Ezra (Ezra)

EZRA

1

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of יהוה by the mouth of Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) might be fulfilled, יהוה stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

2 “Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia: ‘יהוה God of heaven (Elohei syamayim) hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), which is in Judah (Yehudah).

3 Who is there among you of all His people? His God (Elohim) be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), which is in Judah (Yehudah), and build the house of יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), He is the God (Elohim) who is in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, besides the freewill offering for the house of God (Elohim) that is in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).’”

5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin), and the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), with all them whose spirit God (Elohim) had raised, to go up to build the house of יהוה which is in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

6 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered.

7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of יהוה, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and had put them in the house of his gods (elohim);

8 Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah (Yehudah).

9 And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,

10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.

11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon (Bavel) unto Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

2

1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchanezzar the king of Babylon (Bavel) had carried away unto Babylon (Bavel), and came again unto Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) and Judah (Yehudah), every one unto his city;

2 Who came with Zerubbabel: Joshua (Yeshua), Nehemiah (Nechemyah), Serayah, Reelayah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Yisrael:

3 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy and two.

4 The children of Shefatyah, three hundred seventy and two.

5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.

6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Joshua (Yeshua) and Yoav, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.

7 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty and four.

8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.

9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.

10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.

11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.

12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.

13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.

14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.

15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.

16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah (Chizkiyah), ninety and eight.

17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.

18 The children of Yorah, one hundred and twelve.

19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.

20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.

21 The children of Bethlehem (Beit-Lechem), one hundred twenty and three.

22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six.

23 The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty and eight.

24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.

25 The children of Qiryat-Yearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.

27 The men of Michmas, one hundred twenty and two.

28 The men of Bethel (Beit-El) and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.

29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two.

30 The children of Magbish, one hundred fifty and six.

31 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty and four.

32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.

34 The children of Yericho, three hundred forty and five.

35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.

36 The priests (kohanim): the children of Yedayah, of the house of Joshua (Yeshua), nine hundred seventy and three.

37 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty and two.

38 The children of Pashur, one thousand two hundred forty and seven.

39 The children of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.

40 The Levites (Lewiyim): the children of Joshua (Yeshua) and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodavyah, seventy and four.

41 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty and eight.

42 The children of 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, in all a hundred thirty and nine.

43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,

45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,

46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,

47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reayah,

48 The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,

49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

50 The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,

51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,

54 The children of Netsiyah, the children of Hatipha.

55 The children of Solomon (Shelomoh)’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,

56 The children of Yaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

57 The children of Shefatyah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.

58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon (Shelomoh)’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub (keruv), Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, and their seed, whether they were of Yisrael:

60 The children of Delayahu, the children of Toviyah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.

61 And of the children of the priests (kohanim): the children of Chavayah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Giladite, and was called after their name.

62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found; therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood (kehunnah).

63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest (kohen) with Urim and with Thummim.

64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

65 Besides their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven; and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.

66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;

67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of יהוה which is at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), offered freely for the house of God (Elohim) to set it up in its place:

69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ (kohanim) garments.

70 So the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Yisrael in their cities.

3

1 And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Yisrael were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

2 Then stood up Joshua (Yeshua) the son of Yotsadak, and his brethren the priests (kohanim), and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the Torah by Moses (Mosheh) the man of God (Elohim).

3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries; and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto יהוה, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

4 They kept also the 24Feast of Tabernacles (Chag Sukkot), as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of יהוה that were consecrated, and of everyone that willingly offered a freewill offering unto יהוה.

6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto יהוה. But the foundation of the temple of יהוה was not yet laid.

7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa (Yafo), according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God (Elohim) at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua (Yeshua) the son of Yotsadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim), and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); and appointed the Levites (Lewiyim), from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of יהוה.

9 Then stood Joshua (Yeshua) with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah (Yehudah), together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God (Elohim): the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites (Lewiyim).

10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of יהוה, they set the priests (kohanim) in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (Lewiyim) the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise יהוה, after the ordinance of Dawid king of Yisrael.

11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto יהוה; because he is good, for his mercy endureth forever toward Yisrael. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised יהוה, because the foundation of the house of יהוה was laid.

12 But many of the priests (kohanim) and Levites (Lewiyim) and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy;

13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

4

1 Now when the adversaries of Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin) heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto יהוה God of (Elohei) Yisrael;

2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God (Elohim), as you do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.”

3 But Zerubbabel, and Joshua (Yeshua), and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Yisrael, said unto them, “You have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God (Elohim); but we ourselves together will build unto יהוה God of (Elohei) Yisrael, as King Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.”

4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah (Yehudah), and troubled them in building,

5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue (Aramit), and inter-preted in the Syrian tongue (Aramit).

8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Yerushalayim to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:

9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites,

10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria (Shomeron), and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.

11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Your servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.

12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews (Yehudim) which came up from you to us are come unto Yerushalayim, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.

13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so you shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.

14 Now because we have maintenance from the king’s palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;

15 That search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers; so shalt you find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.

16 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shalt have no portion on this side the river.

17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria (Shomeron), and unto the rest beyond the river: Peace, and at such a time.

18 The letter which you sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.

19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

21 Give you now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.

22 Take heed now that you fail not to do this. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) unto the Jews (Yehudim), and made them to cease by force and power.

24 Then ceased the work of the house of 5dGod (Elah) which is at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

5

1 Then the prophets, Chaggai the prophet, and Zechariah (Zekharyah) the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews (Yehudim) that were in Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) in the name of the God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), even unto them.

2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua (Yeshua) the son of Yotsadak, and began to build the house of God (Elohim) which is at Yerushalayim; and with them were the prophets of God (Elah) helping them.

3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, “Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?”

4 Then said we unto them after this manner, “What are the names of the men that make this building?”

5 But the eye of their God (Elah) was upon the elders of the Jews (Yehudim), that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius; and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.

6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king.

7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus: Unto Darius the king: All peace.

8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God (Elah), which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, “Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?”

10 We asked their names also, to certify you, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.

11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God (Elah) of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Yisrael builded and set up.

12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God (Elah) of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchanezzar the king of Babylon (Bavel), the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon (Bavel).

13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon (Bavel) the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God (Elohim).

14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God (Elohim), which Nebuchanezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and brought them into the temple of Babylon (Bavel), those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon (Bavel), and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;

15 And said unto him, ‘Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and let the house of God (Elohim) be builded in its place.’

16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God (Elohim) which is in Yerushalayim; and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.”

17 Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon (Bavel), whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God (Elohim) at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

6

1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon (Bavel).

2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:

3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God (Elohim) at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim): “Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber; and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.

5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God (Elohim), which Nebuchanezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and brought unto Babylon (Bavel), be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), every one to its place, and place them in the house of God (Elohim).

6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be you far from thence.

7 Let the work of this house of God (Elohim) alone; let the governor of the Jews (Yehudim) and the elders of the Jews (Yehudim) build this house of God (Elohim) in its place.

8 Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to the elders of these Jews (Yehudim) for the building of this house of God (Elohim); that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God (Elah) of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests (kohanim) which are at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), let it be given them day by day without fail,

10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God (Elah) of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

12 And the God (Elah) that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God (Elohim) which is at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.

14 And the elders of the Jews (Yehudim) builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Chaggai the prophet and Zechariah (Zekharyah) the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

16 And the children of Yisrael, the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God (Elohim) with joy,

17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God (Elohim) a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Yisrael, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Yisrael.

18 And they set the priests (kohanim) in their divisions, and the Levites (Lewiyim) in their courses, for the service of God (Elah), which is at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); as it is written in the book of Moses (Mosheh).

19 And the children of the captivity kept the Passover (Pesach) upon the fourteenth day of the first month.

20 For the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the Passover lamb (Pesach) for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests (kohanim), and for themselves.

21 And the children of Yisrael, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), did eat,

22 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for יהוה had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria (Ashshur) unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God (Elohim), the God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael).

7

1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, N47Ezra the son of Serayah, the son of Azaryah, the son of Chilqiyah,

2 The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

3 The son of Amaryah, the son of Azaryah, the son of Meraioth,

4 The son of Zerachyah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

5 The son of Avishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron (Aharon) the chief priest (kohen):

6 This Ezra went up from Babylon (Bavel); and he was a skilled scribe in the Torah which יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael) had given to Moses (Mosheh); and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of יהוה his God (Elohim) upon him.

7 And there went up some of the children of Yisrael, and of the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

8 And he came to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.

9 For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon (Bavel), and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), according to the good hand of his God (Elohim) upon him.

10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Torah of יהוה, and to do it, and to teach in Yisrael statutes and judgments.

11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest (kohen), the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of יהוה, and of his statutes to Yisrael.

12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest (kohen), a scribe of the decree of the God (Elah) of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.

13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Yisrael, and of his priests (kohanim) and Levites (Lewiyim), in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), go with you.

14 Forasmuch as you are sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), according to the decree of your God (Elah) which is in your hand;

15 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God (Elah) of Yisrael, whose habitation is in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim),

16 And all the silver and gold that you canst find in all the province of Babylon (Bavel), with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests (kohanim), offering willingly for the house of their God (Elah) which is in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim),

17 That you mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God (Elah) which is in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

18 And whatsoever shall seem good to you, and to your brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God (Elah).

19 The vessels also that are given you for the service of the house of your God (Elah), those deliver you before the God (Elah) of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

20 And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of your God (Elah), which you shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house.

21 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest (kohen), the scribe of the decree of the God (Elah) of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

22 Unto a hundred talents of silver, and to a hundred measures of wheat, and to a hundred baths of wine, and to a hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.

23 Whatsoever is commanded by the God (Elah) of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God (Elah) of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests (kohanim) and Levites (Lewiyim), singers, porters, Nethinims, or servants of this house of God (Elah), it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

25 And you, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God (Elah), that is in your hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the decrees of your God (Elah); and teach you them that know them not.

26 And whosoever will not do the decree of your God (Elah), and the decree of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

27 Blessed be יהוה God (Elohim) of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of יהוה which is in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim),

28 And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of יהוה my God (Elohim) was upon me, and I gathered together out of Yisrael chief men to go up with me.

8

1 These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon (Bavel), in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.

2 Of the sons of Phinehas: Gershom; of the sons of Ithamar: Daniel; of the sons of Dawid: Hattush.

3 Of the sons of Shekhanyah, of the sons of Pharosh: Zechariah (Zekharyah); and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males a hundred and fifty.

4 Of the sons of Pahathmoab: Elihoenai the son of Zerachyah, and with him two hundred males.

5 Of the sons of Shekhanyah: the son of Yachaziel, and with him three hundred males.

6 Of the sons also of Adin: Ebed the son of Yonatan, and with him fifty males.

7 And of the sons of Elam: Jeshaiah (Yeshayahu) the son of Atalyah, and with him seventy males.

8 And of the sons of Shefatyah: Zevadyah the son of Mikhael, and with him fourscore males.

9 Of the sons of Yoav: Obadiah (Ovadyah) the son of Yeiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.

10 And of the sons of Shelomith: the son of Yosifyah, and with him a hundred and threescore males.

11 And of the sons of Bebai: Zechariah (Zekharyah) the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.

12 And of the sons of Azgad: Yochanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him a hundred and ten males.

13 And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Yeiel, and Shemayah, and with them threescore males.

14 Of the sons also of Bigvai: Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.

15 And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests (kohanim), and found there none of the sons of Lewi.

16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemayah, and for Elnathan, and for Yariv, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah (Zekharyah), and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Yoyariv, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.

17 And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God (Elohim).

18 And by the good hand of our God (Elohim) upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Lewi, the son of Yisrael; and Sherevyah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;

19 And Chashavyah, and with him Jeshaiah (Yeshayahu) of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;

20 Also of the Nethinims, whom Dawid and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites (Lewiyim), two hundred and twenty Nethinims. All of them were expressed by name.

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God (Elohim), to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken unto the king, saying, “The hand of our God (Elohim) is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.”

23 So we fasted and besought our God (Elohim) for this; and he was intreated of us.

24 Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests (kohanim), Sherevyah, Chashavyah, and ten of their brethren with them,

25 And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God (Elohim), which the king, and his counsellors, and his princes, and all Yisrael there present, had offered.

26 I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels a hundred talents, and of gold a hundred talents;

27 Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.

28 And I said unto them, “You are holy unto יהוה; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto יהוה God (Elohim) of your fathers.

29 Watch you, and keep them, until you weigh them before the chief of the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim), and chief of the fathers of Yisrael, at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), in the chambers of the house of יהוה.”

30 So took the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) unto the house of our God (Elohim).

31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); and the hand of our God (Elohim) was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

32 And we came to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and abode there three days.

33 Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God (Elohim) by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriyah the priest (kohen); and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Yozavad the son of Joshua (Yeshua), and Noadyah the son of Binnui, Levites (Lewiyim);

34 By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time.

35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), twelve bullocks for all Yisrael, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering; all this was a burnt offering unto יהוה.

36 And they delivered the king’s commissions unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river; and they furthered the people, and the house of God (Elohim).

9

1 Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Yisrael, and the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Yevusis, the Ammonites, the Moavites, the Egyptians (Mitsrayim), and the Amorites.

2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands; yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

3 And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

5 And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto יהוה my God (Elohim),

6 And said, “O my God (Elohim), I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to You, my God (Elohim); for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.

7 Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests (kohanim), been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

8 And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from יהוה our God (Elohim), to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in His holy place, that our God (Elohim) may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

9 For we were bondmen; yet our God (Elohim) hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God (Elohim), and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah (Yehudah) and in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

10 And now, O our God (Elohim), what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken Your commandments,

11 Which You have commanded by Your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land, unto which you go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.

12 Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth forever, that you may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’

13 And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that you our God (Elohim) hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;

14 Should we again break Your commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? Wouldest not You be angry with us till You hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?

15 O יהוה God of Israel (Elohei Yisrael), You are righteous, for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day. Behold, we are before You in our trespasses, for we cannot stand before You because of this.”

10

1 Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God (Elohim), there assembled unto him out of Yisrael a very great congregation of men and women and children; for the people wept very sore.

2 And Shekhanyah the son of Yeiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, “We have trespassed against our God (Elohim), and have taken strange wives of the people of the land; yet now there is hope in Yisrael concerning this thing.

3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God (Elohim) to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord (adoni), and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God (Elohim); and let it be done according to the Torah.

4 Arise, for this matter belongeth unto you. We also will be with you. Be of good courage, and do it.

5 Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests (kohanim), the Levites (Lewiyim), and all Yisrael, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.

6 Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God (Elohim), and went into the chamber of Yochanan the son of Elijahhib (Elyashiv); and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water, for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.

7 And they made proclamation throughout Judah (Yehudah) and Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem (Yerushalayim);

8 And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away.

9 Then all the men of Judah (Yehudah) and Benjamin (Binyamin) gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God (Elohim), trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.

10 And Ezra the priest (kohen) stood up, and said unto them, “You have transgressed, and have taken foreign wives, to increase the trespass of Yisrael.

11 Now therefore make confession unto יהוה God (Elohim) of your fathers, and do His pleasure; and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the foreign wives.”

12 Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, “As you have said, so must we do.

13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand outside, neither is this a work of one day or two, for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.

14 Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them who have taken foreign wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God (Elohim) for this matter be turned from us.”

15 Only Yonatan the son of Asahel and Yachazyah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter; and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Lewite (Lewi) helped them.

16 And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest (kohen), with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.

17 And they made an end with all the men that had taken foreign wives by the first day of the first month.

18 And among the sons of the priests (kohanim) there were found that had taken foreign wives: namely, of the sons of Joshua (Yeshua) the son of Yotsadak, and his brethren: Maaseyahu, and Eliezer, and Yariv, and Gedalyahu.

19 And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.

20 And of the sons of Immer: Hanani, and Zebadiah (Zevadyahu).

21 And of the sons of Harim: Maaseyahu, and Eliyah, and Shemayah, and Yeiel, and Uzziyah.

22 And of the sons of Pashur: Elioenai, Maaseyah, Yishmael, Nethaneel, Yozavad, and Elasah.

23 Also of the Levites (Lewiyim): Yozavad, and Shimei, and Qelayah, (the same is Kelita,) Petachyah, Judah (Yehudah), and Eliezer.

24 Of the singers also: Elijahhib

(Eliyashiv); and of the porters: Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.

25 Moreover of Yisrael: of the sons of Parosh: Ramyah, and Yizziyah, and Malkiyah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malkiyah, and Benayah.

26 And of the sons of Elam: Mattanyah, Zechariah (Zekharyah), and Yeiel, and Avdi, and Yeremot, and Eliyah.

27 And of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Elijahhib (Elyashiv), Mattanyah, and Yeremot, and Zabad, and Aziza.

28 Of the sons also of Bebai: Yehochanan, Chananyah, Zabbai, and

Athlai.

29 And of the sons of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, and Adayah, Yashuv, and Sheal, and Ramot.

30 And of the sons of Pahathmoab: Adna, and Chelal, Benayah, Maaseyahu, Mattanyah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Menashsheh.

31 And of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Ishijah (Yishshiyah), Malkiyah, Shemayah, Shimon,

32 Benjamin (Binyamin), Malluch and Shemaryah.

33 Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Yeremai, Menashsheh, and Shimei.

34 Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, and Uel,

35 Benayah, Bedyah, Chelluh,

36 Vanyah, Meremoth, Elijahhib,

37 Mattanyah, Mattenai, and Yaaso,

38 And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,

39 And Shelemyah, and Nathan, and Adayah,

40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,

41 Azareel, Shelemyah, Shemaryah,

42 Shallum, Amaryah, and Joseph (Yosef).

43 Of the sons of Nebo: Yeiel, Mattityah, Zabad, Zebina, Yiddo, and Yoel, Benayah.

44 All these had taken foreign wives; and some of them had wives by whom they had children.