GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:16urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:16The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah . And it came to pass in the month Chisleu , in the twentieth year , as I was in Shushan the palace , That Hanani , one of my brethren , came , he and certain men of Judah ; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped , which were left of the captivity , and concerning Jerusalem . And they said unto me , The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach : the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down , and the gates thereof are burned with fire . And it came to pass , when I heard these words , that I sat down and wept , and mourned certain days , and fasted , and prayed before the God of heaven , And said , I beseech thee , O LORD God of heaven , the great and terrible God , that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments : Let thine ear now be attentive , and thine eyes open , that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant , which I pray before thee now , day and night , for the children of Israel thy servants , and confess the sins of the children of Israel , which we have sinned against thee : both I and my father's house have sinned . We have dealt very corruptly against thee , and have not kept the commandments , nor the statutes , nor the judgments , which thou commandedst thy servant Moses . Remember , I beseech thee , the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses , saying , If ye transgress , I will scatter you abroad among the nations : But if ye turn unto me , and keep my commandments , and do them ; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven , yet will I gather them from thence , and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there . Now these are thy servants and thy people , whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power , and by thy strong hand . O Lord , I beseech thee , let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant , and to the prayer of thy servants , who desire to fear thy name : and prosper , I pray thee , thy servant this day , and grant him mercy in the sight of this man . For I was the king's cupbearer . And it came to pass in the month Nisan , in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king , that wine was before him : and I took up the wine , and gave it unto the king . Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence . Wherefore the king said unto me , Why is thy countenance sad , seeing thou art not sick ? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart . Then I was very sore afraid , And said unto the king , Let the king live for ever : why should not my countenance be sad , when the city , the place of my fathers' sepulchres , lieth waste , and the gates thereof are consumed with fire ? Then the king said unto me , For what dost thou make request ? So I prayed to the God of heaven . And I said unto the king , If it please the king , and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight , that thou wouldest send me unto Judah , unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres , that I may build it . And the king said unto me , ( the queen also sitting by him , ) For how long shall thy journey be ? and when wilt thou return ? So it pleased the king to send me ; and I set him a time . Moreover I said unto the king , If it please the king , let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river , that they may convey me over till I come into Judah ; And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest , that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house , and for the wall of the city , and for the house that I shall enter into . And the king granted me , according to the good hand of my God upon me . Then I came to the governors beyond the river , and gave them the king's letters . Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me . When Sanballat the Horonite , and Tobiah the servant , the Ammonite , heard of it , it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel . So I came to Jerusalem , and was there three days . And I arose in the night , I and some few men with me ; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem : neither was there any beast with me , save the beast that I rode upon . And I went out by night by the gate of the valley , even before the dragon well , and to the dung port , and viewed the walls of Jerusalem , which were broken down , and the gates thereof were consumed with fire . Then I went on to the gate of the fountain , and to the king's pool : but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass . Then went I up in the night by the brook , and viewed the wall , and turned back , and entered by the gate of the valley , and so returned . And the rulers knew not whither I went , or what I did ; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews , nor to the priests , nor to the nobles , nor to the rulers , nor to the rest that did the work . Then said I unto them , Ye see the distress that we are in , how Jerusalem lieth waste , and the gates thereof are burned with fire : come , and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem , that we be no more a reproach . Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me ; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me . And they said , Let us rise up and build . So they strengthened their hands for this good work . But when Sanballat the Horonite , and Tobiah the servant , the Ammonite , and Geshem the Arabian , heard it , they laughed us to scorn , and despised us , and said , What is this thing that ye do ? will ye rebel against the king ? Then answered I them , and said unto them , The God of heaven , he will prosper us ; therefore we his servants will arise and build : but ye have no portion , nor right , nor memorial , in Jerusalem . Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests , and they builded the sheep gate ; they sanctified it , and set up the doors of it ; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it , unto the tower of Hananeel . And next unto him builded the men of Jericho . And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri . But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build , who also laid the beams thereof , and set up the doors thereof , the locks thereof , and the bars thereof . And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah , the son of Koz . And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah , the son of Meshezabeel . And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana . And next unto them the Tekoites repaired ; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord . Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah , and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah ; they laid the beams thereof , and set up the doors thereof , and the locks thereof , and the bars thereof . And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite , and Jadon the Meronothite , the men of Gibeon , and of Mizpah , unto the throne of the governor on this side the river . Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah , of the goldsmiths . Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries , and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall . And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur , the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem . And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph , even over against his house . And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah . Malchijah the son of Harim , and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab , repaired the other piece , and the tower of the furnaces . And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh , the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem , he and his daughters . The valley gate repaired Hanun , and the inhabitants of Zanoah ; they built it , and set up the doors thereof , the locks thereof , and the bars thereof , and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate . But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab , the ruler of part of Beth-haccerem ; he built it , and set up the doors thereof , the locks thereof , and the bars thereof . But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Col-hozeh , the ruler of part of Mizpah ; he built it , and covered it , and set up the doors thereof , the locks thereof , and the bars thereof , and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden , and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David . After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk , the ruler of the half part of Beth-zur , unto the place over against the sepulchres of David , and to the pool that was made , and unto the house of the mighty . After him repaired the Levites , Rehum the son of Bani . Next unto him repaired Hashabiah , the ruler of the half part of Keilah , in his part . After him repaired their brethren , Bavai the son of Henadad , the ruler of the half part of Keilah . And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua , the ruler of Mizpah , another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall . After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece , from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest . After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece , from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib . And after him repaired the priests , the men of the plain . After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house . After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house . After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece , from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall , even unto the corner . Palal the son of Uzai , over against the turning of the wall , and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house , that was by the court of the prison . After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh . Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel , unto the place over against the water gate toward the east , and the tower that lieth out . After them the Tekoites repaired another piece , over against the great tower that lieth out , even unto the wall of Ophel . From above the horse gate repaired the priests , every one over against his house . After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house . After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah , the keeper of the east gate . After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah , and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph , another piece . After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber . After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims , and of the merchants , over against the gate Miphkad , and to the going up of the corner . And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants . But it came to pass , that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall , he was wroth , and took great indignation , and mocked the Jews . And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria , and said , What do these feeble Jews ? will they fortify themselves ? will they sacrifice ? will they make an end in a day ? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned ? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him , and he said , Even that which they build , if a fox go up , he shall even break down their stone wall . Hear , O our God ; for we are despised : and turn their reproach upon their own head , and give them for a prey in the land of captivity : And cover not their iniquity , and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee : for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders . So built we the wall ; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof : for the people had a mind to work . But it came to pass , that when Sanballat , and Tobiah , and the Arabians , and the Ammonites , and the Ashdodites , heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up , and that the breaches began to be stopped , then they were very wroth , And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem , and to hinder it . Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God , and set a watch against them day and night , because of them . And Judah said , The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed , and there is much rubbish ; so that we are not able to build the wall . And our adversaries said , They shall not know , neither see , till we come in the midst among them , and slay them , and cause the work to cease . And it came to pass , that when the Jews which dwelt by them came , they said unto us ten times , From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you . Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall , and on the higher places , I even set the people after their families with their swords , their spears , and their bows . And I looked , and rose up , and said unto the nobles , and to the rulers , and to the rest of the people , Be not ye afraid of them : remember the Lord , which is great and terrible , and fight for your brethren , your sons , and your daughters , your wives , and your houses . And it came to pass , when our enemies heard that it was known unto us , and God had brought their counsel to nought , that we returned all of us to the wall , every one unto his work . And it came to pass from that time forth , that the half of my servants wrought in the work , and the other half of them held both the spears , the shields , and the bows , and the habergeons ; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah . They which builded on the wall , and they that bare burdens , with those that laded , every one with one of his hands wrought in the work , and with the other hand held a weapon . For the builders , every one had his sword girded by his side , and so builded . And he that sounded the trumpet was by me . And I said unto the nobles , and to the rulers , and to the rest of the people , The work is great and large , and we are separated upon the wall , one far from another . In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet , resort ye thither unto us : our God shall fight for us . So we laboured in the work : and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared . Likewise at the same time said I unto the people , Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem , that in the night they may be a guard to us , and labour on the day . So neither I , nor my brethren , nor my servants , nor the men of the guard which followed me , none of us put off our clothes , saving that every one put them off for washing . And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews . For there were that said , We , our sons , and our daughters , are many : therefore we take up corn for them , that we may eat , and live . Some also there were that said , We have mortgaged our lands , vineyards , and houses , that we might buy corn , because of the dearth . There were also that said , We have borrowed money for the king's tribute , and that upon our lands and vineyards . Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren , our children as their children : and , lo , we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants , and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already : neither is it in our power to redeem them ; for other men have our lands and vineyards . And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words . Then I consulted with myself , and I rebuked the nobles , and the rulers , and said unto them , Ye exact usury , every one of his brother . And I set a great assembly against them . And I said unto them , We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews , which were sold unto the heathen ; and will ye even sell your brethren ? or shall they be sold unto us ? Then held they their peace , and found nothing to answer . Also I said , It is not good that ye do : ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies ? I likewise , and my brethren , and my servants , might exact of them money and corn : I pray you , let us leave off this usury . Restore , I pray you , to them , even this day , their lands , their vineyards , their oliveyards , and their houses , also the the hundredth part of the money , and of the corn , the wine , and the oil , that ye exact of them . Then said they , We will restore them , and will require nothing of them ; so will we do as thou sayest . Then I called the priests , and took an oath of them , that they should do according to this promise . Also I shook my lap , and said , So God shake out every man from his house , and from his labour , that performeth not this promise , even thus be he shaken out , and emptied . And all the congregation said , Amen , and praised the LORD . And the people did according to this promise . Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah , from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king , that is , twelve years , I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor . But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people , and had taken of them bread and wine , beside forty shekels of silver ; yea , even their servants bare rule over the people : but so did not I , because of the fear of God . Yea , also I continued in the work of this wall , neither bought we any land : and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work . Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers , beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us . Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep ; also fowls were prepared for me , and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine : yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor , because the bondage was heavy upon this people . Think upon me , my God , for good , according to all that I have done for this people . Now it came to pass , when Sanballat , and Tobiah , and Geshem the Arabian , and the rest of our enemies , heard that I had builded the wall , and that there was no breach left therein ; ( though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates ; ) That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me , saying , Come , let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono . But they thought to do me mischief . And I sent messengers unto them , saying , I am doing a great work , so that I cannot come down : why should the work cease , whilst I leave it , and come down to you ? Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort ; and I answered them after the same manner . Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand ; Wherein was written , It is reported among the heathen , and Gashmu saith it , that thou and the Jews think to rebel : for which cause thou buildest the wall , that thou mayest be their king , according to these words . And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem , saying , There is a king in Judah : and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words . Come now therefore , and let us take counsel together . Then I sent unto him , saying , There are no such things done as thou sayest , but thou feignest them out of thine own heart . For they all made us afraid , saying , Their hands shall be weakened from the work , that it be not done . Now therefore , O God , strengthen my hands . Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel , who was shut up ; and he said , Let us meet together in the house of God , within the temple , and let us shut the doors of the temple : for they will come to slay thee ; yea , in the night will they come to slay thee . And I said , Should such a man as I flee ? and who is there , that , being as I am , would go into the temple to save his life ? I will not go in . And , lo , I perceived that God had not sent him ; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me : for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him . Therefore was he hired , that I should be afraid , and do so , and sin , and that they might have matter for an evil report , that they might reproach me . My God , think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works , and on the prophetess Noadiah , and the rest of the prophets , that would have put me in fear . So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul , in fifty and two days . And it came to pass , that when all our enemies heard thereof , and all the heathen that were about us saw these things , they were much cast down in their own eyes : for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God . Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah , and the letters of Tobiah came unto them . For there were many in Judah sworn unto him , because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah ; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah . Also they reported his good deeds before me , and uttered my words to him . And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear . Now it came to pass , when the wall was built , and I had set up the doors , and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed , That I gave my brother Hanani , and Hananiah the ruler of the palace , charge over Jerusalem : for he was a faithful man , and feared God above many . And I said unto them , Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot ; and while they stand by , let them shut the doors , and bar them : and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem , every one in his watch , and every one to be over against his house . Now the city was large and great : but the people were few therein , and the houses were not builded . And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles , and the rulers , and the people , that they might be reckoned by genealogy . And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first , and found written therein , These are the children of the province , that went up out of the captivity , of those that had been carried away , whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away , and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah , every one unto his city ; Who came with Zerubbabel , Jeshua , Nehemiah , Azariah , Raamiah , Nahamani , Mordecai , Bilshan , Mispereth , Bigvai , Nehum , Baanah . The number , I say , of the men of the people of Israel was this ; The children of Parosh , two thousand an hundred seventy and two . The children of Shephatiah , three hundred seventy and two . The children of Arah , six hundred fifty and two . The children of Pahath-moab , of the children of Jeshua and Joab , two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen . The children of Elam , a thousand two hundred fifty and four . The children of Zattu , eight hundred forty and five . The children of Zaccai , seven hundred and threescore . The children of Binnui , six hundred forty and eight . The children of Bebai , six hundred twenty and eight . The children of Azgad , two thousand three hundred twenty and two . The children of Adonikam , six hundred threescore and seven . The children of Bigvai , two thousand threescore and seven . The children of Adin , six hundred fifty and five . The children of Ater of Hezekiah , ninety and eight . The children of Hashum , three hundred twenty and eight . The children of Bezai , three hundred twenty and four . The children of Hariph , an hundred and twelve . The children of Gibeon , ninety and five . The men of Bethlehem and Netophah , an hundred fourscore and eight . The men of Anathoth , an hundred twenty and eight . The men of Beth-azmaveth , forty and two . The men of Kirjath-jearim , Chephirah , and Beeroth , seven hundred forty and three . The men of Ramah and Geba , six hundred twenty and one . The men of Michmas , an hundred and twenty and two . The men of Bethel and Ai , an hundred twenty and three . The men of the other Nebo , fifty and two . The children of the other Elam , a thousand two hundred fifty and four . The children of Harim , three hundred and twenty . The children of Jericho , three hundred forty and five . The children of Lod , Hadid , and Ono , seven hundred twenty and one . The children of Senaah , three thousand nine hundred and thirty . The priests : the children of Jedaiah , of the house of Jeshua , nine hundred seventy and three . The children of Immer , a thousand fifty and two . The children of Pashur , a thousand two hundred forty and seven . The children of Harim , a thousand and seventeen . The Levites : the children of Jeshua , of Kadmiel , and of the children of Hodevah , seventy and four . The singers : the children of Asaph , an hundred forty and eight . The porters : the children of Shallum , the children of Ater , the children of Talmon , the children of Akkub , the children of Hatita , the children of Shobai , an hundred thirty and eight . The Nethinims : the children of Ziha , the children of Hashupha , the children of Tabbaoth , The children of Keros , the children of Sia , the children of Padon , The children of Lebana , the children of Hagaba , the children of Shalmai , The children of Hanan , the children of Giddel , the children of Gahar , The children of Reaiah , the children of Rezin , the children of Nekoda , The children of Gazzam , the children of Uzza , the children of Phaseah , The children of Besai , the children of Meunim , the children of Nephishesim , The children of Bakbuk , the children of Hakupha , the children of Harhur , The children of Bazlith , the children of Mehida , the children of Harsha , The children of Barkos , the children of Sisera , the children of Tamah , The children of Neziah , the children of Hatipha . The children of Solomon's servants : the children of Sotai , the children of Sophereth , the children of Perida , The children of Jaala , the children of Darkon , the children of Giddel , The children of Shephatiah , the children of Hattil , the children of Pochereth of Zebaim , the children of Amon . All the Nethinims , and the children of Solomon's servants , were three hundred ninety and two . And these were they which went up also from Telmelah , Telharesha , Cherub , Addon , and Immer : but they could not shew their father's house , nor their seed , whether they were of Israel . The children of Delaiah , the children of Tobiah , the children of Nekoda , six hundred forty and two . And of the priests : the children of Habaiah , the children of Koz , the children of Barzillai , which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife , and was called after their name . These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy , but it was not found : therefore were they , as polluted , put from the priesthood . And the Tirshatha said unto them , that they should not eat of the most holy things , till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim . The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore , Beside their manservants and their maidservants , of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven : and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women . Their horses , seven hundred thirty and six : their mules , two hundred forty and five : Their camels , four hundred thirty and five : six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses . And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work . The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold , fifty basons , five hundred and thirty priests' garments . And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold , and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver . And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold , and two thousand pound of silver , and threescore and seven priests' garments . So the priests , and the Levites , and the porters , and the singers , and some of the people , and the Nethinims , and all Israel , dwelt in their cities ; and when the seventh month came , the children of Israel were in their cities . And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate ; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses , which the LORD had commanded to Israel . And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women , and all that could hear with understanding , upon the first day of the seventh month . And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday , before the men and the women , and those that could understand ; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law . And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood , which they had made for the purpose ; and beside him stood Mattithiah , and Shema , and Anaiah , and Urijah , and Hilkiah , and Maaseiah , on his right hand ; and on his left hand , Pedaiah , and Mishael , and Malchiah , and Hashum , and Hashbadana , Zechariah , and Meshullam . And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people ; ( for he was above all the people ; ) and when he opened it , all the people stood up : And Ezra blessed the LORD , the great God . And all the people answered , Amen , Amen , with lifting up their hands : and they bowed their heads , and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground . Also Jeshua , and Bani , and Sherebiah , Jamin , Akkub , Shabbethai , Hodijah , Maaseiah , Kelita , Azariah , Jozabad , Hanan , Pelaiah , and the Levites , caused the people to understand the law : and the people stood in their place . So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly , and gave the sense , and caused them to understand the reading . And Nehemiah , which is the Tirshatha , and Ezra the priest the scribe , and the Levites that taught the people , said unto all the people , This day is holy unto the LORD your God ; mourn not , nor weep . For all the people wept , when they heard the words of the law . Then he said unto them , Go your way , eat the fat , and drink the sweet , and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared : for this day is holy unto our Lord : neither be ye sorry ; for the joy of the LORD is your strength . So the Levites stilled all the people , saying , Hold your peace , for the day is holy ; neither be ye grieved . And all the people went their way to eat , and to drink , and to send portions , and to make great mirth , because they had understood the words that were declared unto them . And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people , the priests , and the Levites , unto Ezra the scribe , even to understand the words of the law . And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses , that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month : And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities , and in Jerusalem , saying , Go forth unto the mount , and fetch olive branches , and pine branches , and myrtle branches , and palm branches , and branches of thick trees , to make booths , as it is written . So the people went forth , and brought them , and made themselves booths , every one upon the roof of his house , and in their courts , and in the courts of the house of God , and in the street of the water gate , and in the street of the gate of Ephraim . And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths , and sat under the booths : for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so . And there was very great gladness . Also day by day , from the first day unto the last day , he read in the book of the law of God . And they kept the feast seven days ; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly , according unto the manner . Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting , and with sackclothes , and earth upon them . And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers , and stood and confessed their sins , and the iniquities of their fathers . And they stood up in their place , and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day ; and another fourth part they confessed , and worshipped the LORD their God . Then stood up upon the stairs , of the Levites , Jeshua , and Bani , Kadmiel , Shebaniah , Bunni , Sherebiah , Bani , and Chenani , and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God . Then the Levites , Jeshua , and Kadmiel , Bani , Hashabniah , Sherebiah , Hodijah , Shebaniah , and Pethahiah , said , Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever : and blessed be thy glorious name , which is exalted above all blessing and praise . Thou , even thou , art LORD alone ; thou hast made heaven , the heaven of heavens , with all their host , the earth , and all things that are therein , the seas , and all that is therein , and thou preservest them all ; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee . Thou art the LORD the God , who didst choose Abram , and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees , and gavest him the name of Abraham ; And foundest his heart faithful before thee , and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites , the Hittites , the Amorites , and the Perizzites , and the Jebusites , and the Girgashites , to give it , I say , to his seed , and hast performed thy words ; for thou art righteous : And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt , and heardest their cry by the Red sea ; And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharoah , and on all his servants , and on all the people of his land : for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them . So didst thou get thee a name , as it is this day . And thou didst divide the sea before them , so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land ; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps , as a stone into the mighty waters . Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar ; and in the night by a pillar of fire , to give them light in the way wherein they should go . Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai , and spakest with them from heaven , and gavest them right judgments , and true laws , good statutes and commandments : And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath , and commandedst them precepts , statutes , and laws , by the hand of Moses thy servant : And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger , and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst , and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them . But they and our fathers dealt proudly , and hardened their necks , and hearkened not to thy commandments , And refused to obey , neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them ; but hardened their necks , and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage : but thou art a God ready to pardon , gracious and merciful , slow to anger , and of great kindness , and forsookest them not . Yea , when they had made them a molten calf , and said , This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt , and had wrought great provocations ; Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness : the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day , to lead them in the way ; neither the pillar of fire by night , to shew them light , and the way wherein they should go . Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them , and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth , and gavest them water for their thirst . Yea , forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness , so that they lacked nothing ; their clothes waxed not old , and their feet swelled not . Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations , and didst divide them into corners : so they possessed the land of Sihon , and the land of the king of Heshbon , and the land of Og king of Bashan . Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven , and broughtest them into the land , concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers , that they should go in to possess it . So the children went in and possessed the land , and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land , the Canaanites , and gavest them into their hands , with their kings , and the people of the land , that they might do with them as they would . And they took strong cities , and a fat land , and possessed houses full of all goods , wells digged , vineyards , and oliveyards , and fruit trees in abundance : so they did eat , and were filled , and became fat , and delighted themselves in thy great goodness . Nevertheless they were disobedient , and rebelled against thee , and cast thy law behind their backs , and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee , and they wrought great provocations . Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies , who vexed them : and in the time of their trouble , when they cried unto thee , thou heardest them from heaven ; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours , who saved them out of the hand of their enemies . But after they had rest , they did evil again before thee : therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies , so that they had the dominion over them : yet when they returned , and cried unto thee , thou heardest them from heaven ; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies ; And testifiedst against them , that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law : yet they dealt proudly , and hearkened not unto thy commandments , but sinned against thy judgments , ( which if a man do , he shall live in them ; ) and withdrew the shoulder , and hardened their neck , and would not hear . Yet many years didst thou forbear them , and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets : yet would they not give ear : therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands . Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them , nor forsake them ; for thou art a gracious and merciful God . Now therefore , our God , the great , the mighty , and the terrible God , who keepest covenant and mercy , let not all the trouble seem little before thee , that hath come upon us , on our kings , on our princes , and on our priests , and on our prophets , and on our fathers , and on all thy people , since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day . Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us ; for thou hast done right , but we have done wickedly : Neither have our kings , our princes , our priests , nor our fathers , kept thy law , nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies , wherewith thou didst testify against them . For they have not served thee in their kingdom , and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them , and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them , neither turned they from their wicked works . Behold , we are servants this day , and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof , behold , we are servants in it : And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins : also they have dominion over our bodies , and over our cattle , at their pleasure , and we are in great distress . And because of all this we make a sure covenant , and write it ; and our princes , Levites , and priests , seal unto it . Now those that sealed were , Nehemiah , the Tirshatha , the son of Hachaliah , and Zidkijah , Seraiah , Azariah , Jeremiah , Pashur , Amariah , Malchijah , Hattush , Shebaniah , Malluch , Harim , Meremoth , Obadiah , Daniel , Ginnethon , Baruch , Meshullam , Abijah , Mijamin , Maaziah , Bilgai , Shemaiah : these were the priests . And the Levites : both Jeshua the son of Azaniah , Binnui of the sons of Henadad , Kadmiel ; And their brethren , Shebaniah , Hodijah , Kelita , Pelaiah , Hanan , Micha , Rehob , Hashabiah , Zaccur , Sherebiah , Shebaniah , Hodijah , Bani , Beninu . The chief of the people ; Parosh , Pahath-moab , Elam , Zatthu , Bani , Bunni , Azgad , Bebai , Adonijah , Bigvai , Adin , Ater , Hizkijah , Azzur , Hodijah , Hashum , Bezai , Hariph , Anathoth , Nebai , Magpiash , Meshullam , Hezir , Meshezabeel , Zadok , Jaddua , Pelatiah , Hanan , Anaiah , Hoshea , Hananiah , Hashub , Hallohesh , Pileha , Shobek , Rehum , Hashabnah , Maaseiah , And Ahijah , Hanan , Anan , Malluch , Harim , Baanah . And the rest of the people , the priests , the Levites , the porters , the singers , the Nethinims , and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God , their wives , their sons , and their daughters , every one having knowledge , and having understanding ; They clave to their brethren , their nobles , and entered into a curse , and into an oath , to walk in God's law , which was given by Moses the servant of God , and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord , and his judgments and his statutes ; And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land , nor take their daughters for our sons : And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell , that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath , or on the holy day : and that we would leave the seventh year , and the exaction of every debt . Also we made ordinances for us , to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God ; For the shewbread , and for the continual meat offering , and for the continual burnt offering , of the sabbaths , of the new moons , for the set feasts , and for the holy things , and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel , and for all the work of the house of our God . And we cast the lots among the priests , the Levites , and the people , for the wood offering , to bring it into the house of our God , after the houses of our fathers , at times appointed year by year , to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God , as it is written in the law : And to bring the firstfruits of our ground , and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees , year by year , unto the house of the LORD : Also the firstborn of our sons , and of our cattle , as it is written in the law , and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks , to bring to the house of our God , unto the priests that minister in the house of our God : And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough , and our offerings , and the fruit of all manner of trees , of wine and of oil , unto the priests , to the chambers of the house of our God ; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites , that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage . And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites , when the Levites take tithes : and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God , to the chambers , into the treasure house . For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn , of the new wine , and the oil , unto the chambers , where are the vessels of the sanctuary , and the priests that minister , and the porters , and the singers : and we will not forsake the house of our God . And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem : the rest of the people also cast lots , to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city , and nine parts to dwell in other cities . And the people blessed all the men , that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem . Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem : but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities , to wit , Israel , the priests , and the Levites , and the Nethinims , and the children of Solomon's servants . And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah , and of the children of Benjamin . Of the children of Judah ; Athaiah the son of Uzziah , the son of Zechariah , the son of Amariah , the son of Shephatiah , the son of Mahalaleel , of the children of Perez ; And Maaseiah the son of Baruch , the son of Col-hozeh , the son of Hazaiah , the son of Adaiah , the son of Joiarib , the son of Zechariah , the son of Shiloni . All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men . And these are the sons of Benjamin ; Sallu the son of Meshullam , the son of Joed , the son of Pedaiah , the son of Kolaiah , the son of Maaseiah , the son of Ithiel , the son of Jesaiah . And after him Gabbai , Sallai , nine hundred twenty and eight . And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer : and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city . Of the priests : Jedaiah the son of Joiarib , Jachin . Seraiah the son of Hilkiah , the son of Meshullam , the son of Zadok , the son of Meraioth , the son of Ahitub , was the ruler of the house of God . And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two : and Adaiah the son of Jeroham , the son of Pelaliah , the son of Amzi , the son of Zechariah , the son of Pashur , the son of Malchiah , And his brethren , chief of the fathers , two hundred forty and two : and Amashai the son of Azareel , the son of Ahasai , the son of Meshillemoth , the son of Immer , And their brethren , mighty men of valour , an hundred twenty and eight : and their overseer was Zabdiel , the son of one of the great men . Also of the Levites : Shemaiah the son of Hashub , the son of Azrikam , the son of Hashabiah , the son of Bunni ; And Shabbethai and Jozabad , of the chief of the Levites , had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God . And Mattaniah the son of Micha , the son of Zabdi , the son of Asaph , was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer : and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren , and Abda the son of Shammua , the son of Galal , the son of Jeduthun . All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four . Moreover the porters , Akkub , Talmon , and their brethren that kept the gates , were an hundred seventy and two . And the residue of Israel , of the priests , and the Levites , were in all the cities of Judah , every one in his inheritance . But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel : and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims . The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani , the son of Hashabiah , the son of Mattaniah , the son of Micha . Of the sons of Asaph , the singers were over the business of the house of God . For it was the king's commandment concerning them , that a certain portion should be for the singers , due for every day . And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel , of the children of Zerah the son of Judah , was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people . And for the villages , with their fields , some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjath-arba , and in the villages thereof , and at Dibon , and in the villages thereof , and at Jekabzeel , and in the villages thereof , And at Jeshua , and at Moladah , and at Beth-phelet , And at Hazar-shual , and at Beer-sheba , and in the villages thereof , And at Ziklag , and at Mekonah , and in the villages thereof , And at En-rimmon , and at Zareah , and at Jarmuth , Zanoah , Adullam , and in their villages , at Lachish , and the fields thereof , at Azekah , and in the villages thereof . And they dwelt from Beer-sheba unto the valley of Hinnom . The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash , and Aija , and Bethel , and in their villages , And at Anathoth , Nob , Ananiah , Hazor , Ramah , Gittaim , Hadid , Zeboim , Neballat , Lod , and Ono , the valley of craftsmen . And of the Levites were divisions in Judah , and in Benjamin . Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel , and Jeshua : Seraiah , Jeremiah , Ezra , Amariah , Malluch , Hattush , Shechaniah , Rehum , Meremoth , Iddo , Ginnetho , Abijah , Miamin , Maadiah , Bilgah , Shemaiah , and Joiarib , Jediah , Sallu , Amok , Hilkiah , Jedaiah . These were the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua . Moreover the Levites : Jeshua , Binnui , Kadmiel , Sherebiah , Judah , and Mattaniah , which was over the thanksgiving , he and his brethren . Also Bakbukiah and Unni , their brethren , were over against them in the watches . And Jeshua begat Joiakim , Joiakim also begat Eliashib , and Eliashib begat Joiada , And Joiada begat Jonathan , and Jonathan begat Jaddua . And in the days of Joiakim were priests , the chief of the fathers : of Seraiah , Meraiah ; of Jeremiah , Hananiah ; Of Ezra , Meshullam ; of Amariah , Jehohanan ; Of Melicu , Jonathan ; of Shebaniah , Joseph ; Of Harim , Adna ; of Meraioth , Helkai ; Of Iddo , Zechariah ; of Ginnethon , Meshullam ; Of Abijah , Zichri ; of Miniamin , of Moadiah , Piltai ; Of Bilgah , Shammua ; of Shemaiah , Jehonathan ; And of Joiarib , Mattenai ; of Jedaiah , Uzzi ; Of Sallai , Kallai ; of Amok , Eber ; Of Hilkiah , Hashabiah ; of Jedaiah , Nethaneel . The Levites in the days of Eliashib , Joiada , and Johanan , and Jaddua , were recorded chief of the fathers : also the priests , to the reign of Darius the Persian . The sons of Levi , the chief of the fathers , were written in the book of the chronicles , even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib . And the chief of the Levites : Hashabiah , Sherebiah , and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel , with their brethren over against them , to praise and to give thanks , according to the commandment of David the man of God , ward over against ward . Mattaniah , and Bakbukiah , Obadiah , Meshullam , Talmon , Akkub , were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates . These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua , the son of Jozadak , and in the days of Nehemiah the governor , and of Ezra the priest , the scribe . And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places , to bring them to Jerusalem , to keep the dedication with gladness , both with thanksgivings , and with singing , with cymbals , psalteries , and with harps . And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together , both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem , and from the villages of Netophathi ; Also from the house of Gilgal , and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth : for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem . And the priests and the Levites purified themselves , and purified the people , and the gates , and the wall . Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall , and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks , whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate : And after them went Hoshaiah , and half of the princes of Judah , And Azariah , Ezra , and Meshullam , Judah , and Benjamin , and Shemaiah , and Jeremiah , And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets ; namely , Zechariah the son of Jonathan , the son of Shemaiah , the son of Mattaniah , the son of Michaiah , the son of Zaccur , the son of Asaph : And his brethren , Shemaiah , and Azarael , Milalai , Gilalai , Maai , Nethaneel , and Judah , Hanani , with the musical instruments of David the man of God , and Ezra the scribe before them . And at the fountain gate , which was over against them , they went up by the stairs of the city of David , at the going up of the wall , above the house of David , even unto the water gate eastward . And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them , and I after them , and the half of the people upon the wall , from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall ; And from above the gate of Ephraim , and above the old gate , and above the fish gate , and the tower of Hananeel , and the tower of Meah , even unto the sheep gate : and they stood still in the prison gate . So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God , and I , and the half of the rulers with me : And the priests ; Eliakim , Maaseiah , Miniamin , Michaiah , Elioenai , Zechariah , and Hananiah , with trumpets ; And Maaseiah , and Shemaiah , and Eleazar , and Uzzi , and Jehohanan , and Malchijah , and Elam , and Ezer . And the singers sang loud , with Jezrahiah their overseer . Also that day they offered great sacrifices , and rejoiced : for God had made them rejoice with great joy : the wives also and the children rejoiced : so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off . And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures , for the offerings , for the firstfruits , and for the tithes , to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites : for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited . And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God , and the ward of the purification , according to the commandment of David , and of Solomon his son . For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers , and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God . And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel , and in the days of Nehemiah , gave the portions of the singers and the porters , every day his portion : and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites ; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron . On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people ; and therein was found written , that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever ; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water , but hired Balaam against them , that he should curse them : howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing . Now it came to pass , when they had heard the law , that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude . And before this , Eliashib the priest , having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God , was allied unto Tobiah : And he had prepared for him a great chamber , where aforetime they laid the meat offerings , the frankincense , and the vessels , and the tithes of the corn , the new wine , and the oil , which was commanded to be given to the Levites , and the singers , and the porters ; and the offerings of the priests . But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem : for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king , and after certain days obtained I leave of the king : And I came to Jerusalem , and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah , in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God . And it grieved me sore : therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber . Then I commanded , and they cleansed the chambers : and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God , with the meat offering and the frankincense . And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them : for the Levites and the singers , that did the work , were fled every one to his field . Then contended I with the rulers , and said , Why is the house of God forsaken ? And I gathered them together , and set them in their place . Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries . And I made treasurers over the treasuries , Shelemiah the priest , and Zadok the scribe , and of the Levites , Pedaiah : and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur , the son of Mattaniah : for they were counted faithful , and their office was to distribute unto their brethren . Remember me , O my God , concerning this , and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God , and for the offices thereof . In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath , and bringing in sheaves , and lading asses ; as also wine , grapes , and figs , and all manner of burdens , which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day : and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals . There dwelt men of Tyre also therein , which brought fish , and all manner of ware , and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah , and in Jerusalem . Then I contended with the nobles of Judah , and said unto them , What evil thing is this that ye do , and profane the sabbath day ? Did not your fathers thus , and did not our God bring all this evil upon us , and upon this city ? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath . And it came to pass , that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath , I commanded that the gates should be shut , and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath : and some of my servants set I at the gates , that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day . So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice . Then I testified against them , and said unto them , Why lodge ye about the wall ? if ye do so again , I will lay hands on you . From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath . And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves , and that they should come and keep the gates , to sanctify the sabbath day . Remember me , O my God , concerning this also , and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy . In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod , of Ammon , and of Moab : And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod , and could not speak in the Jews' language , but according to the language of each people . And I contended with them , and cursed them , and smote certain of them , and plucked off their hair , and made them swear by God , saying , Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons , nor take their daughters unto your sons , or for yourselves . Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things ? yet among many nations was there no king like him , who was beloved of his God , and God made him king over all Israel : nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin . Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil , to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives ? And one of the sons of Joiada , the son of Eliashib the high priest , was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite : therefore I chased him from me . Remember them , O my God , because they have defiled the priesthood , and the covenant of the priesthood , and of the Levites . Thus cleansed I them from all strangers , and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites , every one in his business ; And for the wood offering , at times appointed , and for the firstfruits . Remember me , O my God , for good .