GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:81urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:81And Josias held the feast of the passover in Jerusalem unto his Lord , and offered the passover the fourteenth day of the first month ; Having set the priests according to their daily courses , being arrayed in long garments , in the temple of the Lord . 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 : 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 , 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 , 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . And when these things were done , the priests and Levites , having the unleavened bread , stood in very comely order according to the kindreds , 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 . 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 , And set them before all the people : and afterward they prepared for themselves , and for the priests their brethren , the sons of Aaron . For the priests offered the fat until night : and the Levites prepared for themselves , and the priests their brethren , the sons of Aaron . 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 . 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 . Thus were the things that belonged to the sacrifices of the Lord accomplished in that day , that they might hold the passover , And offer sacrifices upon the altar of the Lord , according to the commandment of king Josias . So the children of Israel which were present held the passover at that time , and the feast of sweet bread seven days . And such a passover was not kept in Israel since the time of the prophet Samuel . 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 . In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept . And the works or Josias were upright before his Lord with an heart full of godliness . 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 . 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 . But the king of Egypt sent to him , saying , What have I to do with thee , O king of Judea ? 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 . 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 : But joined battle with him in the plain of Magiddo , and the princes came against king Josias . 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 . Then gat he up upon his second chariot ; and being brought back to Jerusalem died , and was buried in his father's sepulchre . 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 . 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 . 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 . And he reigned in Judea and in Jerusalem three months : and then the king of Egypt deposed him from reigning in Jerusalem . And he set a tax upon the land of an hundred talents of silver and one talent of gold . The king of Egypt also made king Joacim his brother king of Judea and Jerusalem . And he bound Joacim and the nobles : but Zaraces his brother he apprehended , and brought him out of Egypt . 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 . Wherefore against him Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up , and bound him with a chain of brass , and carried him into Babylon . Nabuchodonosor also took of the holy vessels of the Lord , and carried them away , and set them in his own temple at Babylon . But those things that are recorded of him , and of his uncleaness and impiety , are written in the chronicles of the kings . And Joacim his son reigned in his stead : he was made king being eighteen years old ; And reigned but three months and ten days in Jerusalem ; and did evil before the Lord . So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought into Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord ; And made Zedechias king of Judea and Jerusalem , when he was one and twenty years old ; and he reigned eleven years : 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 . 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 . 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 . Nevertheless the God of their fathers sent by his messenger to call them back , because he spared them and his tabernacle also . But they had his messengers in derision ; and , look , when the Lord spake unto them , they made a sport of his prophets : 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 ; 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 . 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 . As for the house of the Lord , they burnt it , and brake down the walls of Jerusalem , and set fire upon her towers : 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 : 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 : Until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths , the whole time of her desolation shall she rest , until the full term of seventy years . 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 ; 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 , Saying , Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians ; The Lord of Israel , the most high Lord , hath made me king of the whole world , And commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry . 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 . Whosoever then dwell in the places about , let them help him , those , I say , that are his neighbours , with gold , and with silver , 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 . 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 , 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 . King Cyrus also brought forth the holy vessels , which Nabuchodonosor had carried away from Jerusalem , and had set up in his temple of idols . Now when Cyrus king of the Persians had brought them forth , he delivered them to Mithridates his treasurer : And by him they were delivered to Sanabassar the governor of Judea . 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 . So all the vessels of gold and of silver , which were carried away , were five thousand four hundred threescore and nine . These were brought back by Sanabassar , together with them of the captivity , from Babylon to Jerusalem . 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 ; 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 . 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 . 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 . And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand , we think it meet not to neglect such a matter , 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 : 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 : And that the Jews were rebellious , and raised always wars therein ; for the which cause even this city was made desolate . 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 . 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 ; 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 ; 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 . 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 ; And that those wicked workers proceed no further to the annoyance of kings , 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 . 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 , And to all the governors and captains and lieutenants that were under him , from India unto Ethiopia , of an hundred twenty and seven provinces . 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 . Then three young men , that were of the guard that kept the king's body , spake one to another ; 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 : 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 : And he shall sit next to Darius because of his wisdom , and shall be called Darius his cousin . And then every one wrote his sentence , sealed it , and laid it under king Darius his pillow ; 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 . The first wrote , Wine is the strongest . The second wrote , The king is strongest . The third wrote , Women are strongest : but above all things Truth beareth away the victory . Now when the king was risen up , they took their writings , and delivered them unto him , and so he read them : 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 ; And sat him down in the royal seat of judgment ; and the writings were read before them . And he said , Call the young men , and they shall declare their own sentences . So they were called , and came in . 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 ; And he said thus , O ye men , how exceeding strong is wine ! it causeth all men to err that drink it : 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 : It turneth also every thought into jollity and mirth , so that a man remembereth neither sorrow nor debt : And it maketh every heart rich , so that a man remembereth neither king nor governor ; and it maketh to speak all things by talents : And when they are in their cups , they forget their love both to friends and brethren , and a little after draw out swords : But when they are from the wine , they remember not what they have done . O ye men , is not wine the strongest , that enforceth to do thus ? And when he had so spoken , he held his peace . Then the second , that had spoken of the strength of the king , began to say , O ye men , do not men excel in strength that bear rule over sea and land and all things in them ? 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . And yet he is but one man : if he command to kill , they kill ; if he command to spare , they spare ; If he command to smite , they smite ; if he command to make desolate , they make desolate ; if he command to build , they build ; If he command to cut down , they cut down ; if he command to plant , they plant . So all his people and his armies obey him : furthermore he lieth down , he eateth and drinketh , and taketh his rest : And these keep watch round about him , neither may any one depart , and do his own business , neither disobey they him in any thing . O ye men , how should not the king be mightiest , when in such sort he is obeyed ? And he held his tongue . Then the third , who had spoken of women , and of the truth , ( this was Zorobabel ) began to speak . 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 ? Women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule by sea and land . Even of them came they : and they nourished them up that planted the vineyards , from whence the wine cometh . These also make garments for men ; these bring glory unto men ; and without women cannot men be . 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 ? 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 ? A man leaveth his own father that brought him up , and his own country , and cleaveth unto his wife . He sticketh not to spend his life with his wife . and remembereth neither father , nor mother , nor country . 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 ? Yea , a man taketh his sword , and goeth his way to rob and to steal , to sail upon the sea and upon rivers ; And looketh upon a lion , and goeth in the darkness ; and when he hath stolen , spoiled , and robbed , he bringeth it to his love . Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father or mother . Yea , many there be that have run out of their wits for women , and become servants for their sakes . Many also have perished , have erred , and sinned , for women . And now do ye not believe me ? is not the king great in his power ? do not all regions fear to touch him ? 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 , 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 . 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 . O ye men , how can it be but women should be strong , seeing they do thus ? Then the king and the princes looked one upon another : so he began to speak of the truth . 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 . Is he not great that maketh these things ? therefore great is the truth , and stronger than all things . 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 . 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 . As for the truth , it endureth , and is alwaYs strong ; it liveth and conquereth for evermore . 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 . 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 . And with that he held his peace . And all the people then shouted , and said , Great is Truth , and mighty above all things . 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 . 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 , 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 . Thou also hast vowed to build up the temple , which the Edomites burned when Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 ; 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 : Yea , that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the building of the temple , until the time that it were built ; And other ten talents yearly , to maintain the burnt offerings upon the altar every day , as they had a commandment to offer seventeen : 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 . He wrote also concerning . the charges , and the priests' vestments wherein they minister ; And likewise for the charges of the Levites , to be given them until the day that the house were finished , and Jerusalem builded up . And he commanded to give to all that kept the city pensions and wages . 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 . Now when this young man was gone forth , he lifted up his face to heaven toward Jerusalem , and praised the King of heaven , And said , From thee cometh victory , from thee cometh wisdom , and thine is the glory , and I am thy servant . Blessed art thou , who hast given me wisdom : for to thee I give thanks , O Lord of our fathers . And so he took the letters , and went out , and came unto Babylon , and told it all his brethren . And they praised the God of their fathers , because he had given them freedom and liberty 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 . 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 . And Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen , till they had brought them back to Jerusalem safely , and with musical [ instruments ] tabrets and flutes . And all their brethren played , and he made them go up together with them . And these are the names of the men which went up , according to their families among their tribes , after their several heads . 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 ; 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 : The sons of Ares , seven hundred fifty and six : The sons of Phaath Moab , two thousand eight hundred and twelve : 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 : The sons of Bebai , six hundred twenty and three : the sons of Sadas , three thousand two hundred twenty and two : 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 : 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 : 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 : The sons of Meterus , three thousand and five : the sons of Bethlomon , an hundred twenty and three : They of Netophah , fifty and five : they of Anathoth , an hundred fifty and eight : they of Bethsamos , forty and two : They of Kiriathiarius , twenty and five : they of Caphira and Beroth , seven hundred forty and three : they of Pira , seven hundred : They of Chadias and Ammidoi , four hundred twenty and two : they of Cirama and Gabdes , six hundred twenty and one : They of Macalon , an hundred twenty and two : they of Betolius , fifty and two : the sons of Nephis , an hundred fifty and six : The sons of Calamolalus and Onus , seven hundred twenty and five : the sons of Jerechus , two hundred forty and five : The sons of Annas , three thousand three hundred and thirty . 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 : The sons of Phassaron , a thousand forty and seven : the sons of Carme , a thousand and seventeen . The Levites : the sons of Jessue , and Cadmiel , and Banuas , and Sudias , seventy and four . The holy singers : the sons of Asaph , an hundred twenty and eight . 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 . 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 . 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 , 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 . All the ministers of the temple , and the sons of the servants of Solomon , were three hundred seventy and two . These came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas , Charaathalar leading them , and Aalar ; 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 . 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 . 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 : 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 . 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 . Their menservants and handmaids were seven thousand three hundred forty and seven : the singing men and singing women , two hundred forty and five : 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 . 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 , And to give into the holy treasury of the works a thousand pounds of gold , five thousand of silver , and an hundred priestly vestments . 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 . 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 . 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 , To offer burnt sacrifices upon it , according as it is expressly commanded in the book of Moses the man of God . 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 . Also they held the feast of tabernacles , as it is commanded in the law , and offered sacrifices daily , as was meet : And after that , the continual oblations , and the sacrifice of the sabbaths , and of the new moons , and of all holy feasts . 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 . And they gave unto the masons and carpenters money , meat , and drink , with cheerfulness . 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 . 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 : 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 . 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 . And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical instruments and trumpets ; and the Levites the sons of Asaph had cymbals , Singing songs of thanksgiving , and praising the Lord , according as David the king of Israel had ordained . And they sung with loud voices songs to the praise of the Lord , because his mercy and glory is for ever in all Israel . 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 . 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 . But many with trumpets and joy shouted with loud voice , 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 . Wherefore when the enemies of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin heard it , they came to know what that noise of trumpets should mean . And they perceived that they that were of the captivity did build the temple unto the Lord God of Israel . So they went to Zorobabel and Jesus , and to the chief of the families , and said unto them , We will build together with you . 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 . 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 . We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord of Israel , according as Cyrus the king of the Persians hath commanded us . But the heathen of the land lying heavy upon the inhabitants of Judea , and holding them strait , hindered their building ; 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 . 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 . 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 . At the same time came unto them Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phenice , with Sathrabuzanes and his companions , and said unto them , 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 ? Nevertheless the elders of the Jews obtained favour , because the Lord had visited the captivity ; And they were not hindered from building , until such time as signification was given unto Darius concerning them , and an answer received . 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 : 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 Building an house unto the Lord , great and new , of hewn and costly stones , and the timber already laid upon the walls . 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 . Then asked we these elders , saying , By whose commandment build ye this house , and lay the foundations of these works ? 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 . So they gave us this answer , We are the servants of the Lord which made heaven and earth . And as for this house , it was builded many years ago by a king of Israel great and strong , and was finished . 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 ; Who pulled down the house , and burned it , and carried away the people captives unto Babylon . But in the first year that king Cyrus reigned over the country of Babylon Cyrus the king wrote to build up this house . 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 , 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 . 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 . Now therefore , if it seem good unto the king , let search be made among the records of king Cyrus : 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 . 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 . 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 : 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 : 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 . 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 . 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 : 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 ; 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 : 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 . 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 . 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 . I Darius the king have ordained that according unto these things it be done with diligence . Then Sisinnes the governor of Celosyria and Phenice , and Sathrabuzanes , with their companions following the commandments of king Darius , Did very carefully oversee the holy works , assisting the ancients of the Jews and governors of the temple . And so the holy works prospered , when Aggeus and Zacharias the prophets prophesied . 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 . 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 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 . And to the dedication of the temple of the Lord they offered an hundred bullocks two hundred rams , four hundred lambs ; And twelve goats for the sin of all Israel , according to the number of the chief of the tribes of Israel . 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 . 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 . They that were of the captivity were not all sanctified together : but the Levites were all sanctified together . And so they offered the passover for all them of the captivity , and for their brethren the priests , and for themselves . 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 . And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days , making merry before the Lord , 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 . 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 , 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 . 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 . And the king did him honour : for he found grace in his sight in all his requests . 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 , 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 . 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 . 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 ; King Artexerxes unto Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord sendeth greeting : 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 . 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 ; That they may look unto the affairs of Judea and Jerusalem , agreeably to that which is in the law of the Lord ; 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 , 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 ; To the end that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord upon the altar of the Lord their God , which is in Jerusalem . And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver and gold , that do , according to the will of thy God . 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 . 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 . 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 , 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 : And hath honoured me in the sight of the king , and his counsellors , and all his friends and nobles . Therefore was I encouraged by the help of the Lord my God , and gathered together men of Israel to go up with me . 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 : Of the sons of Phinees , Gerson : of the sons of Ithamar , Gamael : of the sons of David , Lettus the son of Sechenias : Of the sons of Pharez , Zacharias ; and with him were counted an hundred and fifty men : Of the sons of Pahath Moab , Eliaonias , the son of Zaraias , and with him two hundred men : 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 : Of the sons of Elam , Josias son of Gotholias , and with him seventy men : Of the sons of Saphatias , Zaraias son of Michael , and with him threescore and ten men : Of the sons of Joab , Abadias son of Jezelus , and with him two hundred and twelve men : Of the sons of Banid , Assalimoth son of Josaphias , and with him an hundred and threescore men : Of the sons of Babi , Zacharias son of Bebai , and with him twenty and eight men : Of the sons of Astath , Johannes son of Acatan , and with him an hundred and ten men : Of the sons of Adonikam the last , and these are the names of them , Eliphalet , Jewel , and Samaias , and with them seventy men : Of the sons of Bago , Uthi the son of Istalcurus , and with him seventy men . And these I gathered together to the river called Theras , where we pitched our tents three days : and then I surveyed them . But when I had found there none of the priests and Levites , Then sent I unto Eleazar , and Iduel , and Masman , And Alnathan , and Mamaias , and Joribas , and Nathan , Eunatan , Zacharias , and Mosollamon , principal men and learned . And I bade them that they should go unto Saddeus the captain , who was in the place of the treasury : 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 . 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 . And Asebia , and Annus , and Osaias his brother , of the sons of Channuneus , and their sons , were twenty men . 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 . 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 : For I was ashamed to ask the king footmen , and horsemen , and conduct for safeguard against our adversaries . 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 . And again we besought our Lord as touching these things , and found him favourable unto us . Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests , Esebrias , and Assanias , and ten men of their brethren with them : 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 . 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 , And twenty golden vessels , and twelve vessels of brass , even of fine brass , glittering like gold . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . And all the weight of them was written up the same hour . 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 , Threescore and twelve lambs , goats for a peace offering , twelve ; all of them a sacrifice to the Lord . 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 . Now when these things were done , the rulers came unto me , and said , 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 , I said , O Lord , I am confounded and ashamed before thy face ; For our sins are multiplied above our heads , and our ignorances have reached up unto heaven . For ever since the time of our fathers we have been and are in great sin , even unto this day . 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 . 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 ; 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 . 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 ; 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 . 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 , 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 . Therefore now shall ye not join your daughters unto their sons , neither shall ye take their daughters unto your sons . 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 . 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 , 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 . Mightest not thou be angry with us to destroy us , till thou hadst left us neither root , seed , nor name ? O Lord of Israel , thou art true : for we are left a root this day . Behold , now are we before thee in our iniquities , for we cannot stand any longer by reason of these things before thee . 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 . 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 . 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 , Like as thou hast decreed , and as many as do obey the law of the Lord . Arise and put in execution : for to thee doth this matter appertain , and we will be with thee : do valiantly . 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 . Then Esdras rising from the court of the temple went to the chamber of Joanan the son of Eliasib , And remained there , and did eat no meat nor drink water , mourning for the great iniquities of the multitude . 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 : 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 . And in three days were all they of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin gathered together at Jerusalem the twentieth day of the ninth month . And all the multitude sat trembling in the broad court of the temple because of the present foul weather . So Esdras arose up , and said unto them , Ye have transgressed the law in marrying strange wives , thereby to increase the sins of Israel . And now by confessing give glory unto the Lord God of our fathers , And do his will , and separate yourselves from the heathen of the land , and from the strange women . Then cried the whole multitude , and said with a loud voice , Like as thou hast spoken , so will we do . 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 : Therefore let the rulers of the multitude stay , and let all them of our habitations that have strange wives come at the time appointed , And with them the rulers and judges of every place , till we turn away the wrath of the Lord from us for this matter . Then Jonathan the son of Azael and Ezechias the son of Theocanus accordingly took this matter upon them : and Mosollam and Levis and Sabbatheus helped them . And they that were of the captivity did according to all these things . 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 . So their cause that held strange wives was brought to an end in the first day of the first month . And of the priests that were come together , and had strange wives , there were found : Of the sons of Jesus the son of Josedec , and his brethren ; Matthelas and Eleazar , and Joribus and Joadanus . And they gave their hands to put away their wives and to offer rams to make reconcilement for their errors . And of the sons of Emmer ; Ananias , and Zabdeus , and Eanes , and Sameius , and Hiereel , and Azarias . And of the sons of Phaisur ; Elionas , Massias Israel , and Nathanael , and Ocidelus and Talsas . And of the Levites ; Jozabad , and Semis , and Colius , who was called Calitas , and Patheus , and Judas , and Jonas . Of the holy singers ; Eleazurus , Bacchurus . Of the porters ; Sallumus , and Tolbanes . Of them of Israel , of the sons of Phoros ; Hiermas , and Eddias , and Melchias , and Maelus , and Eleazar , and Asibias , and Baanias . Of the sons of Ela ; Matthanias , Zacharias , and Hierielus , and Hieremoth , and Aedias . And of the sons of Zamoth ; Eliadas , Elisimus , Othonias , Jarimoth , and Sabatus , and Sardeus . Of the sons of Babai ; Johannes , and Ananias and Josabad , and Amatheis . Of the sons of Mani ; Olamus , Mamuchus , Jedeus , Jasubus , Jasael , and Hieremoth . And of the sons of Addi ; Naathus , and Moosias , Lacunus , and Naidus , and Mathanias , and Sesthel , Balnuus , and Manasseas . And of the sons of Annas ; Elionas and Aseas , and Melchias , and Sabbeus , and Simon Chosameus . And of the sons of Asom ; Altaneus , and Matthias , and Baanaia , Eliphalet , and Manasses , and Semei . 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 . And of the sons of Ethma ; Mazitias , Zabadaias , Edes , Juel , Banaias . All these had taken strange wives , and they put them away with their children . And the priests and Levites , and they that were of Israel , dwelt in Jerusalem , and in the country , in the first day of the seventh month : so the children of Israel were in their habitations . And the whole multitude came together with one accord into the broad place of the holy porch toward the east : 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 . 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 . 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 . And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon a pulpit of wood , which was made for that purpose . And there stood up by him Mattathias , Sammus , Ananias , Azarias , Urias , Ezecias , Balasamus , upon the right hand : And upon his left hand stood Phaldaius , Misael , Melchias , Lothasubus , and Nabarias . 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 . And when he opened the law , they stood all straight up . So Esdras blessed the Lord God most High , the God of hosts , Almighty . And all the people answered , Amen ; and lifting up their hands they fell to the ground , and worshipped the Lord . 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 . Then spake Attharates unto Esdras the chief priest . and reader , and to the Levites that taught the multitude , even to all , saying , This day is holy unto the Lord ; ( for they all wept when they heard the law : ) Go then , and eat the fat , and drink the sweet , and send part to them that have nothing ; For this day is holy unto the Lord : and be not sorrowful ; for the Lord will bring you to honour . So the Levites published all things to the people , saying , This day is holy to the Lord ; be not sorrowful . 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 ; Because they understood the words wherein they were instructed , and for the which they had been assembled . .