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