king\add*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H5046"\w*.  
\p \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w immediately|strong="H6965"\w* replied, “\w Let|strong="H5046"\w*’s \w start|strong="H2388"\w* \w rebuilding|strong="H1129"\w*!” \w So|strong="H6965"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w started|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H3027"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w work|strong="H1697"\w*.   
\p
\v 19 \w But|strong="H8085"\w* \w when|strong="H8085"\w* \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w*, \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* Gershom \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Arab|strong="H6163"\w* \add king of the Kedar region\add* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w what|strong="H4100"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* planned \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* fun \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* ridiculed \w us|strong="H5921"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w*, “\w What|strong="H4100"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w this|strong="H2088"\w* \w work|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w are|strong="H4100"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w*? \w Are|strong="H4100"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w rebelling|strong="H4775"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \add again\add*?” [RHQ]   
\p
\v 20 \w But|strong="H1931"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* replied, “\w Our|strong="H5650"\w* \w God|strong="H8064"\w* \add who is/rules\add* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w will|strong="H5650"\w* \w help|strong="H6965"\w* \w our|strong="H5650"\w* plans \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w succeed|strong="H6743"\w*. \w But|strong="H1931"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w for|strong="H5650"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w*, \w you|strong="H7725"\w* \w have|strong="H5650"\w* \w no|strong="H2506"\w* \w right|strong="H6666"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* decide \w anything|strong="H1697"\w* \w about|strong="H1697"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w*, \w because|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w* \w have|strong="H5650"\w* \w not|strong="H7725"\w* participated \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w has|strong="H5650"\w* \w happened|strong="H1697"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w city|strong="H1931"\w* \w in|strong="H1129"\w* previous years.”   
\c 3  
\s1 They rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem  
\p
\v 1  \add ◄This is a list/These are the names► of the people who helped to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem\add*. Eliashib \w the|strong="H1129"\w* Supreme \w Priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* other \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* began \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w rebuild|strong="H1129"\w* \w it|strong="H6942"\w* \w at|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w Sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w also|strong="H1817"\w* put \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w in|strong="H5975"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w places|strong="H6942"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* wall \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H8179"\w* 100 Soldiers \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \add further north\add* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w Hananel|strong="H2606"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H6942"\w* \w it|strong="H6942"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* God.  
\v 2 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \add beyond the Tower of Hananel,\add* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jericho|strong="H3405"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \add part of the wall\add*. \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Zaccur|strong="H2139"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Imri, \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \add part of the wall\add*.   
\p
\v 3 \w The|strong="H1129"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hassenaah|strong="H5570"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w Fish|strong="H1709"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w The|strong="H1129"\w* put \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w places|strong="H1992"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* wooden \w beams|strong="H7136"\w* above \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w also|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w*, \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w bolts|strong="H4514"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w bars|strong="H1280"\w* \add for locking the gate\add*.  
\v 4 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Meremoth|strong="H4822"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Uriah \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hakkoz|strong="H6976"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add the next part of the wall\add*. \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Berekiah \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshezabel|strong="H4898"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add the next part of the wall\add*. \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Baana|strong="H1195"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w next|strong="H5921"\w* \w part|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* wall.  
\v 5 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H2388"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Tekoa|strong="H8621"\w* \add town\add* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add part of the wall\add*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* leaders \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w Tekoa|strong="H8621"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w work|strong="H5656"\w* \w that|strong="H3027"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* boss/\w supervisor|strong="H5921"\w* \w assigned|strong="H5656"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.   
\p
\v 6 \w Joiada|strong="H3111"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Paseah|strong="H6454"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Besodeiah|strong="H1152"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w Old|strong="H1121"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w also|strong="H1121"\w* \w put|strong="H2388"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w places|strong="H1992"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w beams|strong="H7136"\w* above \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w put|strong="H2388"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w bolts|strong="H4514"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w bars|strong="H1280"\w* \add for locking the gate\add*.  
\v 7 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Melatiah|strong="H4424"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w* \add city\add*, \w Jadon|strong="H3036"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* Meronoth \add town\add*, \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w other|strong="H5676"\w* \w men|strong="H2388"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Gibeon|strong="H1391"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w* \add city\add*, which \w was|strong="H3027"\w* \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w governor|strong="H6346"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* province \w west|strong="H5676"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \add Euphrates\add* \w River|strong="H5104"\w* lived, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add part of the wall\add*.  
\v 8 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Uzziel|strong="H5816"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Harhaiah|strong="H2736"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Broad|strong="H7342"\w*/\w Wide|strong="H7342"\w* \w Wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w Harhaiah|strong="H2736"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* things \w from|strong="H5921"\w* gold, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* perfumes.  
\v 9 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Rephaiah|strong="H7509"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hur|strong="H2354"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* ruled \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w District|strong="H6418"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add part of the wall\add*.  
\v 10 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Jedaiah|strong="H3042"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Harumaph|strong="H2739"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add part of the wall\add* \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Hattush|strong="H2407"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hashabneiah|strong="H2813"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add part of the wall\add*.  
\v 11 \w Malchijah|strong="H4441"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Harim|strong="H2766"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hashub|strong="H2815"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Pahath-Moab|strong="H6355"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w section|strong="H4060"\w* \add of the wall\add*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w also|strong="H1121"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w Ovens|strong="H8574"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Shallum|strong="H7967"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hallohesh|strong="H3873"\w*, \w who|strong="H1931"\w* ruled \w the|strong="H5921"\w* other \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w District|strong="H6418"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add part of the wall\add*. \w His|strong="H5921"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \add helped him with the work\add*.   
\p
\v 13 \w Hanun|strong="H2586"\w* \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w from|strong="H5704"\w* \w Zanoah|strong="H2182"\w* \add city\add* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w put|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w places|strong="H1992"\w*, \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w also|strong="H1817"\w* \w put|strong="H2388"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w bolts|strong="H4514"\w* \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w bars|strong="H1280"\w* \add for locking the gate\add*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w for|strong="H5704"\w* ◄1,500 feet/500 meters►, \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* Dung \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*.   
\p
\v 14 \w Malchijah|strong="H4441"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Rechab|strong="H7394"\w*, \w who|strong="H1931"\w* ruled \w Beth-Haccherem|strong="H1021"\w* \w District|strong="H6418"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* Dung \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w also|strong="H1121"\w* \w put|strong="H2388"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H2388"\w* \w places|strong="H1280"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w bolts|strong="H4514"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w bars|strong="H1280"\w* \add for locking the gate\add*.   
\p
\v 15 \w Shallum|strong="H7968"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Colhozeh, \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w* \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w* \w District|strong="H6418"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w Fountain|strong="H5869"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* \w put|strong="H3381"\w*/\w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* roof \w over|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w put|strong="H3381"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w their|strong="H2388"\w* \w places|strong="H1280"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w bolts|strong="H4514"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w bars|strong="H1280"\w* \add for locking the gate\add*. \w Near|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w Pool|strong="H1295"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shelah|strong="H7975"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* next \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w*’s \w garden|strong="H1588"\w*, \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w steps|strong="H4609"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w* \w went|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w City|strong="H5892"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*.  
\v 16 Next \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w him|strong="H6213"\w*, \w Nehemiah|strong="H5166"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azbuk|strong="H5802"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* ruled \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Beth-Zur|strong="H1049"\w* \w District|strong="H6418"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add the wall\add* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w tombs|strong="H6913"\w* \add in the City\add* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* reservoir \w that|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* army barracks.   
\p
\v 17 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, several \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \add who helped the priests\add* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add parts of the wall\add*. \w Rehum|strong="H7348"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Bani|strong="H1137"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w one|strong="H1121"\w* section. \w Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* ruled \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Keilah|strong="H7084"\w* \w District|strong="H6418"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w next|strong="H5921"\w* section \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w behalf|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w district|strong="H6418"\w*.  
\v 18 Bavvai \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Henadad|strong="H2582"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* ruled \w the|strong="H2388"\w* other \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w Keilah|strong="H7084"\w* \w District|strong="H6418"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add the next section\add* along \w with|strong="H1121"\w* other \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Levi.  
\v 19 \w Next|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*, \w Ezer|strong="H5829"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* ruled \w Mizpah|strong="H4709"\w* \add city\add*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w another|strong="H8145"\w* \w section|strong="H4060"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w front|strong="H5048"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \add steps which\add* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* ◄\w armory|strong="H5402"\w*/building \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w weapons|strong="H5402"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* kept►, \w as|strong="H5927"\w* \w far|strong="H5921"\w* \w as|strong="H5927"\w* \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* wall \w turns|strong="H5921"\w* \add a bit to the right\add*.  
\v 20 \w Next|strong="H8145"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w him|strong="H4480"\w*, \w Baruch|strong="H1263"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zabbai|strong="H2079"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w section|strong="H4060"\w*, \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w door|strong="H6607"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Eliashib \w the|strong="H4480"\w* Supreme \w Priest|strong="H3548"\w*.  
\v 21 \w Next|strong="H8145"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w him|strong="H2388"\w*, \w Meremoth|strong="H4822"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Uriah \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hakkoz|strong="H6976"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w section|strong="H4060"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w door|strong="H6607"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Eliashib’s \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w end|strong="H8503"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Eliahib’s \w house|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\p
\v 22 Next \w to|strong="H2388"\w* \w him|strong="H2388"\w*, \add several priests repaired parts of the wall\add*. \w Priests|strong="H3548"\w* from \w the|strong="H2388"\w* area near Jerusalem \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add one section\add*.  
\v 23 Next \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H2388"\w*, \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hasshub|strong="H2815"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add a section\add* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w front|strong="H5048"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H2388"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ananiah|strong="H6055"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* next \add section\add* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w front|strong="H5048"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H2388"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Next|strong="H8145"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w him|strong="H2388"\w*, \w Binnui|strong="H1131"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Henadad|strong="H2582"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w section|strong="H4060"\w*, \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*’s \w house|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* wall turns \w a|strong="H3068"\w* bit.  
\v 25  \add Next to him\add*, \w Palal|strong="H6420"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Uzai repaired \add a section\add*, \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* wall turns \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w watchtower|strong="H4026"\w* \w is|strong="H4428"\w* taller \w than|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w upper|strong="H5945"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w one|strong="H1121"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \add Solomon\add* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* lived. \w The|strong="H3318"\w* \w watchtower|strong="H4026"\w* \w is|strong="H4428"\w* \w near|strong="H5048"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* \w courtyard|strong="H2691"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3318"\w* guards \add live\add*.  
\v 26 Next \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w him|strong="H3318"\w*, Pedaiah \w the|strong="H5704"\w* son \w of|strong="H3427"\w* Parosh repaired \add a section\add* \w toward|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w place|strong="H1961"\w* \w near|strong="H5048"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w Water|strong="H4325"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H3318"\w* \w near|strong="H5048"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* tall \w tower|strong="H4026"\w*. \w That|strong="H4325"\w* part \w of|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* wall \w is|strong="H1961"\w* \w near|strong="H5048"\w* \w Ophel|strong="H6077"\w* \add Hill\add*, where \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w temple|strong="H5411"\w* \w servants|strong="H5411"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Next|strong="H8145"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w him|strong="H3318"\w*, \w men|strong="H1419"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w Tekoa|strong="H8621"\w* \add town\add* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w another|strong="H8145"\w* \w section|strong="H4060"\w*, \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w near|strong="H5048"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w tall|strong="H4060"\w* \w tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w near|strong="H5048"\w* \w Ophel|strong="H6077"\w* \add Hill\add*. \add That was the second section that they repaired\add*.   
\p
\v 28 \w A|strong="H3068"\w* group \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add the wall\add* north \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Horse|strong="H5483"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w Each|strong="H8179"\w* \w one|strong="H1004"\w* \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* section \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w own|strong="H3548"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 29 Next \w to|strong="H8104"\w* \w them|strong="H2388"\w*, \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Immer \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add the section\add* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w front|strong="H5048"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H8104"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. Next \w to|strong="H8104"\w* \w him|strong="H5048"\w*, \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shecaniah|strong="H7935"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* ◄\w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* gatekeeper \w at|strong="H1004"\w*/opened \w and|strong="H1121"\w* closed► \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w East|strong="H4217"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add the next section\add*.  
\v 30 \w Next|strong="H8145"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w him|strong="H5048"\w*, \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shelemiah|strong="H8018"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hanun|strong="H2586"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w sixth|strong="H8345"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zalaph|strong="H6764"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w section|strong="H4060"\w*. \w That|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w second|strong="H8145"\w* \add section that they repaired\add*. \w Next|strong="H8145"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H2388"\w*, \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Berekiah, \w made|strong="H2388"\w* \w repairs|strong="H2388"\w* across \w from|strong="H1121"\w* where \w he|strong="H1121"\w* lived.  
\v 31 Next \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w them|strong="H2388"\w*, \w Malchijah|strong="H4441"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w also|strong="H1121"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* things \w from|strong="H1121"\w* gold, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add a section\add* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w far|strong="H5704"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* building used \w by|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w servants|strong="H5411"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w merchants|strong="H7402"\w*, \w which|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* close \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w Inspection|strong="H4663"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w This|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w into|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w near|strong="H5048"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w* \w on|strong="H1004"\w* top \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* northeast \w corner|strong="H6438"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* wall.  
\v 32 Other \w men|strong="H2388"\w* \w who|strong="H6884"\w* \w made|strong="H2388"\w* things \w from|strong="H8179"\w* gold, along \w with|strong="H6629"\w* \w merchants|strong="H7402"\w*, \w repaired|strong="H2388"\w* \add the last section of the wall\add*, \w as|strong="H8179"\w* far \w as|strong="H8179"\w* \w the|strong="H2388"\w* \w Sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*.   
\c 4  
\s1 Enemies opposed rebuilding the wall  
\p
\v 1 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* rebuilding \w the|strong="H8085"\w* city \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*, \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* enraged/\w furious|strong="H2734"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H6555"\w* fun \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w us|strong="H3588"\w* Jews.  
\v 2 While \w his|strong="H3605"\w* colleagues \w and|strong="H3389"\w* officials \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w troops|strong="H3898"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H3389"\w* come \w from|strong="H3389"\w* Samaria \w were|strong="H3605"\w* listening, \w he|strong="H6213"\w* said, “\w What|strong="H6213"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w these|strong="H6213"\w* feeble/pathetic Jews \add think they\add* \w are|strong="H6213"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w*? \w Do|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* think \w that|strong="H3605"\w* if \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w offer|strong="H6213"\w* \w enough|strong="H3605"\w*/many sacrifices, \add their gods will hear them and enable\add* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* finish building \w the|strong="H3605"\w* wall \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* day? \w The|strong="H3605"\w* stones \add that were in the wall previously have been weakened by\add* being burned \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* fire. \w Those|strong="H3605"\w* stones \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w are|strong="H6213"\w* pulling \w out|strong="H6213"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* rubbish/garbage heaps—\w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* think \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w can|strong="H6213"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* strong again?” [RHQ]   
\p
\v 3 Tobiah \w was|strong="H6440"\w* \add standing\add* \w beside|strong="H5921"\w* Sanballat. \w He|strong="H5921"\w* said, “\w That|strong="H5975"\w* stone wall \add that they are building\add* \w is|strong="H6440"\w* very weak; \w so|strong="H5975"\w* if \w even|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* fox climbed \w up|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* wall would fall \w down|strong="H6440"\w*!”   
\p
\v 4 \w Then|strong="H3063"\w* \w I|strong="H3201"\w* prayed. \w I|strong="H3201"\w* said, “Our \w God|strong="H3808"\w*, hear us, because \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w are|strong="H3808"\w* ridiculing us! Cause \w the|strong="H1129"\w* words \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w their|strong="H3808"\w* insults \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w fall|strong="H3782"\w* back \w on|strong="H7235"\w* \w them|strong="H1129"\w*! Allow \w their|strong="H3808"\w* enemies \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w come|strong="H3201"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* capture \w them|strong="H1129"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w force|strong="H3581"\w* \w them|strong="H1129"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w go|strong="H3201"\w* \w to|strong="H3201"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* foreign land!  
\v 5 \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w are|strong="H3045"\w* guilty; \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H3045"\w* \add said things that\add* caused \w you|strong="H5704"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* angry \w while|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w here|strong="H5704"\w* \w who|strong="H6862"\w* \w are|strong="H3045"\w* building \w the|strong="H7200"\w* wall \w are|strong="H3045"\w* listening; \w so|strong="H3808"\w* punish \w them|strong="H7200"\w*!”   
\p
\v 6 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w after|strong="H5921"\w* \w some|strong="H4725"\w* \w time|strong="H6471"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* finished building \w the|strong="H3605"\w* wall \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w whole|strong="H3605"\w* city, \w up|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* half \w as|strong="H1961"\w* high \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* first wall \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w*. \w We|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* able \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* worked very hard.   
\p
\v 7 \w But|strong="H5971"\w* \w when|strong="H5975"\w* Sanballat, Tobiah, \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H5973"\w* Arabia, \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H5973"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* Ammon \add people-group\add* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H5973"\w* Ashdod \add city\add* heard \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* work \w on|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w was|strong="H4725"\w* continuing \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* filling \w in|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* gaps \w in|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*, \w they|strong="H5971"\w* became very angry.  
\v 8 \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H7200"\w* planned \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w come|strong="H6965"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w against|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Jerusalem [MTY] \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w cause|strong="H5971"\w* trouble.  
\v 9 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* prayed \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* God \add to protect us\add*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w put|strong="H7725"\w* \w men|strong="H3605"\w* \add around the walls\add* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* guard \add the city\add* day \w and|strong="H7725"\w* night.   
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5288"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* [MTY] \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w started|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* say, “\w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w men|strong="H5288"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w working|strong="H6213"\w* \add on the wall\add* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w becoming|strong="H1961"\w* \w very|strong="H6213"\w* tired. \w There|strong="H1961"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* lot \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \add heavy\add* rubble \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* must remove; \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w ourselves|strong="H2388"\w* \w cannot|strong="H4480"\w* finish \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w*.   
\p
\v 11 “Besides, \w our|strong="H5375"\w* \w enemies|strong="H3027"\w* \w are|strong="H3027"\w* saying, ‘Before \w the|strong="H5375"\w* Jews see \w us|strong="H6213"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* swoop \w down|strong="H3027"\w* \w on|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* kill \w them|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* stop \w their|strong="H5375"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \add on the wall\add*!’”   
\p
\v 12 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* Jews \w who|strong="H1129"\w* \w were|strong="H2719"\w* living \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w our|strong="H5921"\w* enemies came \w and|strong="H2719"\w* told \w us|strong="H5921"\w* many times, “\w You|strong="H5921"\w* should leave \w the|strong="H5921"\w* city \w and|strong="H2719"\w* \w go|strong="H2719"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* other places, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* order \w that|strong="H2719"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* enemies \w will|strong="H2719"\w* not attack \w you|strong="H5921"\w*!”   
\p
\v 13 \w So|strong="H5921"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* put guards \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* places \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w was|strong="H2346"\w* \w not|strong="H5971"\w* \w very|strong="H7235"\w* \w high|strong="H7235"\w* \w yet|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* places \w where|strong="H5921"\w* there \w were|strong="H5971"\w* gaps \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w I|strong="H5921"\w* put guards \w to|strong="H5921"\w* protect \w each|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* family groups. \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w gave|strong="H7235"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* guards daggers, spears, \w and|strong="H5971"\w* bows \add and arrows\add*.  
\v 14 \w Then|strong="H8085"\w* after \w I|strong="H8085"\w* inspected everything, \w I|strong="H8085"\w* \w summoned|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* leaders \w and|strong="H6963"\w* \add other\add* officials \w and|strong="H6963"\w* \add many of\add* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* other \w people|strong="H8085"\w*, \w and|strong="H6963"\w* \w I|strong="H8085"\w* \w said|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w them|strong="H8085"\w*, “\w Do|strong="H8085"\w* \w not|strong="H8085"\w* \w be|strong="H6963"\w* afraid \w of|strong="H6963"\w* \w our|strong="H8085"\w* enemies! Think \w about|strong="H8085"\w* \add what\add* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*, who \w is|strong="H4725"\w* great \w and|strong="H6963"\w* glorious, \add can do\add*! \w And|strong="H6963"\w* \w fight|strong="H3898"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* protect \w your|strong="H8085"\w* friends, \w your|strong="H8085"\w* families, \w and|strong="H6963"\w* \w your|strong="H8085"\w* homes!”   
\p
\v 15 \w Our|strong="H3318"\w* enemies heard \w that|strong="H6213"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* knew \w what|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H5704"\w* \w were|strong="H3318"\w* planning \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w that|strong="H6213"\w* God \w had|strong="H6213"\w* ◄spoiled \w their|strong="H2388"\w* \w plans|strong="H6213"\w*/prevented \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H6213"\w* \w they|strong="H5704"\w* planned►. \add But we were sure that God would defend us,\add* \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H6213"\w* \w started|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H4399"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* wall again.   
\p
\v 16 \w But|strong="H1961"\w* \w after|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w*, \w only|strong="H1571"\w* \w half|strong="H8432"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H8432"\w* \w men|strong="H5288"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* working \w for|strong="H3117"\w* \w me|strong="H1961"\w* \w worked|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H8432"\w* wall. \w The|strong="H8432"\w* \w others|strong="H5971"\w* \w stood|strong="H5971"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w guard|strong="H4929"\w*, holding \w their|strong="H8432"\w* spears, shields, bows \add and arrows\add*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \add wearing their\add* coats \w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* metal plates. \add To encourage the people\add*\w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* building \w the|strong="H8432"\w* wall, \w their|strong="H8432"\w* leaders \w stood|strong="H5971"\w* behind \w them|strong="H8432"\w*.  
\v 17 Those \w who|strong="H5288"\w* carried \add baskets of supplies on their heads/shoulders\add* \w and|strong="H5288"\w* those \w who|strong="H5288"\w* built \w the|strong="H6584"\w* wall \w did|strong="H5288"\w* \w their|strong="H6584"\w* work \w with|strong="H4325"\w* one hand, \w and|strong="H5288"\w* held \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w weapon|strong="H7973"\w* \w with|strong="H4325"\w* \w the|strong="H6584"\w* other hand.  
\v 18 All those who were building \add the wall\add* had \w a|strong="H3068"\w* dagger fastened to their side. The man who would blow the trumpet \add if our enemies attacked\add* was standing at my side.   
\p
\v 19 Then I said to the officials, the other important men, and the other people, “This wall is very long, and \w we|strong="H3068"\w* are far apart from each other along the wall.  
\v 20 If you hear the man blowing the trumpet, gather around us at that place. \add Remember that\add* our God will fight for us!”   
\p
\v 21 So \w we|strong="H3068"\w* continued to work. Half of the men continued to hold their spears all day, from when the sun rose \add in the morning\add* until the stars appeared \add at night\add*.  
\v 22 At that time, I also said to the people, “Tell every worker and his helper that they must stay inside Jerusalem at night. By doing that, they can guard us at night, and they can work \add on the wall\add* during the daytime.”  
\v 23 During that time, none of us ever took off our clothes (\w OR|strong="H3068"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* wore our clothes all the time)—I and my relatives and my workers and the guards who were with me. And \w we|strong="H3068"\w* had our weapons with us, in our hands.   
\c 5  
\s1 Nehemiah helped the oppressed people  
\p
\v 1  \add Later,\add* \w many|strong="H1419"\w* \w of|strong="H5971"\w* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \w men|strong="H1419"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w their|strong="H1961"\w* wives protested \w loudly|strong="H1419"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* what \add some of\add* \w the|strong="H1961"\w* \add other\add* \w Jews|strong="H3064"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* doing.  
\v 2 \w Some|strong="H7227"\w*/\w One|strong="H2421"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H3947"\w* said, “We \w have|strong="H3426"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w*. \w So|strong="H3947"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* need \w a|strong="H3068"\w* lot \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w be|strong="H3426"\w* able \w to|strong="H1121"\w* eat \w and|strong="H1121"\w* continue \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w live|strong="H2421"\w*.”   
\p
\v 3 Others said, “\w The|strong="H3947"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w houses|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3426"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* own, \w it|strong="H3947"\w* \w has|strong="H3426"\w* \w been|strong="H3426"\w* necessary \w for|strong="H1004"\w* \w us|strong="H7704"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* ◄mortgage \w them|strong="H3947"\w*/promise \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w give|strong="H3947"\w* \w them|strong="H3947"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* someone \w if|strong="H3426"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H3426"\w* \w not|strong="H3947"\w* pay \w back|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w him|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3947"\w* money \w he|strong="H1004"\w* \w has|strong="H3426"\w* loaned \w us|strong="H7704"\w*► \w in|strong="H1004"\w* order \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w get|strong="H3947"\w* money \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w buy|strong="H3947"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w*, during \w this|strong="H3947"\w* ◄\w famine|strong="H7458"\w*/time \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w there|strong="H3426"\w* \w is|strong="H3426"\w* \w not|strong="H3947"\w* much \w food|strong="H1004"\w*►.”   
\p
\v 4 Others said, “We \w have|strong="H3426"\w* \add needed to\add* \w borrow|strong="H3867"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H4428"\w* \w pay|strong="H3701"\w* \w the|strong="H3426"\w* taxes \w that|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3426"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \add commanded us to pay\add* \w on|strong="H4060"\w* \w our|strong="H3426"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w our|strong="H3426"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w*.  
\v 5 \w We|strong="H6258"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* Jews \w just|strong="H6258"\w* \w like|strong="H1121"\w* [IDM] \w they|strong="H3027"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w*. \w Our|strong="H5650"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* ◄\add just as good as/equal with►\add* \w their|strong="H6258"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w*. \w But|strong="H2009"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H3426"\w* needed \w to|strong="H3027"\w* sell \w some|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w our|strong="H5650"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w become|strong="H3027"\w* \w slaves|strong="H5650"\w* \add in order to pay what we owe\add*. \w We|strong="H6258"\w* \w have|strong="H3426"\w* \w already|strong="H6258"\w* sold \w some|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w our|strong="H5650"\w* \w daughters|strong="H1323"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w become|strong="H3027"\w* \w slaves|strong="H5650"\w*. \w Our|strong="H5650"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w* \w have|strong="H3426"\w* \w been|strong="H3426"\w* taken away \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w us|strong="H3027"\w*, \w so|strong="H6258"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H3027"\w* \w not|strong="H1121"\w* \w have|strong="H3426"\w* \add the money to pay what we owe, and we are forced to sell our children to get money to pay those debts\add*.”   
\p
\v 6 \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* \w angry|strong="H2734"\w* \w when|strong="H8085"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w these|strong="H8085"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w they|strong="H1697"\w* \w were|strong="H1697"\w* complaining \w about|strong="H1697"\w*.  
\v 7 \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w thought|strong="H3820"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* could do \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H5414"\w*. \w I|strong="H5414"\w* told \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w leaders|strong="H2715"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w officials|strong="H5461"\w* \add who were responsible for this work\add*, “\w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H1419"\w* charging interest \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* own relatives \add when they borrow money from you\add*!” \w Then|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* called \w together|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* group \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H3820"\w*,  
\v 8 \w and|strong="H1471"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H1697"\w* \w their|strong="H3808"\w* \add leaders\add*, “\w Some|strong="H1697"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w our|strong="H7069"\w* \w Jewish|strong="H3064"\w* relatives \w have|strong="H1571"\w* \w been|strong="H3808"\w* forced \w to|strong="H1697"\w* \w sell|strong="H4376"\w* themselves \w to|strong="H1697"\w* become slaves \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w people|strong="H1471"\w* \w who|strong="H1471"\w* \w have|strong="H1571"\w* \w come|strong="H4672"\w* \w from|strong="H1471"\w* other countries. \w As|strong="H1697"\w* \w much|strong="H1697"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H1571"\w* \w been|strong="H3808"\w* \w able|strong="H1767"\w* \w to|strong="H1697"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H1571"\w* \w been|strong="H3808"\w* \w buying|strong="H7069"\w* \w them|strong="H4672"\w* back \add out of slavery\add*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w now|strong="H1571"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w* \w are|strong="H1471"\w* forcing \w your|strong="H3808"\w* own relatives \w to|strong="H1697"\w* \w sell|strong="H4376"\w* themselves \w to|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w*, \w their|strong="H3808"\w* fellow \w Jews|strong="H3064"\w*, \w as|strong="H1697"\w* slaves!” \add When I said that to them,\add* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w were|strong="H1697"\w* \w silent|strong="H2790"\w*. \w There|strong="H4672"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w nothing|strong="H3808"\w* \w that|strong="H1471"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w could|strong="H1571"\w* \w say|strong="H1697"\w* \add because they knew that what I said was true\add*.   
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*, “\w What|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w* \w are|strong="H1471"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w terrible|strong="H6213"\w* [EUP]! \w You|strong="H6213"\w* \w certainly|strong="H6213"\w* \w ought|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* [RHQ] \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w and|strong="H3212"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w right|strong="H2896"\w*! If \w you|strong="H6213"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H1471"\w*, \w our|strong="H6213"\w* enemies \w who|strong="H2896"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* revere \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* \add would see that we are doing what is right and\add* \w would|strong="H1697"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* ridicule \w us|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 10 \w My|strong="H5800"\w* fellow Jews \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w I|strong="H2088"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w my|strong="H5800"\w* \w servants|strong="H5288"\w* \w have|strong="H1571"\w* \w lent|strong="H5383"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w* \w to|strong="H3701"\w* \w people|strong="H5288"\w* \add without charging interest\add*. \w So|strong="H1571"\w* \w you|strong="H5800"\w* \w all|strong="H1571"\w* should stop charging interest \w on|strong="H1571"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* loans.  
\v 11 \w Also|strong="H3117"\w*, \w you|strong="H3117"\w* must \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w*, \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w*, \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w olive|strong="H2132"\w* \w tree|strong="H2132"\w* orchards, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w houses|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H3117"\w* taken \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w*. \w You|strong="H3117"\w* must \w also|strong="H3117"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* interest \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* charged \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w when|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w borrowed|strong="H5383"\w* \w money|strong="H3701"\w*, \w grain|strong="H1715"\w*, \w wine|strong="H8492"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \add olive\add* \w oil|strong="H3323"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* must \w do|strong="H4994"\w* \w it|strong="H7725"\w* \w today|strong="H3117"\w*!”   
\p
\v 12 \w The|strong="H6213"\w* leaders replied, “\w We|strong="H6213"\w* \w will|strong="H1697"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w* \w have|strong="H1697"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w*. \w We|strong="H6213"\w* \w will|strong="H1697"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* everything \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* forced \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w us|strong="H7725"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H1697"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w require|strong="H1245"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w give|strong="H7725"\w* \w us|strong="H7725"\w* \w anything|strong="H1697"\w* \w more|strong="H3651"\w*.”  
\p \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w summoned|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* forced \w the|strong="H6213"\w* leaders \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w vow|strong="H7650"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* front \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w would|strong="H1697"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w had|strong="H3548"\w* \w promised|strong="H7650"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 13 \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w shook|strong="H5287"\w* \w out|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* folds \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* robe \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*, “\w If|strong="H1961"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w just|strong="H1697"\w* \w now|strong="H1961"\w* \w promised|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w I|strong="H1697"\w* hope/desire \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w shake|strong="H5287"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w am|strong="H1961"\w* shaking \w my|strong="H3605"\w* robe. \w He|strong="H6213"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w take|strong="H6213"\w* \w away|strong="H3605"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w homes|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w else|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w*.”  
\p \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* replied, “Amen/\w May|strong="H1961"\w* \w it|strong="H6213"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w so|strong="H6213"\w*!” \w And|strong="H6965"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w promised|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*.   
\p
\v 14 \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w appointed|strong="H6680"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w governor|strong="H6346"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Judea \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w twentieth|strong="H6242"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* Artaxerxes \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \add of Persia\add*. \w For|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* next \w twelve|strong="H8147"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w until|strong="H5704"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* ruling \w for|strong="H5704"\w* \w almost|strong="H3117"\w* 32 \w years|strong="H8141"\w*, \w neither|strong="H3808"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w nor|strong="H3808"\w* \w my|strong="H1961"\w* officials accepted \add the money that we were allowed/entitled to receive to buy\add* \w food|strong="H3899"\w* \w because|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w my|strong="H1961"\w* \w being|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w governor|strong="H6346"\w*.  
\v 15 \w The|strong="H6440"\w* \w men|strong="H5288"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w governors|strong="H6346"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w became|strong="H3513"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w governor|strong="H6346"\w* \w had|strong="H5971"\w* burdened \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* requiring \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w pay|strong="H3701"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* lot \w of|strong="H6440"\w* taxes. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w had|strong="H5971"\w* forced \w each|strong="H5971"\w* \w person|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w pay|strong="H3701"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* 40 \w silver|strong="H3701"\w* coins \w every|strong="H3947"\w* day, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w addition|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* giving \w food|strong="H3899"\w* \w and|strong="H3701"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*. \w Even|strong="H1571"\w* \w their|strong="H3947"\w* \w servants|strong="H5288"\w*/\w officials|strong="H3947"\w* \w oppressed|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* revered \w God|strong="H3808"\w*.   
\p
\v 16 \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w continued|strong="H2388"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*, \w and|strong="H2388"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w take|strong="H2388"\w* \w land|strong="H7704"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \add who were unable to pay back the money that they had borrowed from me\add*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w worked|strong="H2388"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w joined|strong="H6908"\w* \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*.  
\v 17 \w Also|strong="H1471"\w*, \w every|strong="H5439"\w* day \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H1471"\w* \w responsible|strong="H4480"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* feed 150 \w Jewish|strong="H3064"\w* \w officials|strong="H5461"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w also|strong="H1471"\w* \add official\add* visitors \w who|strong="H1471"\w* came \w from|strong="H4480"\w* nearby countries.  
\v 18 \w Each|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \add told my servants to\add* \w serve|strong="H1961"\w* \add us the meat from\add* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w ox|strong="H7794"\w*, \w six|strong="H8337"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* good \w sheep|strong="H6629"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* chickens. \w And|strong="H3117"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w gave|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H7235"\w* new supply \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w*. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* knew \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* burdened \add by paying lots of taxes\add*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* accept \add the money that I was entitled/allowed to receive to buy all this\add* \w food|strong="H3899"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w my|strong="H3605"\w* \w being|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w governor|strong="H6346"\w*.   
\p
\v 19 \w My|strong="H3605"\w* God, \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H6213"\w* forget \w me|strong="H5921"\w*, \w and|strong="H5971"\w* reward \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H5971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*.   
\c 6  
\s1 Plots against Nehemiah  
\p
\v 1 \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w*, \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w*, \w Geshem|strong="H1654"\w*, \w and|strong="H8085"\w* \w our|strong="H8085"\w* other enemies \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \add a report\add* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* finished \w rebuilding|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*, \w and|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w now|strong="H1961"\w* \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w more|strong="H3808"\w* ◄\w gaps|strong="H6556"\w*/places \w where|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* finished► (\w although|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w yet|strong="H3588"\w* put \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \w in|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w*).  
\v 2 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w Geshem|strong="H1654"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \add a message\add* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w*, \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w which|strong="H1992"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* said “\w Come|strong="H3212"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* talk \w with|strong="H6213"\w* \w us|strong="H6213"\w* \w at|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* place \w in|strong="H6213"\w* Ono \w Plain|strong="H1237"\w* \add north of Jerusalem\add*.” \w But|strong="H1992"\w* \add I knew that\add* \w really|strong="H1992"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w harm|strong="H7451"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w* \add if I went there\add*.   
\p
\v 3 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w messengers|strong="H4397"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w to|strong="H3381"\w* tell \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, “\w I|strong="H5921"\w* am \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w an|strong="H6213"\w* \w important|strong="H1419"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w*, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w cannot|strong="H3808"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \add there\add*. ◄\w Why|strong="H4100"\w* \w should|strong="H4100"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w stop|strong="H7673"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H6213"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w just|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \add talk with\add* \w you|strong="H7971"\w*?/\w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w want|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w stop|strong="H7673"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H6213"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w just|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \w go|strong="H7971"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w to|strong="H3381"\w* \add talk with\add* \w you|strong="H7971"\w*.►” [RHQ]  
\v 4 \w They|strong="H1697"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w same|strong="H2088"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w* four \w times|strong="H6471"\w*, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w each|strong="H2088"\w* \w time|strong="H6471"\w* \w when|strong="H7725"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* replied \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w same|strong="H2088"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w*.   
\p
\v 5 \w Then|strong="H2088"\w* \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* \w servants|strong="H5288"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w*, bringing \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w fifth|strong="H2549"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w*. \w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w one|strong="H2088"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* written, but \w it|strong="H7971"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w not|strong="H2088"\w* sealed. \add He did that in order that others would read the message that the servant was carrying\add* \w in|strong="H1697"\w* \w his|strong="H7971"\w* \w hand|strong="H3027"\w*.  
\v 6 \w This|strong="H3651"\w* \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w message|strong="H1697"\w*:  
\pi1 “\w Some|strong="H1697"\w* \w people|strong="H1471"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* nearby countries \w have|strong="H1471"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w report|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* other \w Jews|strong="H3064"\w* \w are|strong="H1471"\w* \w rebuilding|strong="H1129"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \add in order to be able to resist attacks\add*, \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w are|strong="H1471"\w* \w planning|strong="H2803"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* revolt \add against the king of Babylon\add*. \w And|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w report|strong="H1697"\w* \w also|strong="H4428"\w* \w says|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w are|strong="H1471"\w* \w planning|strong="H2803"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* become \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \add of the Israelis\add*. \w Geshem|strong="H1654"\w* \w says|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H3651"\w* \w have|strong="H1471"\w* \w reported|strong="H8085"\w* \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w true|strong="H3651"\w*.  
\v 7  \add People are also saying that\add* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H1571"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w some|strong="H1697"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w proclaim|strong="H7121"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w*, \add Nehemiah,\add* \w are|strong="H1697"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* Judea. \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \add Artaxerxes\add* \w will|strong="H4428"\w* \w certainly|strong="H1571"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w these|strong="H7121"\w* \w reports|strong="H1697"\w*, \add and then you will be in big trouble\add*. \w So|strong="H7121"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* suggest \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w should|strong="H4428"\w* meet \w together|strong="H3162"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w talk|strong="H1697"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H6258"\w* \w matter|strong="H1697"\w*.”   
\p
\v 8  \add When I read that message,\add* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \add the messenger\add* back \w to|strong="H7971"\w* Sanballat \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w say|strong="H1697"\w*, “\w None|strong="H3808"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H1697"\w* \w saying|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H3820"\w* true. \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* ◄\w made|strong="H1961"\w* \w this|strong="H1697"\w* \w up|strong="H7971"\w*/concocted \w this|strong="H1697"\w*► \w in|strong="H1697"\w* \w your|strong="H3588"\w* \w own|strong="H1961"\w* head/\w mind|strong="H3820"\w*.”  
\v 9  \add I said that because I knew that\add* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H3027"\w* trying \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w cause|strong="H6213"\w* \w us|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*, \w with|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w result|strong="H4480"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w would|strong="H6213"\w* \w stop|strong="H3808"\w* \w working|strong="H6213"\w* \add on the wall\add*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* actually \w became|strong="H2388"\w* \w more|strong="H4480"\w* determined (\w OR|strong="H3068"\w*, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* prayed \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w help|strong="H2388"\w* \w me|strong="H4480"\w*) \add to continue the work\add*.   
\p
\v 10  \add One day\add* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* talk \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Delaiah|strong="H1806"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mehetabel|strong="H4105"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* talk \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w him|strong="H1931"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w able|strong="H6113"\w* (\w OR|strong="H3068"\w*, allowed) \w to|strong="H1121"\w* leave \w his|strong="H3588"\w* \w house|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H1931"\w* said \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w me|strong="H2026"\w*, “\w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w must|strong="H1121"\w* enter \w the|strong="H3588"\w* very sacred \w place|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* lock \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* going \w to|strong="H1121"\w* come \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w kill|strong="H2026"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w*.”   
\p
\v 11 \w I|strong="H3808"\w* replied, “\w I|strong="H3808"\w* ◄am \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w that|strong="H4310"\w* kind \w of|strong="H3808"\w* person/\w do|strong="H4310"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H4310"\w* \w things|strong="H3644"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* \w that|strong="H4310"\w*► [RHQ]! \w I|strong="H3808"\w* \w would|strong="H4310"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* run \w and|strong="H1272"\w* hide \w in|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3808"\w* \w temple|strong="H1964"\w* \w to|strong="H1272"\w* save \w my|strong="H3808"\w* \w life|strong="H2425"\w*! \w No|strong="H3808"\w*, \w I|strong="H3808"\w* \w will|strong="H4310"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H4310"\w* \w that|strong="H4310"\w*!”  
\v 12 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w thought|strong="H1696"\w* \add about what he had said\add*, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w realized|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w told|strong="H1696"\w* Shemaiah \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w say|strong="H1696"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w me|strong="H7971"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w realized|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* bribed \w him|strong="H5921"\w* \add to say that to me\add*.  
\v 13 \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* bribed \w him|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w cause|strong="H6213"\w* \w me|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w wanted|strong="H4616"\w* \w me|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \add disobey God’s commands and\add* \w sin|strong="H2398"\w* \add by hiding in the temple\add*. \w If|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H3651"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w*, \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w would|strong="H6213"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* able \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w ruin|strong="H7451"\w* \w my|strong="H1961"\w* \w reputation|strong="H8034"\w* [MTY] \w and|strong="H6213"\w* discredit \w me|strong="H6213"\w*.   
\p
\v 14  \add So I prayed,\add* “\w My|strong="H1961"\w* God, \w do|strong="H4639"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* forget \w what|strong="H4639"\w* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w* \w and|strong="H3372"\w* \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H1961"\w*. Punish \w them|strong="H1961"\w*. \w And|strong="H3372"\w* \w do|strong="H4639"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* forget \w that|strong="H5030"\w* \w the|strong="H2142"\w* female \w prophet|strong="H5030"\w* \w Noadiah|strong="H5129"\w* \w and|strong="H3372"\w* some \w of|strong="H4639"\w* \w the|strong="H2142"\w* other \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w have|strong="H1961"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* tried \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w cause|strong="H1961"\w* \w me|strong="H3372"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w be|strong="H1961"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*.”   
\s1 They finished building the wall  
\p
\v 15 \w On|strong="H3117"\w* October 2 \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w finished|strong="H7999"\w* rebuilding \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w We|strong="H3117"\w* \w did|strong="H3117"\w* \w it|strong="H7999"\w* \w all|strong="H3117"\w* \w in|strong="H3117"\w* 52 \w days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 16 \w When|strong="H3588"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* enemies \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* nearby countries \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w about|strong="H5439"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w*, \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w realized|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* humiliated, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w everyone|strong="H3605"\w* \w knew|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w it|strong="H6213"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* God helped \w us|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* able \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \add and that they had not been able to force us to quit\add*.   
\p
\v 17 \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w this|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Jewish \w leaders|strong="H2715"\w* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* been sending \w many|strong="H7235"\w* messages/letters \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w*, \w and|strong="H1980"\w* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* been sending messages \w back|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H1980"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*.  
\v 18 \w Many|strong="H7227"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H7227"\w* Judea \w were|strong="H1121"\w* closely associated \w with|strong="H3947"\w* Tobiah, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w son-in-law|strong="H2860"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shecaniah|strong="H7935"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Arah. Furthermore, Tobiah’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehohanan|strong="H3076"\w* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w daughter|strong="H1323"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Berekiah.  
\v 19 \w People|strong="H1571"\w* often talked \w in|strong="H6440"\w* \w my|strong="H7971"\w* \w presence|strong="H6440"\w* \w about|strong="H1961"\w* \w all|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w things|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w done|strong="H1961"\w*, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w then|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H1697"\w* \w would|strong="H1697"\w* tell \w him|strong="H6440"\w* everything \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w I|strong="H1697"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w*. \w So|strong="H7971"\w* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* many letters \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* try \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w cause|strong="H1697"\w* \w me|strong="H6440"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w afraid|strong="H3372"\w*.   
\c 7  
\p
\v 1 \w After|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w been|strong="H1961"\w* finished \w and|strong="H5975"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w put|strong="H6485"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \w gates|strong="H1817"\w* \w in|strong="H5975"\w* \w their|strong="H1961"\w* places, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w assigned|strong="H6485"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* temple \w guards|strong="H7778"\w* \w and|strong="H5975"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* members \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* \add sacred\add* choir \w and|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* other descendants \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w the|strong="H1129"\w* work \w that|strong="H3881"\w* \w they|strong="H5975"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* do.  
\v 2 \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w appointed|strong="H6680"\w* two \w men|strong="H8269"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \add help me to\add* govern \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w my|strong="H5921"\w* brother \w Hanani|strong="H2607"\w* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w commander|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w fortress|strong="H1002"\w* \add in Jerusalem\add*. \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w* always \w did|strong="H3389"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* work reliably, \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w he|strong="H1931"\w* \w revered|strong="H3372"\w* God \w more|strong="H7227"\w* \w than|strong="H5921"\w* most other \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w do|strong="H6680"\w*.  
\v 3 \w I|strong="H5704"\w* said \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w*, “Do \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w open|strong="H6605"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* late \w each|strong="H1817"\w* morning. \w And|strong="H1004"\w* close \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* put \w the|strong="H5704"\w* bars across \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w doors|strong="H1817"\w* \add ◄late in each afternoon/before sunset►\add* \w while|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* gatekeepers \w are|strong="H1992"\w* \w still|strong="H5975"\w* guarding \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w*.” \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w also|strong="H1817"\w* told \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w appoint|strong="H5975"\w* \w some|strong="H1992"\w* \w people|strong="H3427"\w* \w who|strong="H3427"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w guards|strong="H4931"\w* \add on the wall\add*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* assign \w some|strong="H1992"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w guards|strong="H4931"\w* \w at|strong="H3427"\w* certain \w other|strong="H5048"\w* \w places|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* assign \w others|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w guard|strong="H4929"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* area close \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* own \w houses|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\s1 A list of those who returned to Jerusalem  
\p
\v 4 \w The|strong="H8432"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \add of Jerusalem\add* covered \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* area, \w but|strong="H5971"\w* \add at that time\add* \w not|strong="H5971"\w* \w many|strong="H1419"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w lived|strong="H8432"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H8432"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w they|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H3027"\w* \w not|strong="H5971"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w many|strong="H1419"\w* new \w houses|strong="H1004"\w* yet [HYP].  
\v 5  \add To defend the city, we needed more people there.\add* \w Then|strong="H5414"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w me|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* idea \w to|strong="H5927"\w* summon \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w leaders|strong="H2715"\w* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w officials|strong="H5461"\w* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \add other\add* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H5927"\w* look \w in|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w books|strong="H5612"\w* \add in which were written the names\add* \w of|strong="H5971"\w* \w all|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* clans. \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w records|strong="H5612"\w* \w of|strong="H5971"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w had|strong="H5414"\w* \w first|strong="H7223"\w* \w returned|strong="H5927"\w* \w from|strong="H5927"\w* Babylonia. \w This|strong="H5414"\w* \w is|strong="H3820"\w* \w what|strong="H5927"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w found|strong="H4672"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w in|strong="H3789"\w* those \w records|strong="H5612"\w*:   
\pi1
\v 6 ◄\w This|strong="H7725"\w* \w is|strong="H4428"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* list/Here \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* names► \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* other places \w in|strong="H4428"\w* Judea. \w They|strong="H1540"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w been|strong="H5927"\w* living \w in|strong="H4428"\w* Babylonia \w since|strong="H5927"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Nebuchadnezzar|strong="H5019"\w*’s \w army|strong="H3389"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w captured|strong="H7628"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w relatives|strong="H1121"\w*/ancestors \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w took|strong="H5927"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* Babylonia. \w But|strong="H4428"\w* \w they|strong="H1540"\w* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* Judea \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* living \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \add where their ancestors had lived\add*.  
\v 7 \w Their|strong="H5973"\w* leaders \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w Zerubbabel|strong="H2216"\w*, Joshua, \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w Raamiah|strong="H7485"\w*, \w Nahamani|strong="H5167"\w*, \w Mordecai|strong="H4782"\w*, \w Bilshan|strong="H1114"\w*, \w Mispereth|strong="H4559"\w*, Bigvai, \w Nehum|strong="H5149"\w*, \w Baanah|strong="H1196"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w me|strong="H5973"\w*.  
\b  
\pi1 \w This|strong="H3478"\w* \w is|strong="H3478"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w list|strong="H4557"\w* \w of|strong="H4557"\w* \w the|strong="H5973"\w* \w number|strong="H4557"\w* \w of|strong="H4557"\w* \w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w each|strong="H5971"\w* clan \w who|strong="H5971"\w* returned:   
\li2
\v 8 2,172 men from the clan of Parosh;   
\li2
\v 9 372 men from the clan of Shephatiah;   
\li2
\v 10 652 men from the clan of Arah;   
\li2
\v 11 2,818 men from the clan of Pahath-Moab, who are descendants of Jeshua and Joab;   
\li2
\v 12 1,254 men from the clan of Elam;   
\li2
\v 13 845 men from the clan of Zattu;   
\li2
\v 14 760 men from the clan of Zaccai;   
\li2
\v 15 648 men from the clan of Bani (OR, Binnui);   
\li2
\v 16 628 men from the clan of Bebai;   
\li2
\v 17 2,322 men from the clan of Azgad;   
\li2
\v 18 667 men from the clan of Adonikam;   
\li2
\v 19 2,067 men from the clan of Bigvai;   
\li2
\v 20 655 men from the clan of Adin;   
\li2
\v 21 98 men from the clan of Ater, whose other name is Hezekiah;   
\li2
\v 22 328 men from the clan of Hashum;   
\li2
\v 23 324 men from the clan of Bezai;   
\li2
\v 24 112 men from the clan of Hariph, \add whose other name is Jorah\add*;   
\li2
\v 25 95 men from the clan of Gibeon, \add whose other name is Gibbar\add*.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 26 Men whose ancestors had lived \w in|strong="H1035"\w* these towns also returned:  
\li2 188 men from Bethlehem and Netophah   
\li2
\v 27 128 men from Anathoth;   
\li2
\v 28 42 men from Beth-Azmaveth   
\li2
\v 29 743 men from Kiriath-Jearim, Kephirah and Beeroth;   
\li2
\v 30 621 men from Ramah and Geba;   
\li2
\v 31 122 men from Micmash;   
\li2
\v 32 123 men from Bethel and Ai;   
\li2
\v 33 52 men from Nebo;   
\li2
\v 34 1,254 from Elam;   
\li2
\v 35 320 from Harim;   
\li2
\v 36 345 from Jericho;   
\li2
\v 37 721 from Lod, Hadid, and Ono;   
\li2
\v 38 3,930 from Senaah.  
\b  
\pi1 \w The|strong="H1121"\w* following priests \w also|strong="H1121"\w* returned:   
\li2
\v 39 973 from the clan of Jedaiah who are descendants of Jeshua;   
\li2
\v 40 1,052 from the clan of Immer;   
\li2
\v 41 1,247 from the clan of Pashhur;   
\li2
\v 42 1,017 from the clan of Harim.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 43  \add Other\add* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* returned \w were|strong="H1121"\w*:  
\li2 74 from the clan of Jeshua and Kadmiel, who are descendants of Hodevah \add who is also known as Hodaviah\add*;   
\li2
\v 44 148 singers who are descendants of Asaph.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 45 \w Also|strong="H1121"\w* 138 temple \w gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H7967"\w* clans \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shallum|strong="H7967"\w*, Ater, \w Talmon|strong="H2929"\w*, \w Akkub|strong="H6126"\w*, \w Hatita|strong="H2410"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Shobai|strong="H7630"\w* returned.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 46 \w Temple|strong="H5411"\w* workers \w who|strong="H1121"\w* returned \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* these \w men|strong="H1121"\w*:  
\li2 Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,   
\li2
\v 47 Keros, Sia \add who is also known as Siaha\add*, Padon,   
\li2
\v 48 Lebanah, Hagabah, Shalmai,   
\li2
\v 49 Hanan, Giddel, Gahar,   
\li2
\v 50 Reaiah, Rezin, Nekoda,   
\li2
\v 51 Gazzam, Uzza, Paseah,   
\li2
\v 52 Besai, Meunim, Ephusesim \add who is also called Nephusim\add*,   
\li2
\v 53 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,   
\li2
\v 54 Bazlith \add who is also called Bazluth\add*, Mehida, Harsha,   
\li2
\v 55 Barkos, Sisera, Temah,   
\li2
\v 56 Neziah, and Hatipha.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 57 \w Descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5650"\w* \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* King \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* returned \w were|strong="H1121"\w*:  
\li2 Sotai, Sophereth \add who is also called Hassophereth\add*, Perida \add who is also known as Peruda\add*,   
\li2
\v 58 Jaalah, Darkon, Giddel,   
\li2
\v 59 Shephatiah, Hattil, Pokereth-hazzebaim, and Amon.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 60 \w Altogether|strong="H3605"\w*, \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 392 \w temple|strong="H5411"\w* workers \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*’s \w servants|strong="H5650"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* returned.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 61-62 Another group of 642 people from the clans of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda also returned. They came from the towns of Tel-Melah, Tel-Harsha, Kerub, Addan (\add which is also known as Addon\add*), and Immer \add in Babylonia\add*. But they could not prove that they were descendants of Israelis.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 63 \w Priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* clans \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hobaiah|strong="H2252"\w*, \w Hakkoz|strong="H6976"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w also|strong="H8034"\w* returned. \w Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w had|strong="H3548"\w* \w married|strong="H3947"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w woman|strong="H1323"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w is|strong="H8034"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w descendant|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \add a man named\add* \w Barzillai|strong="H1271"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \add the\add* Gilead \add region\add*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w he|strong="H4480"\w* \w had|strong="H3548"\w* \w taken|strong="H3947"\w* \w his|strong="H7121"\w* wife’s family \w name|strong="H8034"\w*.  
\v 64 \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w searched|strong="H1245"\w* \w in|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* records \w that|strong="H4480"\w* contained \w the|strong="H4480"\w* names \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w people|strong="H3808"\w*’s ancestors, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* could \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w find|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* names \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w those|strong="H4480"\w* clans, \w so|strong="H4480"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w were|strong="H4672"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* allowed \w to|strong="H1245"\w* \w have|strong="H4672"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* rights \w and|strong="H4480"\w* duties \w that|strong="H4480"\w* \w priests|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H4672"\w* right \w away|strong="H4480"\w*.  
\v 65 \w The|strong="H5704"\w* \w governor|strong="H8660"\w* told \w them|strong="H5975"\w* \w that|strong="H3548"\w* \w before|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* could eat \w the|strong="H5704"\w* food offered \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H6944"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w should|strong="H3548"\w* use \w the|strong="H5704"\w* marked stones \add to find out what God said about their being priests\add*.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 66 \w Altogether|strong="H3605"\w*, \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H7969"\w* 42,360 people \w who|strong="H3605"\w* returned \w to|strong="H3605"\w* Judea.  
\v 67 There \w were|strong="H5650"\w* also 7,337 \w of|strong="H5650"\w* their \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 245 \w singers|strong="H7891"\w*, which included \w men|strong="H5650"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w women|strong="H7891"\w*.  
\v 68 \w The|strong="H3967"\w* Israelis \w also|strong="H1581"\w* brought back \add from Babylonia\add* 736 horses, 245 mules,  
\v 69 435 camels, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 6,720 donkeys.   
\b  
\pi1
\v 70 Some \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* clans \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* gifts \w for|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \add of rebuilding the temple\add*. \w I|strong="H5414"\w*, being \w the|strong="H5414"\w* governor, \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* ◄17 pounds/8.6 kg.► \w of|strong="H7218"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, 50 bowls \add to be used in the temple\add*, \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 530 robes \w for|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* priests.  
\v 71 \w Some|strong="H5971"\w* \w of|strong="H7611"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* leaders \w of|strong="H7611"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* clans \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* total \w of|strong="H7611"\w* ◄337 pounds/153 kg.► \w of|strong="H7611"\w* \w gold|strong="H2091"\w*, \w and|strong="H3701"\w* ◄3,215 pounds/1,460 kg.► \w of|strong="H7611"\w* \w silver|strong="H3701"\w*.  
\v 72 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* rest \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* gave \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w total|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* ◄337 pounds/153 kg.► \w of|strong="H1121"\w* gold, ◄2,923 pounds/1,330 kg.► \w of|strong="H1121"\w* silver, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* 67 robes \w for|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 73 So the priests, the \add other\add* descendants of Levi \add who helped the priests\add*, the temple guards, the musicians, the temple workers, and many ordinary people, who were all Israelis, started to live in the towns and cities of Judea \add where their ancestors had lived\add*.   
\c 8  
\s1 Ezra read from the laws of Moses  
\p
\v 1-2 Ezra, who taught people the laws of Moses, \add had a scroll on which\add* the laws of Moses were written. Those were the laws that \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* had commanded the Israeli people \add to obey\add*. On October 8 of that year, all the people gathered together in the plaza/square that was close to the Water Gate. Men and women and \add children\add* who \add were old enough to\add* understand gathered together. Someone told Ezra to bring out that scroll.  
\v 3 \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w he|strong="H3117"\w* brought \w it|strong="H7121"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w it|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \w He|strong="H3117"\w* started \w reading|strong="H7121"\w* \w it|strong="H7121"\w* early \w in|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* morning \w and|strong="H3117"\w* continued \w reading|strong="H7121"\w* \w it|strong="H7121"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* noontime. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* listened \w carefully|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* written \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w*.   
\p
\v 4 \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w high|strong="H6213"\w* \w wooden|strong="H6086"\w* \w platform|strong="H4026"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w had|strong="H5830"\w* been \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w just|strong="H1697"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H1697"\w* \w event|strong="H1697"\w*. \w At|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w Mattithiah|strong="H4993"\w*, \w Shema|strong="H8087"\w*, \w Anaiah|strong="H6043"\w*, Uriah, \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w*, \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*. \w At|strong="H5921"\w* \w his|strong="H5921"\w* \w left|strong="H8040"\w* \w side|strong="H3225"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w Pedaiah|strong="H6305"\w*, \w Mishael|strong="H4332"\w*, \w Malkijah|strong="H4441"\w*, \w Hashum|strong="H2828"\w*, \w Hashbaddanah|strong="H2806"\w*, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w*.   
\p
\v 5 \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* platform \w above|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w could|strong="H5971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w see|strong="H5869"\w* \w him|strong="H5921"\w*. \w He|strong="H3588"\w* \w opened|strong="H6605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w*; \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H5971"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w*, \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w up|strong="H5975"\w*, \add and they continued to stand, to show respect for God’s word\add*.  
\v 6 \w Then|strong="H6030"\w* \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w praised|strong="H1288"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w lifted|strong="H5971"\w* \w up|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w hands|strong="H3027"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w said|strong="H6030"\w*, “Amen! Amen!” \w Then|strong="H6030"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w bowed|strong="H7812"\w* \w down|strong="H7812"\w* \w with|strong="H3068"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* foreheads touching \w the|strong="H3605"\w* ground, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*.   
\p
\v 7 \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w Bani|strong="H1137"\w*, \w Sherebiah|strong="H8274"\w*, \w Jamin|strong="H3226"\w*, \w Akkub|strong="H6126"\w*, \w Shabbethai|strong="H7678"\w*, \w Hodiah|strong="H1941"\w*, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Kelita|strong="H7042"\w*, \w Azariah|strong="H5838"\w*, \w Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, \w Hanan|strong="H2605"\w*, \w and|strong="H5971"\w* \w Pelaiah|strong="H6411"\w*, \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w all|strong="H5921"\w* ◄\w Levites|strong="H3881"\w*/\w men|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* worked \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* temple►. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* explained \w the|strong="H5921"\w* meaning \w of|strong="H8451"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H8451"\w* Moses \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w standing|strong="H5977"\w* there.  
\v 8 \w They|strong="H7121"\w* also \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w from|strong="H7760"\w* scrolls \w that|strong="H7121"\w* contained \w the|strong="H7760"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w that|strong="H7121"\w* God \add gave to Moses\add*, \w and|strong="H8451"\w* \w they|strong="H7121"\w* interpreted \add into the Aramaic language\add* what \w they|strong="H7121"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w*, making \w the|strong="H7760"\w* meaning \w clear|strong="H6567"\w* \w so|strong="H7121"\w* \w that|strong="H7121"\w* \w the|strong="H7760"\w* people could understand \w the|strong="H7760"\w* meaning.   
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H8085"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w*, \w Nehemiah|strong="H5166"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w governor|strong="H8660"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* interpreting \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w being|strong="H5971"\w* read \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H8085"\w*, “\w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* considers \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* very \w holy|strong="H6918"\w*/sacred. \w So|strong="H3588"\w* \w do|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w be|strong="H1697"\w* sad \w or|strong="H8085"\w* cry!” \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w said|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w crying|strong="H1058"\w* \w as|strong="H1697"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w listening|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Moses|strong="H3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="H7971"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* said \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w them|strong="H7971"\w*, “\w Now|strong="H3117"\w* \w go|strong="H3212"\w* \w home|strong="H3212"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* enjoy \add some\add* good \w food|strong="H4490"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w drink|strong="H8354"\w* \add some\add* \w sweet|strong="H4477"\w* wine. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w send|strong="H7971"\w* \w some|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* \w do|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3068"\w* anything \add to eat or drink\add*. \w This|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* considers sacred. \w Do|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* sad! \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* cause \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w be|strong="H3068"\w* joyful \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w make|strong="H3559"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w strong|strong="H4581"\w*.”   
\p
\v 11 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w also|strong="H3117"\w* caused \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* \w be|strong="H3117"\w* \w quiet|strong="H2013"\w*, saying “\w Be|strong="H3117"\w* \w quiet|strong="H2013"\w* \add and do not cry\add*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w this|strong="H3588"\w* \w is|strong="H3117"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* sacred \w day|strong="H3117"\w*! \w Do|strong="H3605"\w* \w not|strong="H3588"\w* \w be|strong="H3117"\w* sad!”   
\p
\v 12 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H3212"\w* \w away|strong="H7971"\w*, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* ate \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w drank|strong="H8354"\w*, \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w sent|strong="H7971"\w* \w portions|strong="H4490"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w food|strong="H4490"\w* \add to those who did not have any\add*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w very|strong="H1419"\w* \w joyfully|strong="H8057"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w heard|strong="H3588"\w* \w and|strong="H7971"\w* \w understood|strong="H3045"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w been|strong="H5971"\w* \w read|strong="H3045"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w them|strong="H7971"\w*.   
\p
\v 13 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w next|strong="H8145"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* families \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* met \w with|strong="H1697"\w* \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* study \w carefully|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3548"\w* given \w to|strong="H3117"\w* Moses.  
\v 14 \w While|strong="H4672"\w* \w they|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w doing|strong="H3027"\w* \w that|strong="H3068"\w*, \w they|strong="H3068"\w* realized \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* \w had|strong="H3068"\w* \w told|strong="H6680"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w command|strong="H6680"\w* \w the|strong="H3068"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w shelters|strong="H5521"\w* during \w that|strong="H3068"\w* \w month|strong="H2320"\w*, \add to remember that their ancestors lived in shelters when they left Egypt\add*.  
\v 15 \w They|strong="H6213"\w* \w also|strong="H6213"\w* learned \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w should|strong="H2132"\w* \w proclaim|strong="H8085"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H8085"\w* \w should|strong="H2132"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w hills|strong="H2022"\w* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* cut \w branches|strong="H5929"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w olive|strong="H2132"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \add that they have planted\add* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w wild|strong="H6213"\w* \w olive|strong="H2132"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w myrtle|strong="H1918"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* \w palm|strong="H8558"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w and|strong="H6086"\w* fig \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*. \w They|strong="H6213"\w* \w should|strong="H2132"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w shelters|strong="H5521"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w these|strong="H6213"\w* \w branches|strong="H5929"\w*, \w and|strong="H6086"\w* live \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w shelters|strong="H5521"\w* \w during|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* festival, \w just|strong="H3605"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w Moses|strong="H3318"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \add that they should do\add*.   
\p
\v 16 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w went|strong="H3318"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \add of the city\add* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* cut branches \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w build|strong="H6213"\w* \w shelters|strong="H5521"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w shelters|strong="H5521"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \add flat\add* \w roofs|strong="H1406"\w* \add of their houses\add*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H1992"\w* \w courtyards|strong="H2691"\w*, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w courtyards|strong="H2691"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w plazas|strong="H7339"\w*/\w squares|strong="H7339"\w* close \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Water|strong="H4325"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Ephraim \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*.  
\v 17 \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w returned|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* Babylon \w built|strong="H6213"\w* \w shelters|strong="H5521"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \add for one week\add*. \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w celebrated|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w festival|strong="H8057"\w* \w like|strong="H1961"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* Joshua \w lived|strong="H3427"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w were|strong="H3478"\w* \w very|strong="H3966"\w* joyful.   
\p
\v 18 \w Every|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* week \w Ezra|strong="H7121"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* people \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* contained \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* God \add gave Moses\add*. \w Then|strong="H6213"\w* \w on|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w eighth|strong="H8066"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w just|strong="H4941"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \w one|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* God \w said|strong="H7121"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w should|strong="H3117"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6213"\w* \w together|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* end \w the|strong="H6213"\w* celebration.   
\c 9  
\s1 The people confessed their sins  
\p
\v 1 \w On|strong="H5921"\w* October 31, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w gathered|strong="H3478"\w* \w together|strong="H5921"\w* \w again|strong="H3478"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* ◄fasted/abstained \w from|strong="H5921"\w* eating food►, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w wore|strong="H5921"\w* clothes \w made|strong="H3478"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* rough cloth, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* put dirt \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* heads \add to show that they were sorry for their sins\add*.  
\v 2 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w* separated \w themselves|strong="H5771"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w foreigners|strong="H1121"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w confessed|strong="H3034"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sins|strong="H2403"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors \w had|strong="H3478"\w* \w committed|strong="H3478"\w*.  
\v 3 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w scroll|strong="H5612"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* contained \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w* \w whom|strong="H7121"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \add worshiped\add*, \w was|strong="H3068"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* three hours. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* three \w more|strong="H5921"\w* hours \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w confessed|strong="H3034"\w* \w their|strong="H3068"\w* sins \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w worshiped|strong="H7812"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*.  
\v 4  \add Some of\add* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H3068"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* standing \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w stairs|strong="H4608"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w Bani|strong="H1137"\w*, \w Kadmiel|strong="H6934"\w*, \w Shebaniah|strong="H7645"\w*, \w Bunni|strong="H1138"\w*, \w Sherebiah|strong="H8274"\w*, \add another\add* \w Bani|strong="H1137"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* Kenani.  
\v 5 \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \add the leaders of\add* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levites|strong="H3881"\w* \w called|strong="H8034"\w* \w out|strong="H4480"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w Bani|strong="H1137"\w*, \w Hashabneiah|strong="H2813"\w*, \w Sherebiah|strong="H8274"\w*, \w Hodiah|strong="H1941"\w*, \w Shebaniah|strong="H7645"\w*, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w Pethahiah|strong="H6611"\w*. \w They|strong="H3068"\w* said, “\w While|strong="H5704"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* standing \w there|strong="H4480"\w*, \w praise|strong="H8416"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*, \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w has|strong="H3068"\w* \w always|strong="H3605"\w* lived \w and|strong="H6965"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w live|strong="H8034"\w* \w forever|strong="H5769"\w*!”  
\p \add Then one of them continued by praying this to God\add*,  
\pi1 “\w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w praise|strong="H8416"\w* \w your|strong="H3068"\w* \w glorious|strong="H3519"\w* \w name|strong="H8034"\w*! \w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w much|strong="H3605"\w* greater \w than|strong="H4480"\w* \w anything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* can think \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w or|strong="H5704"\w* talk \w about|strong="H5921"\w*!   
\pi1
\v 6 “\w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w only|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H8064"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w heavens|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* stars. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w earth|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w*, \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w seas|strong="H3220"\w*/oceans \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w You|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H8064"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w one|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w gives|strong="H2421"\w* \w life|strong="H2421"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w and|strong="H3068"\w* helps \w them|strong="H5921"\w* remain \w alive|strong="H2421"\w*. \w All|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* angels \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H8064"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w worship|strong="H7812"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 7 “\w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w*, \w you|strong="H7760"\w* \w are|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w You|strong="H7760"\w* chose Abram \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w brought|strong="H3318"\w* \w him|strong="H7760"\w* \w out|strong="H3318"\w* \w of|strong="H3068"\w* Ur \add city\add* \w in|strong="H3068"\w* \w Chaldea|strong="H3778"\w* \add region\add*. \w You|strong="H7760"\w* \w gave|strong="H7760"\w* \w him|strong="H7760"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* new \w name|strong="H8034"\w*, Abraham.  
\v 8 \w You|strong="H3588"\w* saw \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1697"\w* trustworthy. \w Then|strong="H6965"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w made|strong="H3772"\w* ◄\w an|strong="H5414"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w*/\w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w promise|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w*► \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, \w saying|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w would|strong="H1697"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \add to him and\add* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w his|strong="H5414"\w* \w descendants|strong="H2233"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w descendants|strong="H2233"\w* \w of|strong="H1697"\w* \w Canaan|strong="H3669"\w*, Heth, Amor, Periz, Jebus, \w and|strong="H6965"\w* Girgash lived \w in|strong="H4672"\w*. \w And|strong="H6965"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H4672"\w* \w done|strong="H5414"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w promised|strong="H5414"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* always \w do|strong="H1697"\w* \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w is|strong="H1697"\w* \w right|strong="H6662"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 9 “\w You|strong="H5921"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w what|strong="H7200"\w* \w our|strong="H7200"\w* ancestors \w were|strong="H4714"\w* \w suffering|strong="H6040"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*. \w You|strong="H5921"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w cry|strong="H2201"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* help \w when|strong="H7200"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H4714"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Red|strong="H5488"\w* \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w knew|strong="H3045"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* leaders \w of|strong="H3117"\w* Egypt \w were|strong="H5971"\w* treating \w our|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w arrogantly|strong="H2102"\w*, \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w performed|strong="H6213"\w* many \w kinds|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w miracles|strong="H4159"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w caused|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w officials|strong="H5650"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w suffer|strong="H5414"\w*. \w As|strong="H3117"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* result, \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w became|strong="H5650"\w* \w famous|strong="H8034"\w* \w then|strong="H2088"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w still|strong="H5971"\w* \w famous|strong="H8034"\w*!  
\v 11 \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w caused|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Red \w Sea|strong="H3220"\w* \w to|strong="H6440"\w* \w divide|strong="H1234"\w*, \w with|strong="H6440"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* result \w that|strong="H4325"\w* \w your|strong="H6440"\w* people walked \w through|strong="H5674"\w* \w it|strong="H8432"\w* \w on|strong="H5674"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w ground|strong="H3004"\w* \w without|strong="H6440"\w* \add getting their feet\add* wet. \add After they were all safely on the other side,\add* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \add caused the water to come back again\add*, \w and|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w hurled|strong="H7993"\w* \w into|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w deep|strong="H4688"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \add soldiers of the Egyptian army\add* \w that|strong="H4325"\w* \w were|strong="H4325"\w* \w pursuing|strong="H7291"\w* \w our|strong="H8432"\w* ancestors. \w Their|strong="H6440"\w* soldiers sank \w into|strong="H8432"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w deep|strong="H4688"\w* \w sea|strong="H3220"\w* \w like|strong="H3644"\w* stones!  
\v 12 During each \w day|strong="H3119"\w* \w you|strong="H3915"\w* \w led|strong="H3212"\w* our ancestors \w with|strong="H3212"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* bright \w cloud|strong="H6051"\w* \w that|strong="H1992"\w* resembled \w a|strong="H3068"\w* huge \w pillar|strong="H5982"\w*, \w and|strong="H3212"\w* each \w night|strong="H3915"\w* \w you|strong="H3915"\w* \w led|strong="H3212"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w by|strong="H1870"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* flaming \w cloud|strong="H6051"\w* \w that|strong="H1992"\w* gave \w them|strong="H1992"\w* light \w to|strong="H3212"\w* show \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w where|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w walk|strong="H3212"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 13 “\w When|strong="H1696"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* ancestors \w were|strong="H8064"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w Sinai|strong="H5514"\w* \w Mountain|strong="H2022"\w*, \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w came|strong="H3381"\w* \w down|strong="H3381"\w* \w from|strong="H3381"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w* \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* many \w regulations|strong="H4941"\w* \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w instructions|strong="H4687"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H8064"\w* \w just|strong="H4941"\w* \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w reliable|strong="H2896"\w*, \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w* \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H8064"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w*.  
\v 14 \w You|strong="H6680"\w* \w taught|strong="H3045"\w* \w them|strong="H3027"\w* \w about|strong="H3045"\w* \w your|strong="H3045"\w* \w holy|strong="H6944"\w* ◄\w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w*/\w day|strong="H6944"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* rest►, \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w you|strong="H6680"\w* \w gave|strong="H6680"\w* many kinds \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w your|strong="H3045"\w* \w servant|strong="H5650"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w* \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w him|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w tell|strong="H3045"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3045"\w* \w people|strong="H3045"\w*.  
\v 15 \w When|strong="H3318"\w* \w they|strong="H3027"\w* \w were|strong="H4325"\w* hungry, \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* manna \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w*; \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w when|strong="H3318"\w* \w they|strong="H3027"\w* \w were|strong="H4325"\w* \w thirsty|strong="H6772"\w*, \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w rock|strong="H5553"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* commanded \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w go|strong="H3318"\w* \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w take|strong="H5375"\w*, \w from|strong="H3318"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* people who lived there, \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w land|strong="H8064"\w* \w which|strong="H4325"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w had|strong="H5414"\w* \w promised|strong="H3318"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w give|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3318"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 16 “\w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w our|strong="H8085"\w* ancestors \w were|strong="H1992"\w* \w very|strong="H1992"\w* \w proud|strong="H2102"\w* \w and|strong="H8085"\w* \w stubborn|strong="H7185"\w* [IDM], \w and|strong="H8085"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w do|strong="H8085"\w* \w what|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w to|strong="H8085"\w* \w do|strong="H8085"\w*.  
\v 17 \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w refused|strong="H3985"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w heed|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* forgot \w about|strong="H6213"\w* \w all|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w miracles|strong="H6381"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w had|strong="H5414"\w* \w performed|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w Instead|strong="H3808"\w*, \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w became|strong="H7185"\w* \w stubborn|strong="H7185"\w* [IDM], \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5414"\w* \w someone|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w lead|strong="H7218"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w back|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* Egypt, \w where|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w would|strong="H6213"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* slaves \w again|strong="H7725"\w*! \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H7227"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* \w who|strong="H7227"\w* forgives \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w who|strong="H7227"\w* \w is|strong="H2617"\w* kind \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w merciful|strong="H7349"\w* \add to us\add*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* quickly \w become|strong="H7725"\w* angry. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* always \w faithfully|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 18 \w So|strong="H6213"\w*, \w even|strong="H3588"\w* \w though|strong="H3588"\w* \w their|strong="H3588"\w* \add leaders\add* \w made|strong="H6213"\w* \w an|strong="H6213"\w* idol \w that|strong="H3588"\w* resembled \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w calf|strong="H5695"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* insulted \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w by|strong="H5927"\w* saying \add about the idol\add*, ‘\w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* \w our|strong="H3588"\w* god, \w who|strong="H2088"\w* \w brought|strong="H5927"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w out|strong="H6213"\w* \w of|strong="H6213"\w* \w Egypt|strong="H4714"\w*,’ \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H6213"\w* desert \w them|strong="H6213"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 19 “\w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* always act mercifully, \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w abandon|strong="H5800"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w when|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w were|strong="H7227"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* bright \w cloud|strong="H6051"\w* \w which|strong="H4057"\w* \w was|strong="H6051"\w* \w like|strong="H3808"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w huge|strong="H7227"\w* \w pillar|strong="H5982"\w* continued \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w lead|strong="H5148"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* during \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w daytime|strong="H3119"\w*, \w and|strong="H3212"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* fiery \w cloud|strong="H6051"\w* showed \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w walk|strong="H3212"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w night|strong="H3915"\w*.  
\v 20 \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w sent|strong="H5414"\w* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w good|strong="H2896"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w instruct|strong="H7919"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* continued \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w provide|strong="H5414"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w when|strong="H6310"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w were|strong="H4325"\w* \w thirsty|strong="H6772"\w*.  
\v 21 \w For|strong="H7272"\w* 40 \w years|strong="H8141"\w* \w you|strong="H3808"\w* took care \w of|strong="H8141"\w* \w them|strong="H1086"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3808"\w* \w desert|strong="H4057"\w*. During \w all|strong="H2637"\w* \w that|strong="H8141"\w* \w time|strong="H8141"\w*, \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H3557"\w* everything \add that they needed\add*. \w Their|strong="H3808"\w* \w clothes|strong="H8008"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w wear|strong="H1086"\w* \w out|strong="H3808"\w*, \w and|strong="H8141"\w* \w their|strong="H3808"\w* \w feet|strong="H7272"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w swell|strong="H1216"\w* up \add even though they were continually walking\add*.   
\pi1
\v 22 “\w You|strong="H5414"\w* helped \w our|strong="H5414"\w* ancestors \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* armies \w of|strong="H4428"\w* great \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w* many people-groups. \w By|strong="H5414"\w* doing \w that|strong="H5971"\w*, \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w enabled|strong="H5414"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* ancestors \w to|strong="H5414"\w* ◄\w occupy|strong="H3423"\w*/live \w in|strong="H4428"\w*► even \w the|strong="H5414"\w* \w most|strong="H4428"\w* distant places \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \w this|strong="H5414"\w* land. \w They|strong="H5971"\w* \w occupied|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* land \w over|strong="H4428"\w* \w which|strong="H5971"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Sihon|strong="H5511"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w* \w from|strong="H6285"\w* \w Heshbon|strong="H2809"\w* \add city\add* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H5414"\w* land \w over|strong="H4428"\w* \w which|strong="H5971"\w* \w King|strong="H4428"\w* \w Og|strong="H5747"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w* \w in|strong="H4428"\w* \add the\add* \w Bashan|strong="H1316"\w* \add area\add*.  
\v 23 \w You|strong="H7235"\w* caused our ancestors’ \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w become|strong="H3423"\w* \w as|strong="H1121"\w* \w numerous|strong="H7235"\w* \w as|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3423"\w* \w stars|strong="H3556"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3423"\w* \w sky|strong="H8064"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H7235"\w* brought \w them|strong="H3423"\w* \w into|strong="H3423"\w* \w this|strong="H3423"\w* \w land|strong="H8064"\w*, \w the|strong="H3423"\w* \w land|strong="H8064"\w* \w that|strong="H1121"\w* \w you|strong="H7235"\w* told \w their|strong="H3423"\w* fathers \w to|strong="H1121"\w* enter \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w occupy|strong="H3423"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Their|strong="H5414"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w went|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w took|strong="H3423"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \add from the people that lived there\add*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w enabled|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Canaan|strong="H3669"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* here \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w this|strong="H6213"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w enabled|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w conquer|strong="H3423"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Canaan|strong="H3669"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w whom|strong="H6440"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w ruled|strong="H4428"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w enabled|strong="H5414"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* ancestors \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w those|strong="H1121"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* whatever \w they|strong="H6213"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 25 \w Our|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors \w captured|strong="H3920"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w had|strong="H7646"\w* walls around \w them|strong="H3423"\w*, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w they|strong="H3605"\w* \w took|strong="H3920"\w* \w possession|strong="H3423"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w fertile|strong="H8082"\w* land. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w took|strong="H3920"\w* \w possession|strong="H3423"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w houses|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H5892"\w* \w full|strong="H4392"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w good|strong="H2898"\w* \w things|strong="H1419"\w*, \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H5892"\w* wells \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H5892"\w* already dug. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w took|strong="H3920"\w* \w possession|strong="H3423"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w many|strong="H7230"\w* \w vineyards|strong="H3754"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w groves|strong="H2132"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w olive|strong="H2132"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w fruit|strong="H3978"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* ate \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H3605"\w* wanted \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w became|strong="H7646"\w* \w fat|strong="H8080"\w*. \w They|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H5892"\w* \w delighted|strong="H5727"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H3605"\w* \w good|strong="H2898"\w* \w things|strong="H1419"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* gave \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w them|strong="H3423"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 26 “\w But|strong="H5749"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w disobeyed|strong="H4784"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w rebelled|strong="H4784"\w* \w against|strong="H4775"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w*. \w They|strong="H6213"\w* ◄\w turned|strong="H7725"\w* \w their|strong="H7725"\w* \w backs|strong="H1458"\w* \w on|strong="H6213"\w*/rejected► \w your|strong="H7725"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w*. \w They|strong="H6213"\w* \w killed|strong="H2026"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w* \w who|strong="H5030"\w* \w warned|strong="H5749"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w that|strong="H5030"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \w should|strong="H6213"\w* \w return|strong="H7725"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H7725"\w*. \w They|strong="H6213"\w* badly insulted \w you|strong="H7725"\w*.  
\v 27 \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w allowed|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w enemies|strong="H6862"\w* \w to|strong="H6256"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w But|strong="H8085"\w* \w when|strong="H6256"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w enemies|strong="H6862"\w* \w caused|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H6256"\w* \w suffer|strong="H5414"\w*, \w they|strong="H6256"\w* \w called|strong="H6817"\w* \w out|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H6256"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w because|strong="H3027"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H3027"\w* \w very|strong="H7227"\w* merciful, \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w sent|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w people|strong="H6862"\w* \w to|strong="H6256"\w* \w help|strong="H3467"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, \w and|strong="H8064"\w* \w those|strong="H8085"\w* leaders rescued \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w enemies|strong="H6862"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 28 “\w But|strong="H5800"\w* \w after|strong="H6256"\w* \w there|strong="H7725"\w* \w was|strong="H3027"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w time|strong="H6256"\w* \w of|strong="H3027"\w* \w peace|strong="H5117"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w*, \w our|strong="H8085"\w* ancestors \w again|strong="H7725"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w things|strong="H7451"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w displeased|strong="H7451"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w*. \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* allowed \w their|strong="H8085"\w* \w enemies|strong="H3027"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* conquer \w them|strong="H7725"\w*. \w But|strong="H5800"\w* \w whenever|strong="H6256"\w* \w they|strong="H6256"\w* \w cried|strong="H2199"\w* \w out|strong="H2199"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w* \add to help them\add*, \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w from|strong="H7725"\w* \w heaven|strong="H8064"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w because|strong="H6440"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w act|strong="H6213"\w* mercifully, \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w rescued|strong="H5337"\w* \w them|strong="H7725"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w times|strong="H6256"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 29 “\w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w warned|strong="H5749"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w should|strong="H6213"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w* \add obey\add* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w became|strong="H7185"\w* \w proud|strong="H2102"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w stubborn|strong="H5637"\w*, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* disobeyed \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* \w by|strong="H5414"\w* disobeying \w what|strong="H6213"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w*, \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w things|strong="H4687"\w* \w that|strong="H8085"\w* \w would|strong="H2421"\w* enable \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w live|strong="H2421"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* good \w long|strong="H8085"\w* \w life|strong="H2421"\w* \add if they obeyed them\add*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w stubbornly|strong="H5637"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* [IDM] \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w listen|strong="H8085"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* continued \w sinning|strong="H2398"\w*.  
\v 30 \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* patient \w with|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w many|strong="H7227"\w* \w years|strong="H8141"\w*. \w You|strong="H5414"\w* \w warned|strong="H5749"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* trough \add the messages\add* \w your|strong="H5414"\w* \w Spirit|strong="H7307"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*. \w But|strong="H3808"\w* \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w did|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* ◄heed/\w pay|strong="H5414"\w* \w attention|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w*► \w those|strong="H5921"\w* messages. \w So|strong="H5414"\w* again \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w allowed|strong="H5414"\w* \add the armies of\add* other \w nations|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w defeat|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.  
\v 31 \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w act|strong="H6213"\w* \w very|strong="H7227"\w* mercifully, \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w get|strong="H6213"\w* rid \w of|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w completely|strong="H3617"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w abandon|strong="H5800"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \add forever\add*. \w You|strong="H3588"\w* \w are|strong="H7227"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H7227"\w* \w gracious|strong="H2587"\w*/kind \w and|strong="H6213"\w* \w merciful|strong="H7349"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w*!   
\pi1
\v 32 “\w Our|strong="H3605"\w* God, \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w great|strong="H1419"\w*! \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w mighty|strong="H1368"\w*! \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w awesome|strong="H3372"\w*! \w You|strong="H6440"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H2617"\w* \w love|strong="H2617"\w* \w us|strong="H6440"\w* \w as|strong="H5704"\w* \add you promised in\add* \w your|strong="H3605"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H1285"\w* \w us|strong="H6440"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* \w would|strong="H5971"\w* \w do|strong="H8104"\w*! \w But|strong="H6258"\w* \w now|strong="H6258"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* experiencing \w great|strong="H1419"\w* difficulties/hardships. \w Great|strong="H1419"\w* troubles \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w come|strong="H4672"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w us|strong="H6440"\w*, \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w*, \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \add other\add* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w*, \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* \w prophets|strong="H5030"\w*. \w We|strong="H3117"\w* \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w been|strong="H5971"\w* experiencing \w these|strong="H2088"\w* troubles \w since|strong="H3117"\w* \add the armies of\add* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Assyria \add conquered us\add*, \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w still|strong="H5971"\w* experiencing \w them|strong="H6440"\w*. \w We|strong="H3117"\w* \w ask|strong="H4428"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w you|strong="H6440"\w* sincerely think \w about|strong="H4428"\w* [LIT] \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w these|strong="H2088"\w* \w things|strong="H1419"\w*.  
\v 33  \add We know that\add* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w acted|strong="H6213"\w* justly \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w time|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* punished \w us|strong="H5921"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3605"\w* sinned greatly, \w but|strong="H3588"\w* \w you|strong="H3588"\w* \w have|strong="H3605"\w* \w treated|strong="H6213"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w fairly|strong="H6662"\w*.  
\v 34 \w Our|strong="H6213"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* other \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w our|strong="H6213"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w our|strong="H6213"\w* other ancestors \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w obey|strong="H6213"\w* \w your|strong="H6213"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w*. \w They|strong="H3808"\w* \w did|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w heed|strong="H7181"\w* \w your|strong="H6213"\w* \w commands|strong="H4687"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w warnings|strong="H5715"\w* \w that|strong="H3548"\w* \w you|strong="H6213"\w* \w gave|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*.  
\v 35 \w Even|strong="H3808"\w* \w when|strong="H7725"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w had|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w own|strong="H6440"\w* kings, \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* enjoyed \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w good|strong="H2898"\w* \w things|strong="H2898"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w for|strong="H6440"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H7227"\w* \w this|strong="H5414"\w* \w large|strong="H7342"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w fertile|strong="H8082"\w* \w land|strong="H6440"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w serve|strong="H5647"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w*. \w They|strong="H1992"\w* \w refused|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* quit \w doing|strong="H7451"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w was|strong="H7451"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 36 “\w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w now|strong="H3117"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \add like\add* \w slaves|strong="H5650"\w* \w here|strong="H2009"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H5414"\w* land \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* ancestors, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* land \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H5414"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* order \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* could enjoy \w all|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w good|strong="H2898"\w* \w things|strong="H2898"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* grow \w here|strong="H2009"\w*.  
\v 37 \w Because|strong="H5921"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w have|strong="H5414"\w* \w sinned|strong="H2403"\w*, \add we cannot eat the things that grow here\add*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w now|strong="H5414"\w* \w rule|strong="H4910"\w* \w over|strong="H5921"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H4428"\w* enjoying \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w things|strong="H1419"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w grow|strong="H7235"\w* \w here|strong="H5921"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w rule|strong="H4910"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \add take\add* \w our|strong="H5414"\w* cattle. We \w have|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* serve \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H4428"\w* \w do|strong="H2403"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w things|strong="H1419"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w please|strong="H7522"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. We \w are|strong="H4428"\w* experiencing \w great|strong="H1419"\w* misery/\w distress|strong="H6869"\w*.   
\s1 The people’s agreement  
\p
\v 38 “However, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \add Israeli\add* people now are making an agreement/promise \add to obey you\add*, and \w we|strong="H3068"\w* are writing this agreement/promise \add on a scroll\add*. We will write on it the names of our leaders and the names of the Levites and the names of the priests, and then \w we|strong="H3068"\w* will seal it.”   
\c 10  
\s1 Those who signed the agreement  
\p
\v 1 ◄\w This|strong="H2063"\w* \w is|strong="H3605"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* list/\w These|strong="H2063"\w* \w are|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* names► \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w signed|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* agreement:  
\b  
\li1 I, Nehemiah, the governor; and also Zedekiah.   
\b  
\m
\v 2 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* priests \w who|strong="H1121"\w* signed \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w*:  
\li1 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,   
\li1
\v 3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah,   
\li1
\v 4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,   
\li1
\v 5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,   
\li1
\v 6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,   
\li1
\v 7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,   
\li1
\v 8 Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah.   
\b  
\m
\v 9 \w The|strong="H3548"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H3548"\w* Levi \w who|strong="H3548"\w* signed it were:  
\li1 Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui from the clan of Henadad, Kadmiel,   
\li1
\v 10 Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,   
\li1
\v 11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,   
\li1
\v 12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,   
\li1
\v 13 Hodiah, Bani, and Beninu.   
\b  
\m
\v 14 \w The|strong="H1137"\w* Israeli leaders who signed it were:  
\li1 Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,   
\li1
\v 15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,   
\li1
\v 16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,   
\li1
\v 17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,   
\li1
\v 18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,   
\li1
\v 19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,   
\li1
\v 20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,   
\li1
\v 21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,   
\li1
\v 22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,   
\li1
\v 23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,   
\li1
\v 24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,   
\li1
\v 25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,   
\li1
\v 26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,   
\li1
\v 27 Malluch, Harim, and Baanah.   
\s1 The agreement  
\p
\v 28 Then \w the|strong="H1196"\w* rest of \w the|strong="H1196"\w* people also made \w a|strong="H3068"\w* solemn agreement. \w The|strong="H1196"\w* people who did it included priests, temple gatekeepers, singers, \w and|strong="H4409"\w* temple workers. They also included all \w the|strong="H1196"\w* men from other countries who had separated themselves from \w the|strong="H1196"\w* other foreigners living in Israel. These men, along with their wives, their sons \w and|strong="H4409"\w* daughters who were old enough to understand \add what they were doing, were people who wanted to obey God’s laws\add*.  
\v 29 \w They|strong="H5971"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* joined \w with|strong="H3045"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7891"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w making|strong="H3605"\w* \w this|strong="H3045"\w* solemn agreement. \w They|strong="H5971"\w* agreed \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w obey|strong="H3045"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w that|strong="H3045"\w* God \w had|strong="H3045"\w* given \w to|strong="H1121"\w* Moses. \w They|strong="H5971"\w* agreed \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w obey|strong="H3045"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3045"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* God \w had|strong="H3045"\w* commanded, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* regulations \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w instructions|strong="H8451"\w*. \add And this is what they promised to do:\add*   
\pi1
\v 30 “\w We|strong="H6213"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H6213"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* daughters \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w marry|strong="H5414"\w* people \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w live|strong="H8451"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w this|strong="H6213"\w* land \add who do not worship Yahweh\add*, \w and|strong="H4872"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w not|strong="H6213"\w* \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* sons \w to|strong="H3212"\w* \w marry|strong="H5414"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 31 “\w If|strong="H1121"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* other countries \w who|strong="H5971"\w* live \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w this|strong="H5414"\w* land \w bring|strong="H3947"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* grain \w or|strong="H3808"\w* other \w things|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w sell|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w on|strong="H5414"\w* Sabbath days \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w any|strong="H5414"\w* other sacred day, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w buy|strong="H3947"\w* \w anything|strong="H3808"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*. \w And|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w every|strong="H3947"\w* seventh \w year|strong="H1121"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w plant|strong="H5414"\w* \w any|strong="H5414"\w* crops, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* ◄cancel \w all|strong="H5414"\w* debts/declare \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w longer|strong="H3808"\w* \w have|strong="H5971"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w pay|strong="H5414"\w* \w back|strong="H3947"\w* what \w they|strong="H3808"\w* owe \w us|strong="H5414"\w*►.   
\pi1
\v 32 “\w We|strong="H3117"\w* \w also|strong="H3027"\w* promise \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w every|strong="H3605"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H5971"\w* pay ◄one-eighth \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w an|strong="H3947"\w* ounce/4 grams► \w of|strong="H3117"\w* silver \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w work|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w taking|strong="H3947"\w* \w care|strong="H3027"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* temple.  
\v 33 \w With|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H5414"\w* money \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w can|strong="H1004"\w* buy \w these|strong="H1004"\w* \w things|strong="H4687"\w*: \w The|strong="H5921"\w* sacred bread \add that is placed before God\add*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* grain \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w is|strong="H1004"\w* burned \add on the altar\add* \w each|strong="H5414"\w* day, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* lambs \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w were|strong="H5414"\w* completely burned \add on the altar\add*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* sacred offerings \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Sabbath \w days|strong="H8141"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* celebrating \w each|strong="H5414"\w* new moon \w and|strong="H1004"\w* other festivals \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* told \w us|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* celebrate, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* other offerings \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w are|strong="H8141"\w* \w dedicated|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* animals \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H5414"\w* sacrificed \w to|strong="H5921"\w* atone \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* sins \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Israeli people, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* anything else \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w is|strong="H1004"\w* needed \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w work|strong="H5656"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* taking \w care|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.   
\pi1
\v 34 “\w Each|strong="H3605"\w* year \w the|strong="H3605"\w* priests, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Levi \w who|strong="H3605"\w* help \w the|strong="H3605"\w* priests, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* rest \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* ◄cast lots/throw marked stones► \w to|strong="H3478"\w* determine \add for that year\add* \w which|strong="H1004"\w* \w clans|strong="H1004"\w* \w will|strong="H3478"\w* provide wood \w to|strong="H3478"\w* burn \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* altar \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H5930"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* offered \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Yahweh|strong="H3068"\w* \w our|strong="H3605"\w* God, \w in|strong="H5921"\w* order \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w* \w what|strong="H5921"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* written \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* laws \add God gave to Moses\add*.   
\pi1
\v 35 “We \w promise|strong="H3068"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w each|strong="H5971"\w* \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w each|strong="H5971"\w* \w family|strong="H1004"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w take|strong="H3881"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w an|strong="H3068"\w* \w offering|strong="H7133"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* first grain \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* harvest \w and|strong="H3068"\w* \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* first \w fruit|strong="H6086"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* grows \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* \w trees|strong="H6086"\w* \add that year\add*.   
\pi1
\v 36 “\w Also|strong="H3068"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* take \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* priests \w at|strong="H3068"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w our|strong="H3068"\w* firstborn sons \w and|strong="H3068"\w* dedicate \w them|strong="H3068"\w* \w to|strong="H3068"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*. \w And|strong="H3068"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H3068"\w* \w also|strong="H3068"\w* bring firstborn calves \w and|strong="H3068"\w* lambs \w and|strong="H3068"\w* baby goats \add to be offered as sacrifices\add*. \w That|strong="H3605"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* \w what|strong="H6529"\w* \w is|strong="H3068"\w* written \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w God|strong="H3068"\w*’s laws \add that we must do\add*.   
\pi1
\v 37 “We \w will|strong="H1004"\w* \w also|strong="H1121"\w* \w take|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* flour made \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w first|strong="H1121"\w* grain \add that we harvest each year\add*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* our other offerings \w of|strong="H1121"\w* wine, \add olive\add* oil, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* fruit. We \w will|strong="H1004"\w* \w also|strong="H1121"\w* \w take|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Levi \add who help the priests\add* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* tithes/10% \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \add the crops that we grow on\add* our land, because \w they|strong="H3789"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w ones|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* collect \w the|strong="H3548"\w* tithes \w in|strong="H1004"\w* all \w the|strong="H3548"\w* villages \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* work/\w live|strong="H8451"\w*.  
\v 38 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H1992"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Aaron \w will|strong="H1004"\w* \w be|strong="H1004"\w* \w with|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* supervise \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w when|strong="H5656"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* collect \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w tithes|strong="H4643"\w*. \w Then|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* must \w take|strong="H6237"\w* 10% \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* people \w bring|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* put \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* storerooms \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 39 \w The|strong="H5927"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \add some of\add* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* other Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w must|strong="H1121"\w* \w take|strong="H1961"\w* 10% \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w offerings|strong="H5927"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* grain, wine, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \add olive\add* oil \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* storerooms \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* various utensils \w that|strong="H3548"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w used|strong="H1961"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w kept|strong="H1961"\w*. \w That|strong="H3548"\w* \w is|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w place|strong="H1961"\w* \w where|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* serving \w at|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3548"\w* \w time|strong="H1961"\w*, \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* guards, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w those|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* sing \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5927"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* choir live.  
\pi1 \add We promise that\add* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w will|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* neglect \add taking care of the temple of our God\add*.”   
\c 11  
\s1 The people who settled in Jerusalem  
\p
\v 1 \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \add Israeli\add* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \add and their families\add* \w settled|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w sacred|strong="H6944"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w*, \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w other|strong="H7605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* ◄\w cast|strong="H5307"\w* \w lots|strong="H1486"\w*/\w threw|strong="H5307"\w* marked stones► \w to|strong="H3027"\w* determine \w which|strong="H5971"\w* family \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w each|strong="H5892"\w* \w ten|strong="H6235"\w* families \w would|strong="H5971"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w other|strong="H7605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w continued|strong="H3427"\w* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w other|strong="H7605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H3027"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \add in Judea\add*.  
\v 2 \w Those|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \add asked God to\add* \w bless|strong="H1288"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w volunteered|strong="H5068"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \add be among the 10% who \add* \w moved|strong="H5068"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 3  \add Some of\add* \w the|strong="H5650"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \add some of\add* \w the|strong="H5650"\w* \add other\add* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w*, \add some of\add* \w the|strong="H5650"\w* \w temple|strong="H5411"\w* workers, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5650"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* King \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*’s \w servants|strong="H5650"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* many \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5650"\w* other \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H3427"\w* \w their|strong="H3427"\w* \w own|strong="H3548"\w* property \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H5650"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \add where their ancestors had lived\add*.  
\v 4 But some \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* tribes \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \add decided to\add* \w live|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w One|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w them|strong="H3427"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w Athaiah|strong="H6265"\w*. \w He|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="H5818"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Amariah, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shephatiah|strong="H8203"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mahalalel|strong="H4111"\w*, \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H3063"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w descendant|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \add Judah’s son\add* \w Perez|strong="H6557"\w*.   
\p
\v 5  \add Another one from the tribe of Judah was\add* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \add who was\add* \w the|strong="H1263"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Baruch|strong="H1263"\w*, \add who was\add* \w the|strong="H1263"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Colhozeh, \add who was\add* \w the|strong="H1263"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hazaiah|strong="H2382"\w*, \add who was\add* \w the|strong="H1263"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Adaiah|strong="H5718"\w*, \add who was\add* \w the|strong="H1263"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joiarib|strong="H3114"\w*, \add who was\add* \w the|strong="H1263"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \add who was\add* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w descendant|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \add Judah’s son\add* Shelah.  
\v 6 \w There|strong="H3427"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 468 \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Perez|strong="H6557"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w valiant|strong="H2428"\w*/courageous \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\b  
\m
\v 7  \add One of the men\add* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3470"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* decided \w to|strong="H1121"\w* live \w in|strong="H1121"\w* Jerusalem \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Sallu|strong="H5543"\w*, \w the|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w*, \w the|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joed|strong="H3133"\w*, \w the|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Pedaiah|strong="H6305"\w*, \w the|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Kolaiah|strong="H6964"\w*, \w the|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w the|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ithiel, \w the|strong="H3470"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeshaiah|strong="H3470"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Two|strong="H3967"\w* \w of|strong="H3967"\w* \w Sallu|strong="H5543"\w*’s relatives, \w Gabbai|strong="H1373"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Sallai|strong="H5543"\w*, also settled \w in|strong="H3967"\w* Jerusalem.  
\p Altogether, 928 people \w from|strong="H3967"\w* \w the|strong="H5543"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H3967"\w* Benjamin settled \w in|strong="H3967"\w* Jerusalem  
\v 9 \w Their|strong="H5921"\w* \w leader|strong="H6496"\w* \w was|strong="H5892"\w* \w Joel|strong="H3100"\w*, \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zichri|strong="H2147"\w*. \w The|strong="H5921"\w* official \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H5892"\w* \w second|strong="H4932"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w command|strong="H5921"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* Jerusalem \w was|strong="H5892"\w* \w Hassenuah|strong="H5574"\w*.   
\b  
\m
\v 10 \w The|strong="H4480"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \add who settled in Jerusalem\add* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jedaiah|strong="H3048"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Joiarib|strong="H3114"\w*, \w Jakin|strong="H3199"\w*,   
\p
\v 11 \w Seraiah|strong="H8304"\w*, \w the|strong="H6659"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hilkiah|strong="H2518"\w*, \w the|strong="H6659"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w*, \w the|strong="H6659"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*, \w the|strong="H6659"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meraioth|strong="H4812"\w*, \w the|strong="H6659"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ahitub \add who had previously been \add* \w the|strong="H6659"\w* Supreme Priest.  
\v 12 Altogether, 822 \w members|strong="H1004"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H1121"\w* clan \w worked|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\p Another \add priest who settled in Jerusalem\add* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w Adaiah|strong="H5718"\w*, \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeroham|strong="H3395"\w*, \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Pelaliah|strong="H6421"\w*, \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Amzi, \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Pashhur|strong="H6583"\w*, \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Malchijah|strong="H4441"\w*.  
\v 13 Altogether, there \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 242 members \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H1121"\w* clan \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1121"\w* clan \add who settled in Jerusalem\add*.  
\p Another \add priest who settled in Jerusalem\add* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Amashsai|strong="H6023"\w* \w the|strong="H1121"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azarel|strong="H5832"\w*, \w the|strong="H1121"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ahzai, \w the|strong="H1121"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshillemoth|strong="H4919"\w*, \w the|strong="H1121"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Immer.  
\v 14 There \w were|strong="H1121"\w* 128 members \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H1121"\w* clan \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w valiant|strong="H2428"\w* \w soldiers|strong="H2428"\w* \add who settled in Jerusalem\add*. \w Their|strong="H5921"\w* \w leader|strong="H6496"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zabdiel|strong="H2068"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Haggedolim.   
\b  
\m
\v 15 \w Another|strong="H4480"\w* \w descendant|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* settled \w in|strong="H1121"\w* Jerusalem \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hasshub|strong="H2815"\w*, \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Azrikam|strong="H5840"\w*, \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Bunni|strong="H1138"\w*.   
\p
\v 16 \w Two|strong="H1004"\w* others \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w Shabbethai|strong="H7678"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w Jozabad|strong="H3107"\w*, \w who|strong="H3881"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* prominent \w men|strong="H7218"\w* \w who|strong="H3881"\w* \w supervised|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w outside|strong="H2435"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 17 Another \w one|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w the|strong="H3034"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Mica, \w the|strong="H3034"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zabdi|strong="H2067"\w*, \w the|strong="H3034"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Asaph. \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w* directed \w the|strong="H3034"\w* temple choir \w when|strong="H1121"\w* they sang \w the|strong="H3034"\w* \w prayers|strong="H8605"\w* \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w thank|strong="H3034"\w* \add God\add*. \w His|strong="H4318"\w* assistant \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Bakbukiah|strong="H1229"\w*. Another \w one|strong="H1121"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w Abda|strong="H5653"\w*, \w the|strong="H3034"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Shammua|strong="H8051"\w*, \w the|strong="H3034"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Galal|strong="H1559"\w*, \w the|strong="H3034"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeduthun|strong="H3038"\w*.  
\v 18 \w Altogether|strong="H3605"\w*, \w there|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* 284 descendants \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* settled \w in|strong="H5892"\w* Jerusalem.   
\b  
\m
\v 19 \w The|strong="H8104"\w* \w men|strong="H8147"\w* \w who|strong="H8104"\w* \w guarded|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* temple \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w were|strong="H8147"\w* \w Akkub|strong="H6126"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* \w Talmon|strong="H2929"\w* \w and|strong="H3967"\w* 172 \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w their|strong="H8104"\w* relatives \w who|strong="H8104"\w* settled \w in|strong="H3967"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H8104"\w*.   
\b  
\p
\v 20 \w The|strong="H3605"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H5159"\w* \w including|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H5892"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* lived \w on|strong="H5892"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w own|strong="H3548"\w* \w property|strong="H5159"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w towns|strong="H5892"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w* \w in|strong="H3478"\w* Judea.   
\p
\v 21 \w But|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H5411"\w* workers \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ophel|strong="H6077"\w* \add Hill in Jerusalem\add*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H3427"\w* \w supervised|strong="H5921"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ziha|strong="H6727"\w* \w and|strong="H3427"\w* \w Gishpa|strong="H1658"\w*.   
\p
\v 22 \w The|strong="H5048"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* supervised \w the|strong="H5048"\w* \add other\add* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \add helped the priests and\add* lived \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w Uzzi|strong="H5813"\w*, \w the|strong="H5048"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Bani|strong="H1137"\w*, \w the|strong="H5048"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w the|strong="H5048"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w the|strong="H5048"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mica|strong="H4316"\w*. \w Uzzi|strong="H5813"\w* belonged \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w the|strong="H5048"\w* clan \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Asaph, \w the|strong="H5048"\w* clan \w that|strong="H3881"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w charge|strong="H6496"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5048"\w* music \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5048"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 23 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \add of Persia\add* \w had|strong="H4428"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* clans \w should|strong="H3117"\w* decide \w what|strong="H1697"\w* \w each|strong="H3117"\w* clan \w should|strong="H3117"\w* \w do|strong="H1697"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* lead \w the|strong="H5921"\w* music \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* temple \w each|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.   
\p
\v 24 \w Pethahiah|strong="H6611"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Meshezabel|strong="H4898"\w*, \add who was\add* \w from|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* clan \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zerah|strong="H2226"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w descendant|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w was|strong="H1697"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* ambassador \add of the Israelis\add* \w to|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Persia.   
\p
\v 25 Some \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \add who did not settle in Jerusalem\add* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w villages|strong="H2691"\w* close \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3427"\w* farms. Some \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3427"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w lived|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w villages|strong="H2691"\w* near \w Kiriath-Arba|strong="H7153"\w*, \w Dibon|strong="H1769"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jekabzeel|strong="H3343"\w* \add cities\add*.  
\v 26 Some lived in \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Moladah|strong="H4137"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Beth-Pelet|strong="H1046"\w* \add city\add*,  
\v 27 \w in|strong="H1323"\w* \w Hazar-Shual|strong="H2705"\w* \add city\add*, \w and|strong="H1323"\w* \w in|strong="H1323"\w* Beersheba \add city\add* \w and|strong="H1323"\w* \w the|strong="H1323"\w* \w villages|strong="H1323"\w* near it.  
\v 28 Others lived \w in|strong="H1323"\w* \w Ziklag|strong="H6860"\w* \add city\add*, \w in|strong="H1323"\w* \w Meconah|strong="H4368"\w* \add city\add* \w and|strong="H1323"\w* \w the|strong="H1323"\w* \w villages|strong="H1323"\w* near it,  
\v 29 in \w En-Rimmon|strong="H5884"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Zorah|strong="H6881"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Jarmuth|strong="H3412"\w* \add city\add*,  
\v 30 \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w Zanoah|strong="H2182"\w* \add city\add*, \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w Adullam|strong="H5725"\w* \add city\add*, \w and|strong="H7704"\w* \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w villages|strong="H2691"\w* \w near|strong="H5704"\w* \w those|strong="H2583"\w* cities. Some lived \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w Lachish|strong="H3923"\w* \add city\add* \w and|strong="H7704"\w* \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* nearby \w villages|strong="H2691"\w*, \w and|strong="H7704"\w* some lived \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w Azekah|strong="H5825"\w* \add town\add* \w and|strong="H7704"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* \w villages|strong="H2691"\w* \w near|strong="H5704"\w* \w it|strong="H5704"\w*. \w All|strong="H5704"\w* \w of|strong="H1323"\w* \w those|strong="H2583"\w* people lived \w in|strong="H2583"\w* Judea, \w in|strong="H2583"\w* \w the|strong="H5704"\w* area \w between|strong="H2583"\w* Beersheba \add in the south\add* \w and|strong="H7704"\w* \w Hinnom|strong="H2011"\w* \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w* \add in the north, at the edge of Jerusalem\add*.   
\p
\v 31 \w The|strong="H1121"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1121"\w* tribe \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w* lived \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w Geba|strong="H1387"\w* \add city\add*, \w Micmash|strong="H4363"\w* \add city\add*, \w Aija|strong="H5857"\w* \add city which is also known as Ai\add*, \w Bethel|strong="H1008"\w* \add city\add* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* nearby \w villages|strong="H1323"\w*,  
\v 32 in \w Anathoth|strong="H6068"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Nob|strong="H5011"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Ananiah|strong="H6055"\w* \add town\add*,  
\v 33 in \w Hazor|strong="H2674"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Ramah|strong="H7414"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Gittaim|strong="H1664"\w* \add city\add*,  
\v 34 in \w Hadid|strong="H2307"\w* \add city\add*, in \w Zeboim|strong="H6650"\w* \add town\add*, in \w Neballat|strong="H5041"\w* \add town\add*,  
\v 35 in \w Lod|strong="H3850"\w* \add town\add*, in Ono \add town\add*, \w and|strong="H3850"\w* in \w Craftsmen|strong="H2791"\w*’s \w Valley|strong="H1516"\w*.   
\p
\v 36 \w Some|strong="H4480"\w* \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* groups \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H4480"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H3881"\w* \w had|strong="H3063"\w* lived \w in|strong="H3063"\w* Judea \w were|strong="H3881"\w* sent \w to|strong="H3063"\w* live \w with|strong="H4480"\w* \add the people of the tribe of\add* \w Benjamin|strong="H1144"\w*.   
\c 12  
\s1 A list of the priests and Levites who returned  
\p
\v 1  \add Many\add* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \add other\add* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w returned|strong="H5927"\w* ◄\w from|strong="H5927"\w* Babylonia/\w to|strong="H5927"\w* Jerusalem► \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w Zerubbabel|strong="H2216"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*. \w They|strong="H3548"\w* \w included|strong="H5927"\w*  
\li1 Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,   
\li1
\v 2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,   
\li1
\v 3 Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,   
\li1
\v 4 Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah,   
\li1
\v 5 Mijamin, Moadiah, Bilgah,   
\li1
\v 6 Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah,   
\li1
\v 7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah.  
\m \w All|strong="H3117"\w* those \w men|strong="H7218"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \add was the Supreme Priest\add*.   
\p
\v 8  \add Some of the other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w who|strong="H1931"\w* returned \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, \w Binnui|strong="H1131"\w*, \w Kadmiel|strong="H6934"\w*, \w Sherebiah|strong="H8274"\w*, \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*. \w They|strong="H5921"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H5921"\w* singing \w songs|strong="H1960"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* thank \add God\add*.  
\v 9 \w Bakbukiah|strong="H1229"\w*, \w Unni|strong="H6042"\w*, \w and|strong="H1229"\w* \w other|strong="H5048"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H5048"\w* Levi formed \w a|strong="H3068"\w* choir that stood \w opposite|strong="H5048"\w* \w the|strong="H5048"\w* \w other|strong="H5048"\w* group \add and sang in reply to them\add*.   
\s1 A list of descendants of Jeshua the Supreme Priest  
\p
\v 10 \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \add who was the Supreme Priest\add* \w was|strong="H3205"\w* \w the|strong="H3205"\w* \w father|strong="H3205"\w* \w of|strong="H3205"\w* \w Joiakim|strong="H3113"\w*, \w who|strong="H3205"\w* \w was|strong="H3205"\w* \w the|strong="H3205"\w* \w father|strong="H3205"\w* \w of|strong="H3205"\w* Eliashib, \w who|strong="H3205"\w* \w was|strong="H3205"\w* \w the|strong="H3205"\w* \w father|strong="H3205"\w* \w of|strong="H3205"\w* \w Joiada|strong="H3111"\w*,  
\v 11 \w who|strong="H3205"\w* \w was|strong="H3205"\w* \w the|strong="H3205"\w* \w father|strong="H3205"\w* \w of|strong="H3205"\w* \w Jonathan|strong="H3129"\w*, \w who|strong="H3205"\w* \w was|strong="H3205"\w* \w the|strong="H3205"\w* \w father|strong="H3205"\w* \w of|strong="H3205"\w* \w Jaddua|strong="H3037"\w*.   
\s1 Leaders of the clans of priests  
\p
\v 12 \w When|strong="H1961"\w* \w Joiakim|strong="H3113"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* Supreme \w Priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w these|strong="H3117"\w* \w were|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* clans \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*:  
\li1 Meraiah, from \add the clan of\add* Seraiah;  
\li1 Hananiah, from \add the clan of\add* Jeremiah;   
\li1
\v 13 Meshullam, from \add the clan of\add* Ezra;  
\li1 Jehohanan, from \add the clan of\add* Amariah;   
\li1
\v 14 Jonathan, from \add the clan of\add* Malluch;  
\li1 Joseph, from \add the clan of\add* Shecaniah;   
\li1
\v 15 Adna, from \add the clan of\add* Harim;  
\li1 Helkai, from \add the clan of\add* Meremoth/Maraioth;   
\li1
\v 16 Zechariah, from \add the clan of\add* Iddo;  
\li1 Meshullam, from \add the clan of\add* Ginnethon;   
\li1
\v 17 Zicri, from \add the clan of\add* Abijah.  
\li1 There was also a leader from \add the clan of\add* Miniamin;  
\li1 Piltai, from \add the clan of\add* Moadiah;   
\li1
\v 18 Shammua, from \add the clan of\add* Bilgah;  
\li1 Jehonathan, from \add the clan of\add* Shemaiah;   
\li1
\v 19 Mattenai, from \add the clan of\add* Joiarib;  
\li1 Uzzi, from \add the clan of\add* Jedaiah;   
\li1
\v 20 Kallai, from \add the clan of\add* Sallu/Sallai;  
\li1 Eber, from \add the clan of\add* Amok;   
\li1
\v 21 Hashabiah, from \add the clan of\add* Hilkiah;  
\li1 and Nethanel, from \add the clan of\add* Jedaiah.   
\s1 Duties of priests and Levites  
\p
\v 22 \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w years|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* Eliashib, \w Joiada|strong="H3111"\w*, \w Johanan|strong="H3110"\w*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w Jaddua|strong="H3037"\w* \add were Supreme Priests\add*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* ◄\w wrote|strong="H3789"\w*/kept \w a|strong="H3068"\w* list \w of|strong="H3117"\w*► \w the|strong="H5921"\w* names \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* clans \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w*. \w When|strong="H3117"\w* \w Darius|strong="H1867"\w* \w was|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w king|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* Persia, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* stopped \w writing|strong="H3789"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* list.  
\v 23 \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w wrote|strong="H3789"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* names \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* clans \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3878"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Book|strong="H5612"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Events|strong="H1697"\w* \add in Israel\add*, \w but|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* stopped \w writing|strong="H3789"\w* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* names \w when|strong="H3117"\w* Eliashib’s \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w Johanan|strong="H3110"\w* \add was the Supreme Priest\add*.   
\p
\v 24 \w These|strong="H3881"\w* \w are|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1984"\w* \w leaders|strong="H7218"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1984"\w* clans \add who are\add* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w*: \w Hashabiah|strong="H2811"\w*, \w Sherebiah|strong="H8274"\w*, \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w*, Binnui, \w Kadmiel|strong="H6934"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* others \w who|strong="H1121"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* divided into two \w groups|strong="H7218"\w*. \w The|strong="H1984"\w* two \w groups|strong="H7218"\w* faced each \w other|strong="H5048"\w*, \w one|strong="H1121"\w* group replying \w to|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H1984"\w* \w other|strong="H5048"\w*, during \w the|strong="H1984"\w* \w time|strong="H7218"\w* \w that|strong="H3881"\w* they \w praised|strong="H1984"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* thanked God. They \w did|strong="H1732"\w* \w that|strong="H3881"\w* \w just|strong="H5980"\w* \w as|strong="H1121"\w* King \w David|strong="H1732"\w*, \w the|strong="H1984"\w* \w man|strong="H1121"\w* \w who|strong="H1121"\w* served God \w well|strong="H5980"\w*, \w had|strong="H1732"\w* instructed.  
\v 25 \w These|strong="H8104"\w* singers included \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w Bakbukiah|strong="H1229"\w*, \w and|strong="H8104"\w* \w Obadiah|strong="H5662"\w*.  
\p \w The|strong="H8104"\w* men \w who|strong="H8104"\w* \w guarded|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* storerooms close \w to|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \add of the temple\add* \w were|strong="H7778"\w* \w Meshullam|strong="H4918"\w*, \w Talmon|strong="H2929"\w*, \w and|strong="H8104"\w* \w Akkub|strong="H6126"\w*.  
\v 26 \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w did|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* work \w during|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w Joiakim|strong="H3113"\w*, \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w was|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jeshua|strong="H3442"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Jehozadak, \add was the Supreme Priest,\add* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w governor|strong="H6346"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w* \w was|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* knew \w the|strong="H3117"\w* Jewish laws very well.   
\s1 Nehemiah dedicated the wall  
\p
\v 27 \w When|strong="H6213"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* dedicated \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* around \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w we|strong="H3068"\w* summoned \w the|strong="H3605"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \add who help the priests\add* \w from|strong="H3881"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* nearby \w places|strong="H4725"\w* \w where|strong="H4725"\w* \w they|strong="H6213"\w* \add were living\add*. \w We|strong="H6213"\w* \w asked|strong="H1245"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \add join with us to\add* \w celebrate|strong="H6213"\w* \w when|strong="H6213"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* dedicated \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w We|strong="H6213"\w* \w wanted|strong="H1245"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w sing|strong="H7892"\w* \w songs|strong="H7892"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w thank|strong="H8426"\w* \add Yahweh\add* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w make|strong="H6213"\w* \w music|strong="H7892"\w* \w by|strong="H3605"\w* playing \w cymbals|strong="H4700"\w* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w harps|strong="H3658"\w* \w and|strong="H3389"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* stringed \w instruments|strong="H7892"\w*.  
\v 28 \w We|strong="H4480"\w* summoned \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Levi \w who|strong="H1121"\w* habitually \w sang|strong="H7891"\w* together. \w They|strong="H3389"\w* came \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* nearby areas \add where they had settled\add*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H4480"\w* \w places|strong="H5439"\w* \w around|strong="H5439"\w* Netophah \add town southeast of Jerusalem\add*,  
\v 29 \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w from|strong="H5439"\w* three \w places|strong="H1004"\w* \add northeast of Jerusalem\add*—\w Beth|strong="H1004"\w* \w Gilgal|strong="H1537"\w* \add city\add* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* areas \w around|strong="H5439"\w* \w Geba|strong="H1387"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w Azmaveth|strong="H5820"\w*. \w Those|strong="H1992"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w built|strong="H1129"\w* \w villages|strong="H2691"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* live \w in|strong="H1004"\w* near \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\p
\v 30  \add When they came to Jerusalem\add*, \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \add who help the priests\add* performed rituals \w to|strong="H5971"\w* \w cause|strong="H5971"\w* \w themselves|strong="H2891"\w* \w to|strong="H5971"\w* \w be|strong="H3548"\w* acceptable \w to|strong="H5971"\w* God, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w then|strong="H3548"\w* \w they|strong="H5971"\w* performed similar rituals \w to|strong="H5971"\w* \w purify|strong="H2891"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \add other\add* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*, \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w*, \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \w the|strong="H3548"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*.  
\v 31 \w Then|strong="H5975"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* gathered \w together|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w lead|strong="H5927"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* groups \w to|strong="H5927"\w* march \w around|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \add on top of the wall\add*, thanking God. \add As they faced the city,\add* \w one|strong="H8147"\w* group walked \w to|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w right|strong="H3225"\w* \w toward|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Dung \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*.  
\v 32 Behind \w their|strong="H3212"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* marched \w Hoshaiah|strong="H1955"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w the|strong="H2677"\w* \w leaders|strong="H8269"\w* \w of|strong="H8269"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*.  
\v 33-35 Behind them marched \w a|strong="H3068"\w* group of priests who were blowing trumpets. They were Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah. Next came Zechariah, the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* descendant of Asaph.  
\v 36 Behind \w them|strong="H6440"\w* marched other members \w of|strong="H3627"\w* Zechariah’s clan: \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, \w Azarel|strong="H5832"\w*, \w Milalai|strong="H4450"\w*, \w Gilalai|strong="H1562"\w*, \w Maai|strong="H4597"\w*, \w Nethanel|strong="H5417"\w*, \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w Hanani|strong="H2607"\w*. \w They|strong="H5608"\w* \w all|strong="H6440"\w* \w were|strong="H3063"\w* playing \w the|strong="H6440"\w* same \w kinds|strong="H3627"\w* \w of|strong="H3627"\w* \w musical|strong="H7892"\w* \w instruments|strong="H3627"\w* \w that|strong="H3627"\w* \w King|strong="H6440"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* played \add many years previously\add*. \w Ezra|strong="H5830"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w man|strong="H6440"\w* \w who|strong="H3063"\w* knew \w the|strong="H6440"\w* Jewish laws very well, marched \w in|strong="H6440"\w* \w front|strong="H6440"\w* \w of|strong="H3627"\w* \w this|strong="H6440"\w* group.  
\v 37 \w When|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w reached|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Fountain|strong="H5869"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w they|strong="H5921"\w* \w went|strong="H5927"\w* \w up|strong="H5927"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w steps|strong="H4609"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w*’s \w City|strong="H5892"\w*, past \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w palace|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w then|strong="H5927"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Water|strong="H4325"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w east|strong="H4217"\w* \w side|strong="H4217"\w* \add of the city\add*.   
\p
\v 38 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w other|strong="H8145"\w* group \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* \w who|strong="H5971"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* thanking \add Yahweh\add* \w marched|strong="H1980"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w left|strong="H1980"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w top|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w wall|strong="H2346"\w*. \w I|strong="H5704"\w* \w followed|strong="H1980"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w with|strong="H1980"\w* \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w*. \add We marched\add* past \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H2346"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Ovens|strong="H8574"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Broad|strong="H7342"\w* \w Wall|strong="H2346"\w*.  
\v 39  \add From there we marched\add* past Ephraim \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w Jeshanah|strong="H3466"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Fish|strong="H1709"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w Hananel|strong="H2606"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Tower|strong="H4026"\w* \w of|strong="H8179"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Hundred|strong="H3968"\w* Soldiers, \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Sheep|strong="H6629"\w* \w Gate|strong="H8179"\w*. \w We|strong="H5704"\w* finished marching \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w gate|strong="H8179"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* temple.  
\v 40 \w Both|strong="H8147"\w* \w the|strong="H5975"\w* groups reached \w the|strong="H5975"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w while|strong="H1004"\w* \w they|strong="H5975"\w* \w were|strong="H8147"\w* thanking God. \w They|strong="H5975"\w* \w stood|strong="H5975"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w their|strong="H5975"\w* \w places|strong="H1004"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w*. \w The|strong="H5975"\w* \w leaders|strong="H5461"\w* \w who|strong="H5975"\w* \w were|strong="H8147"\w* \w with|strong="H5973"\w* \w me|strong="H5973"\w* \add also stood with me in our places\add*.   
\p
\v 41 My group included these \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w who|strong="H3548"\w* were \add all blowing\add* \w trumpets|strong="H2689"\w*: Eliakim, \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Miniamin|strong="H4509"\w*, \w Micaiah|strong="H4320"\w*, Elioenai, \w Zechariah|strong="H2148"\w*, \w Hananiah|strong="H2608"\w*,  
\v 42  \add another\add* \w Maaseiah|strong="H4641"\w*, \w Shemaiah|strong="H8098"\w*, Eleazar, \w Uzzi|strong="H5813"\w*, \w Jehohanan|strong="H3076"\w*, \w Malchijah|strong="H4441"\w*, \w Elam|strong="H5867"\w*, \w and|strong="H8085"\w* \w Ezer|strong="H5829"\w*. \w The|strong="H8085"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w*, whose \w leader|strong="H6496"\w* \w was|strong="H6496"\w* \w Jezrahiah|strong="H3156"\w*, \w sang|strong="H7891"\w* \w loudly|strong="H3156"\w*.  
\v 43  \add After we went outside the temple,\add* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w offered|strong="H2076"\w* \w many|strong="H1419"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="H2077"\w*. \w We|strong="H3588"\w* \w men|strong="H1419"\w* \w all|strong="H1419"\w* \w rejoiced|strong="H8055"\w* \w because|strong="H3588"\w* God \w had|strong="H3588"\w* caused \w us|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* \w be|strong="H1571"\w* \w very|strong="H1419"\w* \w happy|strong="H8055"\w*. \w The|strong="H8085"\w* women \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w children|strong="H3206"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w rejoiced|strong="H8055"\w*. \w People|strong="H8085"\w* \w far|strong="H7350"\w* \w away|strong="H7350"\w* \w could|strong="H1571"\w* \w hear|strong="H8085"\w* \w the|strong="H8085"\w* \w noise|strong="H8085"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w made|strong="H8055"\w* \w there|strong="H3117"\w* \w in|strong="H8085"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*.   
\s1 Preparations for worship in the temple  
\p
\v 44 \w On|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w men|strong="H6485"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* {\w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w appointed|strong="H5975"\w* \w men|strong="H6485"\w*} \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H3117"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* storerooms \w where|strong="H5921"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w kept|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* money \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w contributed|strong="H4521"\w* \add for the temple\add*. \w They|strong="H3588"\w* \w also|strong="H3117"\w* \w kept|strong="H5975"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w* \add the other things that the people contributed—\add* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w tithes|strong="H4643"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w first|strong="H7225"\w* \w part|strong="H4643"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* grain \w and|strong="H3063"\w* fruit \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* harvested \w each|strong="H3117"\w* \w year|strong="H3117"\w*. \w Those|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H6485"\w* \w collected|strong="H3664"\w* \w those|strong="H5921"\w* things \w from|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w*/farms \w near|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w cities|strong="H5892"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \add took them to Jerusalem and\add* \w gave|strong="H6485"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w*, \w as|strong="H3117"\w* \add Moses had said in his\add* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w should|strong="H3117"\w* \w do|strong="H3063"\w*. \w All|strong="H6485"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1931"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w happy|strong="H8057"\w* \w about|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* work \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w did|strong="H3063"\w*,  
\v 45 because they \w performed|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* rituals \w to|strong="H8104"\w* purify \w things|strong="H4687"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* other rituals \w that|strong="H1121"\w* God \w had|strong="H1732"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w*. \w The|strong="H8104"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w in|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H8104"\w* temple \w also|strong="H1732"\w* \w did|strong="H1732"\w* \w their|strong="H8104"\w* work \w as|strong="H1121"\w* King \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w his|strong="H8104"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* declared \w that|strong="H1121"\w* they \w should|strong="H1732"\w* \w do|strong="H8104"\w*.  
\v 46 \w Ever|strong="H3117"\w* \w since|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w David|strong="H1732"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* been \w the|strong="H3588"\w* king \w and|strong="H3117"\w* Asaph \w had|strong="H1732"\w* been \w his|strong="H1732"\w* \w chief|strong="H7218"\w* musician, \w the|strong="H3588"\w* \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w had|strong="H1732"\w* led \w the|strong="H3588"\w* people \w while|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w sang|strong="H7891"\w* \w songs|strong="H7892"\w* \w to|strong="H3117"\w* \w praise|strong="H8416"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w thank|strong="H3034"\w* God.  
\v 47 \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w years|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w Zerubbabel|strong="H2216"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* governed \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1121"\w*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w contributed|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* food \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w singers|strong="H7891"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* temple \w gatekeepers|strong="H7778"\w* needed \w each|strong="H3605"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \w They|strong="H3117"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* ◄\w a|strong="H3068"\w* tithe/10%► \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* crops \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \add who helped the priests\add*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w those|strong="H3605"\w* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w gave|strong="H5414"\w* ◄\w a|strong="H3068"\w* tithe/10%► \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \add the priests, who were\add* \w descendants|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Aaron \add the first Supreme Priest\add*.   
\c 13  
\s1 Foreigners were excluded  
\p
\v 1 \w On|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*, \w when|strong="H3117"\w* someone \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* parts \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* laws \add that God gave\add* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w Moses|strong="H4872"\w*, \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w read|strong="H7121"\w* \w where|strong="H3808"\w* \w it|strong="H1931"\w* \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w written|strong="H3789"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w no|strong="H3808"\w* \w one|strong="H3808"\w* \w from|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Ammon|strong="H4125"\w* people-group \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w the|strong="H3117"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4125"\w* people-group \w was|strong="H1931"\w* \w ever|strong="H5769"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* allowed \w to|strong="H5704"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* \w with|strong="H3117"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w*’s \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w while|strong="H5704"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w were|strong="H5971"\w* \w gathered|strong="H6951"\w* \w together|strong="H7121"\w* \add to worship\add*.  
\v 2 \w The|strong="H5921"\w* \w reason|strong="H5921"\w* \w for|strong="H3588"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ammon \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Moab \w did|strong="H3478"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w give|strong="H2015"\w*/sell \w any|strong="H3588"\w* \w food|strong="H3899"\w* \w or|strong="H3808"\w* \w water|strong="H4325"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Israelis \add while the Israelis were going through their areas after they left Egypt\add*. \w Instead|strong="H3588"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Ammon \w and|strong="H1121"\w* Moab paid money \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w Balaam|strong="H1109"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* order \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w he|strong="H3588"\w* \w would|strong="H3478"\w* \w curse|strong="H7045"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Israelis. \w But|strong="H3588"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* commanded \w Balaam|strong="H1109"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* bless \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w*, \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w curse|strong="H7045"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*.  
\v 3 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w when|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H6154"\w* \w heard|strong="H8085"\w* \w these|strong="H8085"\w* \w laws|strong="H8451"\w* \add being read to them\add*, \w they|strong="H3605"\w* sent \w away|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H6154"\w* \w whose|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w come|strong="H1961"\w* \w from|strong="H3478"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* countries.   
\s1 Purifying the storerooms  
\p
\v 4 \w Previously|strong="H6440"\w*, Eliashib \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w* \w had|strong="H5414"\w* been \w appointed|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w be|strong="H5414"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w charge|strong="H5414"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* storerooms \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*. \w He|strong="H1004"\w* \w was|strong="H1004"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w relative|strong="H7138"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \add our enemy\add* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w*.  
\v 5 \w He|strong="H8033"\w* \w allowed|strong="H5414"\w* Tobiah \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w use|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w large|strong="H1419"\w* \w room|strong="H3957"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w which|strong="H8033"\w* \w they|strong="H8033"\w* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w previously|strong="H6440"\w* \w stored|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w* \w offerings|strong="H4503"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w incense|strong="H3828"\w*, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w equipment|strong="H3627"\w* \w that|strong="H3548"\w* \w is|strong="H1961"\w* \w used|strong="H6213"\w* \w in|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* temple, \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w offerings|strong="H4503"\w* \add that the people had brought\add* \w for|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w*, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w tithes|strong="H4643"\w* \w of|strong="H3627"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w wine|strong="H8492"\w* \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \add olive\add* \w oil|strong="H3323"\w* \w that|strong="H3548"\w* \add God\add* \w had|strong="H1961"\w* \w commanded|strong="H4687"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* people \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w bring|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H3627"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w*, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* temple \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w*, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* temple \w guards|strong="H7778"\w*.   
\p
\v 6 \w While|strong="H1961"\w* \add Tobias was using that room\add*, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w in|strong="H8141"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* 32nd \w year|strong="H8141"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* Artaxerxes \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* Babylonia, \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w went|strong="H4428"\w* back \w there|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* report \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w him|strong="H3605"\w*. \w After|strong="H7093"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w while|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w requested|strong="H7592"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* allow \w me|strong="H4480"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* return \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \add and he allowed me to go\add*.  
\v 7 \w When|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H1004"\w* arrived \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*, \w I|strong="H1004"\w* found \w out|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H2691"\w* Eliashib \w had|strong="H3389"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w an|strong="H6213"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w thing|strong="H7451"\w* \w by|strong="H7451"\w* allowing \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w use|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* God’s \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.  
\v 8 \w I|strong="H4480"\w* became \w very|strong="H3966"\w* angry, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w I|strong="H4480"\w* \w threw|strong="H7993"\w* \w out|strong="H2351"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w* \w everything|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* belonged \w to|strong="H1004"\w* \w Tobiah|strong="H2900"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Then|strong="H7725"\w* \w I|strong="H8033"\w* commanded \add that they perform a ritual\add* \w to|strong="H7725"\w* \w make|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w rooms|strong="H3957"\w* ◄\w pure|strong="H2891"\w*/acceptable \w to|strong="H7725"\w* God► \w again|strong="H7725"\w*. \w And|strong="H7725"\w* \w I|strong="H8033"\w* also ordered \w that|strong="H3627"\w* \w all|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w equipment|strong="H3627"\w* \w used|strong="H3627"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w all|strong="H7725"\w* \w the|strong="H7725"\w* grain \w offerings|strong="H4503"\w* \w and|strong="H7725"\w* \w incense|strong="H3828"\w* should \w be|strong="H1004"\w* \w put|strong="H7725"\w* \w in|strong="H1004"\w* \w that|strong="H3627"\w* \w room|strong="H1004"\w* \w again|strong="H7725"\w*.   
\p
\v 10 \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w also|strong="H6213"\w* \w found|strong="H3045"\w* \w out|strong="H5414"\w* \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* temple \w musicians|strong="H7891"\w* \w and|strong="H7704"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H7704"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w left|strong="H5414"\w* Jerusalem \w and|strong="H7704"\w* returned \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w their|strong="H5414"\w* \w fields|strong="H7704"\w*/farms, \w because|strong="H3588"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \w had|strong="H3588"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w been|strong="H3808"\w* \w bringing|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w the|strong="H3588"\w* food \add that they needed\add*.  
\v 11 \w So|strong="H5975"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w rebuked|strong="H7378"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w officials|strong="H5461"\w*, saying \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, “◄\w Why|strong="H4069"\w* \w have|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w not|strong="H5975"\w* taken \w care|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* work \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*?/\w It|strong="H5921"\w* \w is|strong="H1004"\w* disgraceful \w that|strong="H1004"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H1004"\w* \w not|strong="H5975"\w* taken \w care|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* work \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*.►” [RHQ] \w So|strong="H5975"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w brought|strong="H6908"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H1004"\w* Levi \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* musicians \w back|strong="H1004"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w*, \w and|strong="H1004"\w* told \w them|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* do \w their|strong="H5921"\w* work \w there|strong="H5975"\w* again.   
\p
\v 12 \w Then|strong="H3605"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* people \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Judah|strong="H3063"\w* again started \w to|strong="H3063"\w* bring \w to|strong="H3063"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* temple storerooms \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w tithes|strong="H4643"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w grain|strong="H1715"\w*, \w wine|strong="H8492"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \add olive\add* \w oil|strong="H3323"\w*.  
\v 13 \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w appointed|strong="H1121"\w* \w these|strong="H3881"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H3027"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* \w charge|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* storerooms: \w Shelemiah|strong="H8018"\w*, \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w priest|strong="H3548"\w*; \w Zadok|strong="H6659"\w*, \w who|strong="H3548"\w* knew \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Jewish laws very well; \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w Pedaiah|strong="H6305"\w*, \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w descendant|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* \w appointed|strong="H1121"\w* \w Hanan|strong="H2605"\w*, \w who|strong="H3548"\w* \w is|strong="H3027"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Zaccur|strong="H2139"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w grandson|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Mattaniah|strong="H4983"\w*, \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w assist|strong="H3027"\w* \w them|strong="H5921"\w*. \w I|strong="H3588"\w* knew \w that|strong="H3588"\w* \w I|strong="H3588"\w* could trust \w these|strong="H3881"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w* \w while|strong="H3588"\w* \w they|strong="H3588"\w* \w distributed|strong="H2505"\w* \w those|strong="H4480"\w* \w offerings|strong="H3588"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H5921"\w* \w fellow|strong="H1121"\w* workers.   
\p
\v 14 \w My|strong="H5921"\w* God, \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w not|strong="H6213"\w* forget \w all|strong="H6213"\w* \w these|strong="H2063"\w* \w good|strong="H2617"\w* things \w that|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* \w have|strong="H1004"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H2617"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w temple|strong="H1004"\w* \w and|strong="H1004"\w* \w for|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w work|strong="H6213"\w* \w that|strong="H6213"\w* \w is|strong="H2617"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w* \w there|strong="H2063"\w*!   
\s1 Other reforms instituted by Nehemiah  
\p
\v 15 \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*, \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w saw|strong="H7200"\w* \w some|strong="H1992"\w* \w people|strong="H7200"\w* \w in|strong="H5921"\w* Judea \add who were working \add* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*. \add Some were\add* pressing \w grapes|strong="H6025"\w* \add to make wine\add*. \w Others|strong="H1992"\w* \w were|strong="H3117"\w* putting \w grain|strong="H3605"\w*, \add bags of\add* \w wine|strong="H3196"\w*, \add baskets of\add* \w grapes|strong="H6025"\w*, \w figs|strong="H8384"\w*, \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w many|strong="H7200"\w* [HYP] \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w*, \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w their|strong="H3605"\w* \w donkeys|strong="H2543"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* taking \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w*. \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w warned|strong="H5749"\w* \w them|strong="H1992"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* \w should|strong="H3117"\w* \w not|strong="H7200"\w* \w sell|strong="H4376"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H7200"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* Judea \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 16 \w I|strong="H1121"\w* \w also|strong="H1121"\w* \w saw|strong="H3063"\w* \w some|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w from|strong="H1121"\w* \w Tyre|strong="H6876"\w* \add city\add* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* \w living|strong="H3427"\w* \w there|strong="H3427"\w* \w in|strong="H3427"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="H3389"\w* \w who|strong="H3605"\w* \w were|strong="H1121"\w* bringing \w fish|strong="H1709"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \add into Jerusalem\add* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w sell|strong="H4376"\w* \w to|strong="H3389"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w people|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Judea \w on|strong="H3427"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* day.  
\v 17 \w So|strong="H6213"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w rebuked|strong="H7378"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* Jewish \w leaders|strong="H2715"\w* \w and|strong="H3063"\w* \w told|strong="H1697"\w* \w them|strong="H6213"\w*, “\w This|strong="H2088"\w* \w is|strong="H2088"\w* [RHQ] \w a|strong="H3068"\w* \w very|strong="H2088"\w* \w evil|strong="H7451"\w* \w thing|strong="H1697"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w you|strong="H3117"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w doing|strong="H6213"\w*! \w You|strong="H3117"\w* \w are|strong="H3117"\w* \w causing|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H6213"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w days|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H6213"\w* \w be|strong="H1697"\w* unholy.  
\v 18 \w Your|strong="H3605"\w* ancestors \w did|strong="H6213"\w* [RHQ] \w things|strong="H3605"\w* \w like|strong="H3478"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w*, \w so|strong="H6213"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* punished \w them|strong="H5921"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w as|strong="H6213"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* result, \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w city|strong="H5892"\w* \w was|strong="H3478"\w* destroyed! \w And|strong="H3478"\w* \w now|strong="H3478"\w* \w by|strong="H5921"\w* \w causing|strong="H6213"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* day \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* unholy, \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w are|strong="H3478"\w* going \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w cause|strong="H6213"\w* \w God|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w be|strong="H3808"\w* angry \w with|strong="H6213"\w* \w us|strong="H5921"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H3808"\w* \add and punish us\add* \w more|strong="H3808"\w*!”   
\p
\v 19 \w So|strong="H1961"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* ordered \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* ◄\w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w beginning|strong="H5704"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w every|strong="H3117"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*/\w every|strong="H3117"\w* Friday \w evening|strong="H3117"\w*► \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w should|strong="H3117"\w* \w shut|strong="H5462"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w before|strong="H6440"\w* \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w became|strong="H1961"\w* \w dark|strong="H6751"\w*. \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w also|strong="H3117"\w* ordered \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w should|strong="H3117"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w open|strong="H6605"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w* \w until|strong="H5704"\w* ◄\w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w ended|strong="H1961"\w* \add the next day\add*/Saturday \w evening|strong="H3117"\w*►. \w Then|strong="H1961"\w* \add each Sabbath day\add* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* put \w some|strong="H3117"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w my|strong="H5921"\w* \w men|strong="H5288"\w* \w at|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w*, \w so|strong="H1961"\w* \w they|strong="H3117"\w* \w would|strong="H5288"\w* \w make|strong="H6605"\w* sure \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w nothing|strong="H3808"\w* \w to|strong="H5704"\w* sell \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w brought|strong="H1961"\w* \w into|strong="H5921"\w* \w the|strong="H6440"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w on|strong="H5921"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w day|strong="H3117"\w*.  
\v 20 \w One|strong="H3605"\w* \w or|strong="H4376"\w* \w two|strong="H8147"\w* \w times|strong="H6471"\w* \w merchants|strong="H7402"\w* [DOU] \w stayed|strong="H3885"\w* \w outside|strong="H2351"\w* \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* city \w on|strong="H3605"\w* ◄Friday \w night|strong="H3885"\w*/\add the night before the Sabbath day\add*►.  
\v 21 \w I|strong="H6256"\w* \w warned|strong="H5749"\w* \w them|strong="H7971"\w*, “\w It|strong="H1931"\w* \w is|strong="H1931"\w* \w useless|strong="H3808"\w* [RHQ] \w for|strong="H3027"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w to|strong="H7971"\w* \w stay|strong="H3885"\w* here \w outside|strong="H4480"\w* \w the|strong="H4480"\w* \w walls|strong="H2346"\w* \add on Friday night\add*! \w If|strong="H1931"\w* \w you|strong="H7971"\w* \w do|strong="H8138"\w* \w this|strong="H1931"\w* \w again|strong="H7971"\w*, \w I|strong="H6256"\w* \w will|strong="H3027"\w* tell \w my|strong="H7971"\w* men \w to|strong="H7971"\w* arrest \w you|strong="H7971"\w*!” \w So|strong="H4480"\w* \w after|strong="H4480"\w* \w that|strong="H1931"\w*, \w they|strong="H3808"\w* \w did|strong="H3808"\w* \w not|strong="H3808"\w* \w come|strong="H2346"\w* \w on|strong="H3027"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* days.  
\v 22 \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w commanded|strong="H1571"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* descendants \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \add perform the ritual to\add* \w purify|strong="H2891"\w* \w themselves|strong="H6942"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w guard|strong="H8104"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w city|strong="H8179"\w* \w gates|strong="H8179"\w*, \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w make|strong="H2142"\w* \w sure|strong="H8104"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="H7676"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w kept|strong="H8104"\w* \w holy|strong="H6942"\w* \add by not allowing merchants to enter it on Sabbath days\add*.  
\p \w My|strong="H8104"\w* God, \w do|strong="H8104"\w* \w not|strong="H1961"\w* forget \w this|strong="H2063"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w that|strong="H3117"\w* \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \add have done for you\add*! \w And|strong="H3117"\w* \w because|strong="H5921"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w your|strong="H5921"\w* \w faithfully|strong="H2617"\w* loving \w me|strong="H5921"\w*, allow \w me|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w continue|strong="H1961"\w* \w to|strong="H1961"\w* \w live|strong="H3117"\w* \add many more years\add*!   
\p
\v 23 \w During|strong="H3117"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w time|strong="H3117"\w*, \w I|strong="H3117"\w* \w also|strong="H1571"\w* \w found|strong="H1571"\w* \w out|strong="H7200"\w* \w that|strong="H7200"\w* \w many|strong="H7200"\w* \w of|strong="H3117"\w* \w the|strong="H7200"\w* \w Jewish|strong="H3064"\w* \w men|strong="H1992"\w* \w had|strong="H3064"\w* \w married|strong="H3427"\w* \w women|strong="H1992"\w* \w from|strong="H3117"\w* Ashdod \add city\add*, \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w from|strong="H3117"\w* \add the\add* \w Ammon|strong="H4125"\w* \w and|strong="H3117"\w* \w Moab|strong="H4125"\w* \add people-groups\add*.  
\v 24 \w The|strong="H1696"\w* result \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w half|strong="H2677"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w their|strong="H5234"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w spoke|strong="H1696"\w* \w the|strong="H1696"\w* \w language|strong="H3956"\w* \w that|strong="H5971"\w* \w people|strong="H5971"\w* \w in|strong="H1696"\w* Ashdod \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w or|strong="H1121"\w* \w some|strong="H5971"\w* other \w language|strong="H3956"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w they|strong="H5971"\w* didn’t \w know|strong="H5234"\w* how \w to|strong="H1696"\w* \w speak|strong="H1696"\w* \w our|strong="H5971"\w* \w language|strong="H3956"\w*.  
\v 25 \w So|strong="H5414"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w rebuked|strong="H7378"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* \w men|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \add asked God to\add* \w curse|strong="H7043"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* \w beat|strong="H5221"\w* \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w and|strong="H1121"\w* \w pulled|strong="H4803"\w* \w out|strong="H5414"\w* \add some of\add* \w their|strong="H5375"\w* \w hair|strong="H4803"\w*. \w Then|strong="H5375"\w* \w I|strong="H5414"\w* forced \w them|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w solemnly|strong="H7650"\w* \w promise|strong="H7650"\w*, knowing \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w God|strong="H5414"\w* [MTY] \w was|strong="H1121"\w* \add listening\add*, \w that|strong="H5414"\w* \w they|strong="H1992"\w* would never again \w marry|strong="H5414"\w* \w foreigners|strong="H1121"\w*, \w and|strong="H1121"\w* never \w allow|strong="H5414"\w* \w their|strong="H5375"\w* \w children|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H5414"\w* \w marry|strong="H5414"\w* \w foreigners|strong="H1121"\w*.  
\v 26  \add I said to them\add*, “\w Solomon|strong="H8010"\w*, \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w Israel|strong="H3478"\w*, \w sinned|strong="H2398"\w* [RHQ] \w as|strong="H1961"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* result \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \add marrying\add* \w foreign|strong="H5237"\w* women. \w He|strong="H3605"\w* \w was|strong="H1961"\w* \w greater|strong="H7227"\w* \w than|strong="H5921"\w* \w any|strong="H3605"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w kings|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w other|strong="H3605"\w* \w nations|strong="H1471"\w*. \w God|strong="H5414"\w* loved \w him|strong="H5414"\w*, \w and|strong="H3478"\w* \w caused|strong="H5414"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w become|strong="H1961"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w king|strong="H4428"\w* \w of|strong="H4428"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* Israeli \w people|strong="H1471"\w*, \w but|strong="H3808"\w* \w his|strong="H3605"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5237"\w* wives \w caused|strong="H5414"\w* \w even|strong="H1571"\w* \w him|strong="H5414"\w* \w to|strong="H3478"\w* \w sin|strong="H2398"\w*.  
\v 27  \add Do you think that\add* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* \w should|strong="H6213"\w* \w do|strong="H6213"\w* \w what|strong="H7451"\w* \w you|strong="H3605"\w* \w have|strong="H3605"\w* \w done|strong="H6213"\w*, \w and|strong="H1419"\w* disobey \w our|strong="H3605"\w* God \w by|strong="H3427"\w* \w marrying|strong="H3427"\w* \w foreign|strong="H5237"\w* \w women|strong="H7451"\w* \add who worship idols\add*? [RHQ]”   
\p
\v 28 \w One|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w sons|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \w Jehoiada|strong="H3111"\w*, \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w of|strong="H1121"\w* Eliashib \w the|strong="H5921"\w* Supreme \w Priest|strong="H3548"\w*, \w had|strong="H3548"\w* married \w the|strong="H5921"\w* daughter \w of|strong="H1121"\w* \add our enemy\add* \w Sanballat|strong="H5571"\w*, \w from|strong="H5921"\w* Beth-Horon \add town\add*. \w So|strong="H5921"\w* \w I|strong="H5921"\w* forced \w Jehoiada|strong="H3111"\w*’s \w son|strong="H1121"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* leave Jerusalem.   
\p
\v 29 \w My|strong="H5921"\w* God, do \w not|strong="H2142"\w* forget \w that|strong="H3881"\w* \w those|strong="H1992"\w* people \add who have married foreign women\add* \w have|strong="H5921"\w* caused \w it|strong="H5921"\w* \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H1285"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* shame/disgrace \w to|strong="H5921"\w* \w be|strong="H1285"\w* \w a|strong="H3068"\w* priest, \w and|strong="H1285"\w* \w have|strong="H5921"\w* caused people \w to|strong="H5921"\w* despise \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \w agreement|strong="H1285"\w* \w that|strong="H3881"\w* \w you|strong="H5921"\w* made \w with|strong="H1285"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* priests \w and|strong="H1285"\w* \w with|strong="H1285"\w* \w the|strong="H5921"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H5921"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w* \add who help the priests\add*►!   
\p
\v 30 \w I|strong="H3605"\w* \w did|strong="H3881"\w* \w all|strong="H3605"\w* \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w to|strong="H5975"\w* \w make|strong="H5975"\w* sure \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w there|strong="H5975"\w* \w were|strong="H3881"\w* \w no|strong="H3605"\w* more \w foreign|strong="H5236"\w* people among \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \add Israeli\add* people \add who would encourage them to worship idols\add*. \w I|strong="H3605"\w* also \w established|strong="H5975"\w* regulations \w for|strong="H5975"\w* \w the|strong="H3605"\w* \w priests|strong="H3548"\w* \w and|strong="H3548"\w* \add other\add* descendants \w of|strong="H3605"\w* \w Levi|strong="H3881"\w*, \w in|strong="H5975"\w* order \w that|strong="H3605"\w* \w they|strong="H3605"\w* \w would|strong="H3605"\w* know what \w work|strong="H4399"\w* \w they|strong="H3605"\w* \w should|strong="H3548"\w* \w do|strong="H3605"\w*.  
\v 31 \w I|strong="H6256"\w* \w also|strong="H6256"\w* arranged \w for|strong="H6086"\w* people \w to|strong="H6256"\w* \w bring|strong="H2142"\w* \w the|strong="H2142"\w* \w firewood|strong="H6086"\w* \add that was needed to burn on the altar, as Moses had declared\add* \w that|strong="H6256"\w* \w we|strong="H3068"\w* should \add do\add*. \w I|strong="H6256"\w* \w also|strong="H6256"\w* arranged \w for|strong="H6086"\w* \w the|strong="H2142"\w* people \w to|strong="H6256"\w* \w bring|strong="H2142"\w* \w the|strong="H2142"\w* \w first|strong="H1061"\w* part \w of|strong="H6086"\w* \w what|strong="H2896"\w* \w they|strong="H6256"\w* harvested \add each year\add*.  
\p \w My|strong="H2142"\w* God, do \w not|strong="H6256"\w* forget \add that\add* \w I|strong="H6256"\w* \add have done all these things\add*, \w and|strong="H6086"\w* bless \w me|strong="H2142"\w* \add for doing them\add*!