Nehemiah (Nechemyah)

NEHEMIAH

1

1 The words of N48Nehemiah (Nechemyah) the son of Hachalyah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah (Yehudah); and I asked them concerning the Jews (Yehudim) who had escaped, who were left from the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

3 And they said unto me, “The remnant that are left of captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.”

4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before God of the Heaven (Elohei haShamayim),

5 And said, “I beseech You, O יהוה God of the Heaven (Elohei haShamayim), the great and awesome God (El), who keepeth covenant and mercy for them who love him and observe His commandments;

6 Let Your ear now be attentive, and Your eyes open, that You mayest hear the prayer of Your servant, which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Yisrael Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Yisrael, which we have sinned against You; both I and my father’s house have sinned.

7 We have dealt very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which You commandedst Your servant Moses (Mosheh).

8 Remember, I beseech You, the word that You commandedst Your servant Moses (Mosheh), saying, ‘If you transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations;

9 But if you turn unto Me, and keep My commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set My name there.’

10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand.

11 O Lord (Adonai), I beseech You, let now Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants, who desire to fear Your name; I pray You, prosper Your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” For I was the king’s cupbearer.

2

1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him; and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2 Wherefore the king said unto me, “Why is your countenance sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of heart.” Then I was very sore afraid,

3 And said unto the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?”

4 Then the king said unto me, “For what dost you make request?” So I prayed to God of the Heaven (Elohei haShamayim);

5 And I said unto the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you wouldest send me unto Judah (Yehudah), unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.”

6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) “For how long shall your journey be? And when wilt you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

7 Moreover I said unto the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah (Yehudah);

8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into.” And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God (Elohim) upon me.

9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Toviyah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Yisrael.

11 So I came to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and was there three days.

12 And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God (Elohim) had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); neither was there any beast with me, except the beast that I rode upon.

13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king’s pool, but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.

15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.

16 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews (Yehudim), nor to the priests (kohanim), nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

17 Then said I unto them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), that we be no more a reproach.”

18 Then I told them of the hand of my God (Elohim) which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Toviyah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you do? Will you rebel against the king?”

20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, “The God of heaven (Elohei shamayim), He will prosper us; therefore we, His servants will arise and build; but you have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).”

3

1 Then Elijahhib (Elyashiv) the high priest (kohen gadol) rose up with his brethren the priests (kohanim), and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

2 And next unto him builded the men of Yericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriyah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berekhyah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord (Adon).

6 Moreover the old gate repaired Yehoyada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodyah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Giveonite, and Yadon the Meronothite, the men of Giveon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.

8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Charhayah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Chananyah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) unto the broad wall.

9 And next unto them repaired Refayah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

10 And next unto them repaired Yedayah the son of Harumaph, even opposite his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Chashavneyah.

11 Malkiyah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), he and his daughters.

13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoach; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

14 But the dung gate repaired Malkiyah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king’s garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of Dawid.

16 After him repaired Nehemiah (Nechemyah) the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place opposite the sepulchres of Dawid, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.

17 After him repaired the Levites (Lewiyim), Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Chashavyah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.

19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Joshua (Yeshua), the ruler of Mizpah, another piece opposite the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Elijahhib (Elyashiv) the high priest (kohen gadol).

21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Uriyah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Elijahhib (Elyashiv) even to the end of the house of Elijahhib (Elyashiv).

22 And after him repaired the priests (kohanim), the men of the plain.

23 After him repaired Benjamin (Binyamin) and Hashub opposite their house. After him repaired Azaryah the son of Maaseyah the son of Ananyah by his house.

24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azaryah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.

25 Palal the son of Uzai, opposite the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king’s high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedayah the son of Parosh.

26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place opposite the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, opposite the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.

28 From above the horse gate repaired the priests (kohanim), every one opposite his house.

29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer opposite his house. After him repaired also Shemayah the son of Shekhanyah, the keeper of the east gate.

30 After him repaired Chananyah the son of Shelemyah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berekhyah opposite his chamber.

31 After him repaired Malkiyah the goldsmith’s son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, opposite the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.

32 And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

4

1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews (Yehudim).

2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria (Shomeron), and said, “What do these feeble Jews (Yehudim)? Will they fortify themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they make an end in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?”

3 Now Toviyah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, “Even that which they build, if a fox goes up, he shall even break down their stone wall.”

4 Hear, O our God (Elohim), for we are despise; and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity!

5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders.

6 So built we the wall, and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof; for the people had a mind to work.

7 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Toviyah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,

8 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and to hinder it.

9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God (Elohim), and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

10 And Judah (Yehudah) said, “The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.”

11 And our adversaries said, “They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.”

12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews (Yehudim) who dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, “From all places whence you shall return unto us they will be upon you.”

13 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.

14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, “Be not you afraid of them; remember Adonai, Who is great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God (Elohim) had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.

16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah (Yehudah).

17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

19 And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.

20 In what place therefore you hear the sound of the trumpet, resort you thither unto us; our God (Elohim) shall fight for us.”

21 So we laboured in the work, and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

22 Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, “Let every one with his servant lodge within Yerushalayim, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.”

23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, except that every one put them off for washing.

5

1 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews (Yehudim).

2 For there were those who said, “We, our sons, and our daughters, are many; therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.”

3 There were also some who said, “We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the famine.”

4 There were also those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.

5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children; and, behold, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already; neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.”

6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.

7 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, “You exact usury, every one of his brother.” And I set a great assembly against them.

8 And I said unto them, “We according to our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews (Yehudim), who were sold unto the heathen; and will you even sell your brethren? Or shall they be sold unto us?” Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.

9 Also I said, “It is not good that you do; ought you not to walk in the fear of our God (Elohim) because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?”

10 “I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn. Please let us leave off this usury!

11 Please restore to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that you exact of them.”

12 Then said they, “We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as you sayest.” Then I called the priests (kohanim), and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

13 Also I shook my lap, and said, “So God (Elohim) shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied.” And all the congregation said, “Amen!” and praised יהוה. And the people did according to this promise.

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah (Yehudah), from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people, but so did not I, because of the fear of God (Elohim).

16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land; and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

17 Moreover there were at my table one hundred and fifty of the Jews (Yehudim) and rulers, besides those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

19 Think upon me, my God (Elohim), for good, according to all that I have done for this people.

6

1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Toviyah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, “Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me mischief.

3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”

4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

6 Wherein was written: “It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu saith it, that you and the Jews (Yehudim) think to rebel; for which cause you buildest the wall, that you mayest be their king, according to these words.

7 And you have also appointed prophets to preach of you at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), saying, ‘There is a king in Judah (Yehudah)’. And now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

8 Then I sent unto him, saying, “There are no such things done as you sayest, but you feignest them out of your own heart.”

9 For they all made us afraid, saying, “Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done.” Now therefore, O God (Elohim), strengthen my hands.

10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemayah the son of Delayah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God (Elohim), within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple, for they will come to slay you; yea, in the night will they come to slay you.”

11 And I said, “Should such a man as I flee? And who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in!”

12 And, behold, I perceived that God (Elohim) had not sent him, but that he pronounced this prophecy against me, for Toviyah and Sanballat had hired him.

13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

14 My God (Elohai), think You upon Toviyah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess (neviah) Noadyah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

15 So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.

16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God (Elohim).

17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah (Yehudah) sent many letters unto Toviyah, and the letters of Toviyah came unto them.

18 For there were many in Judah (Yehudah) sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shekhanyah the son of Arah; and his son Yochanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berekhyah.

19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Toviyah sent letters to put me in fear.

7

1 Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites (Lewiyim) were appointed,

2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Chananyah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), for he was a faithful man, and feared God (Elohim) above many.

3 And I said unto them, “Let not the gates of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them; and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), every one in his watch, and every one to be opposite his house.”

4 Now the city was large and great, but the people were few therein, and the houses were not rebuilt.

5 And my God (Elohim) put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them who came up at the first, and found written therein:

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

7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Joshua (Yeshua), Nehemiah (Nechemyah), Azaryah, Raamyah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Yisrael was this:

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

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

10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.

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

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

13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.

14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.

15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.

16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.

17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.

18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.

19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.

20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.

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

22 The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.

23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.

24 The children of Hariph, a hundred and twelve.

25 The children of Giveon, ninety and five.

26 The men of Bethlehem (Beit-Lechem) and Netophah, one hundred fourscore and eight.

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

28 The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two.

29 The men of Qiryat-Yearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.

30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.

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

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

33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.

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

35 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

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

37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.

38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.

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

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

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

42 The children of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.

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

44 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred forty and eight.

45 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, one hundred thirty and eight.

46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

47 The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,

48 The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai,

49 The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,

50 The children of Reayah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,

51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,

52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,

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

54 The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

55 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,

56 The children of Netsiyah, the children of Hatipha.

57 The children of Solomon (Shelomoh)’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

58 The children of Yaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

59 The children of Shefatyah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.

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

61 And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub (Keruv), Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, nor their seed, whether they were of Yisrael.

62 The children of Delayah, the children of Toviyah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

63 And of the priests (kohanim): the children of Chavayah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Giladite to wife, and was called after their name.

64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found; therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

65 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 Thummim.

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

67 Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven; and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

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

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

70 And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure one thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests’ (kohanim) garments.

71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pounds of silver.

72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pounds of silver, and threescore and seven priests’ (kohanim) garments.

73 So the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Yisrael, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Yisrael were in their cities.

8

1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Torah, which יהוה had commanded to Yisrael by Moses (Mosheh).

2 And Ezra the priest (kohen) brought the Torah before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the Book of the Torah.

4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattityah, and Shema, and Anayah, and Uriyah, and Hilkiah (Chilqiyah), and Maaseyah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedayah, and Mishael, and Malkiyah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah (Zekharyah), and Meshullam.

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

6 And Ezra blessed יהוה, the great God (Elohim). And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” with lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads, and worshipped יהוה with their faces to the ground.

7 Also Joshua (Yeshua), and Bani, and Sherevyah, Yamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiyah, Maaseyah, Kelita, Azaryah, Yozavad, Hanan, Pelayah, and the Levites (Lewiyim), caused the people to understand the Torah; and the people stood in their place.

8 So they read in the Book in the Torah of God (Elohim) distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

9 And Nehemiah (Nechemyah), who is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest (kohen) the scribe, and the Levites (Lewiyim) who taught the people, said unto all the people, “This day is holy unto יהוה your God (Elohim); mourn not, nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Torah.

10 Then he said unto them, “Go your way, eat the richly prepared food, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy unto our Lord (Adonai); neither be you sorry; for the joy of יהוה is your strength.”

11 So the Levites (Lewiyim) quieted all the people, saying, “Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be you grieved.”

12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the Torah.

14 And they found written in the Torah which יהוה had commanded by Moses (Mosheh), that the children of Yisrael should dwell in booths (sukkot) in the feast of the seventh month;

15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), saying, “Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.”

16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God (Elohim), and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Efrayim.

17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths (sukkot), and sat under the booths (sukkot); for since the days of Joshua (Yeshua) the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Yisrael done so. And there was very great gladness.

18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the Book of the Torah of God (Elohim). And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.

9

1 Now in the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Yisrael were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.

2 And the seed of Yisrael separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the Book of the Torah of יהוה their God (Elohim) one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped יהוה their God (Elohim).

4 Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites (Lewiyim), Joshua (Yeshua), and Bani, Kadmiel, Shevanyah, Bunni, Sherevyah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto יהוה their God (Elohim).

5 Then the Levites (Lewiyim), Joshua (Yeshua), and Kadmiel, Bani, Chashavneyah, Sherevyah, Hodiyah, Shevanyah, and Petachyah, said, “Stand up and bless יהוה your God (Elohim) forever and ever; and blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!

6 You, even You, art יהוה alone; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and You preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth You.

7 You are יהוה the God (Elohim), who didst choose Avram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Avraham;

8 And foundest his heart faithful before You, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Yevusis, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed Your words, for You are righteous.

9 And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt (Mitsrayim), and heardest their cry by the Red sea;

10 And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh (Paroh), and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land; for You knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst You get Yourself a name, as it is this day.

11 And You didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors You threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.

12 Moreover You leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

13 You camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true teachings (torot), good statutes and commandments;

14 And madest known unto them Your holy Shabbat, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and Torah, by the hand of Moses (Mosheh) Your servant;

15 And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which You hadst sworn to give them.

16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to Your commandments,

17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of Your wonders that You didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondag. But You are a God (Eloah) ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

18 Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, ‘This is your God (Elohim) that brought you up out of Egypt (Mitsrayim)’, and had wrought great provocations;

19 Yet You in Your manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness; the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

20 You gavest also Your good Spirit (Ruach) to instruct them, and withheldest not Your manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

21 Yea, forty years didst You sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

22 Moreover You gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners. So they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

23 Their children also multipliedst You as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which You hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it.

24 So the children went in and possessed the land, and you subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would.

25 And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance; so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in Your great goodness.

26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against You, and cast Your Torah behind their backs, and slew Your prophets which testified against them to turn them to You, and they wrought great provocations.

27 Therefore You deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them; and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto You, You heardest them from heaven; and according to Your manifold mercies You gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before You; therefore leftest You them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them; yet when they returned, and cried unto You, You heardest them from heaven; and many times didst You deliver them according to Your mercies;

29 And testifiedst against them, that You mightest bring them again unto Your Torah; yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto Your commandments, but sinned against Your judgments, (which if a man does, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

30 Yet many years didst You forbear them, and testifiedst against them by Your Spirit (Ruach) in Your prophets; yet would they not give ear; therefore gavest You them into the hand of the people of the lands.

31 Nevertheless for Your great mercies’ sake You didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for You are a gracious and merciful God (Elohim).

32 Now therefore, our God (Elohim), the great, the mighty, and the awesome God (El), who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before You, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests (kohanim), and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all Your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria (Ashshur) unto this day.

33 Howbeit You are just in all that is brought upon us, for You have done right, but we have done wickedly.

34 Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests (kohanim), nor our fathers, kept Your Torah, nor hearkened unto Your commandments and Your testimonies, wherewith You didst testify against them.

35 For they have not served You in their kingdom, and in Your great goodness that You gavest them, and in the large and fat land which You gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

36 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that You gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it.

37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins; also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

38 And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites (Lewiyim), and priests (kohanim), seal unto it.”

10

1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah (Nechemyah), the Tirshatha, the son of Hachalyah, and Tsidkiyah,

2 Serayah, Azaryah, Jeremiah (Yirmeyah),

3 Pashur, Amaryah, Malkiyah,

4 Hattush, Shevanyah, Malluch,

5 Harim, Meremoth, Ovadyah,

6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,

7 Meshullam, Aviyah, Miyamin,

8 Maazyahu, Bilgai, Shemayah. These were the priests (kohanim).

9 And the Levites (Lewiyim): both Joshua (Yeshua) the son of Azanyah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;

10 And their brethren, Shevanyah, Hodiyah, Kelita, Pelayah, Hanan,

11 Micha, Rehob, Chashavyah,

12 Zaccur, Sherevyah, Shevanyah,

13 Hodiyah, Bani, Beninu.

14 The chief of the people: Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,

15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

16 Adoniyah, Bigvai, Adin,

17 Ater, Hezekiah (Chizkiyah), Azzur,

18 Hodiyah, Hashum, Bezai,

19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,

20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

21 Meshezabeel, Zadok, Yaddua,

22 Pelatyah, Hanan, Anayah,

23 Hoshea, Chananyah, Hashub,

24 Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,

25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseyah,

26 And Achiyah, Hanan, Anan,

27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

28 And the rest of the people, the priests (kohanim), the Levites (Lewiyim), the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the Torah of God (Elohim), their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in the Torah of God (Elohim), which was given by Moses (Mosheh) the servant of God (Elohim), and to observe and do all the commandments of יהוה our Lord (YHWH Adoneinu), and His judgments and His statutes;

30 And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:

31 And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the Shabbat day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the Shabbat, or on the holy day; and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God (Elohim);

33 For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the Shabbats, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Yisrael, and for all the work of the house of our God (Elohim).

34 And we cast the lots among the priests (kohanim), the Levites (Lewiyim), and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God (Elohim), after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of יהוה our God (Elohim), as it is written in the Torah;

35 And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of יהוה;

36 Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the Torah, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God (Elohim), unto the priests (kohanim) that minister in the house of our God (Elohim);

37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests (kohanim), to the chambers of the house of our God (Elohim); and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites (Lewiyim), that the same Levites (Lewiyim) might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

38 And the priest (kohen) the son of Aaron (Aharon) shall be with the Levites (Lewiyim), when the Levites (Lewiyim) take tithes; and the Levites (Lewiyim) shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God (Elohim), to the chambers, into the treasure house.

39 For the children of Yisrael and the children of Lewi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests (kohanim) that minister, and the porters, and the singers; and we will not forsake the house of our God (Elohim).

11

1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim); the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

3 Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), but in the cities of Judah (Yehudah) dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, Yisrael, the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon (Shelomoh)’s servants.

4 And at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) dwelt certain of the children of Judah (Yehudah), and of the children of Benjamin (Binyamin). Of the children of Judah (Yehudah); Atayah the son of Uzziyah, the son of Zechariah (Zekharyah), the son of Amaryah, the son of Shefatyah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;

5 And Maaseyah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Chazayah, the son of Adayah, the son of Yoyariv, the son of Zechariah (Zekharyah), the son of Shiloni.

6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.

7 And these are the sons of Benjamin (Binyamin); Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Yoed, the son of Pedayah, the son of Kolayah, the son of Maaseyah, the son of Itiel, the son of Jeshaiah (Yeshayah).

8 And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.

9 And Yoel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah (Yehudah) the son of Senuah was second over the city.

10 Of the priests (kohanim): Yedayah the son of Yoyariv, Yakhin.

11 Serayah the son of Hilkiah (Chilqiyah), the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God (Elohim).

12 And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two; and Adayah the son of Yeroham, the son of Pelalyah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah (Zekharyah), the son of Pashur, the son of Malkiyah,

13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two; and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, a hundred twenty and eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.

15 Also of the Levites (Lewiyim): Shemayah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Chashavyah, the son of Bunni;

16 And Shabbethai and Yozavad, of the chief of the Levites (Lewiyim), had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God (Elohim).

17 And Mattanyah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer; and Bakbukyah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Yedutun.

18 All the Levites (Lewiyim) in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were a hundred seventy and two.

20 And the residue of Yisrael, of the priests (kohanim), and the Levites (Lewiyim), were in all the cities of Judah (Yehudah), every one in his inheritance.

21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel. And Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.

22 The overseer also of the Levites (Lewiyim) at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Chashavyah, the son of Mattanyah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God (Elohim).

23 For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.

24 And Petachyah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah (Yehudah), was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.

25 And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah (Yehudah) dwelt at Qiryat-Arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Yekavtseel, and in the villages thereof,

26 And at Joshua (Yeshua), and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet,

27 And at Hazarshual, and at Beer-Sheva, and in the villages thereof,

28 And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,

29 And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Yarmut,

30 Zanoach, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beer-Sheva unto the valley of Hinnom.

31 The children also of Benjamin (Binyamin) from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aya, and Bethel (Beit-El), and in their villages,

32 And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananyah,

33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,

35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

36 And of the Levites (Lewiyim) were divisions in Judah (Yehudah), and in Benjamin (Binyamin).

12

1 Now these are the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua (Yeshua): Serayah, Jeremiah (Yirmeyah), Ezra,

2 Amaryah, Malluch, Hattush,

3 Shekhanyah, Rehum, Meremoth,

4 Iddo, Ginnetho, Aviyah,

5 Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,

6 Shemayah, and Yoyariv, Yedayah,

7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah (Chilqiyah), Yedayah. These were the chief of the priests (kohanim) and of their brethren in the days of Joshua (Yeshua).

8 Moreover the Levites (Lewiyim): Joshua (Yeshua), Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherevyah, Judah (Yehudah), and Mattanyah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.

9 Also Bakbukyah and Unni, their brethren, were opposite them in the watches.

10 And Joshua (Yeshua) begat Yoyakim, Yoyakim also begat Elijahhib, and Elijahhib (Elyashiv) begat Yoyada,

11 And Yoyada begat Yonatan, and Yonatan begat Yaddua.

12 And in the days of Yoyakim were priests (kohanim), the chief of the fathers: of Serayah, Merayah; of Jeremiah (Yirmeyah), Chananyah;

13 Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amaryah, Yehochanan;

14 Of Melicu, Yonatan; of Shevanyah, Joseph (Yosef);

15 Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;

16 Of Iddo, Zechariah (Zekharyah); of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

17 Of Aviyah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadyah, Piltai;

18 Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemayah, Jonathan (Yehonatan);

19 And of Yoyariv, Mattenai; of Yedayah, Uzzi;

20 Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;

21 Of Hilkiah (Chilqiyah), Chashavyah; of Yedayah, Nethaneel.

22 The Levites (Lewiyim) in the days of Elijahhib (Elyashiv), Yoyada, and Yochanan, and Yaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers; also the priests (kohanim), to the reign of Darius the Persian.

23 The sons of Lewi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Yochanan the son of Elijahhib (Elyashiv).

24 And the chief of the Levites (Lewiyim): Chashavyah, Sherevyah, and Joshua (Yeshua) the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren opposite them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of Dawid the man of God (Elohim), ward opposite ward.

25 Mattanyah, and Bakbukyah, Obadiah (Ovadyah), Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.

26 These were in the days of Yoyakim the son of Joshua (Yeshua), the son of Yotsadak, and in the days of Nehemiah (Nechemyah) the governor, and of Ezra the priest (kohen), the scribe.

27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) they sought the Levites (Lewiyim) out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanks-givings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

28 And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jeruselam (Yerushalayim), and from the villages of Netophathi;

29 Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth; for the singers had builded them villages round about Yerushalayim.

30 And the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim) purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.

31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah (Yehudah) upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate;

32 And after them went Hoshayah, and half of the princes of Judah (Yehudah),

33 And Azaryah, Ezra, and Meshullam,

34 Judah (Yehudah), and Benjamin (Binyamin), and Shemayah, and Jeremiah (Yirmeyah),

35 And certain of the priests’ (kohanim) sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah (Zekharyah) the son of Yonatan, the son of Shemayah, the son of Mattanyah, the son of Mikhayah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph;

36 And his brethren, Shemayah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah (Yehudah), Hanani, with the musical instruments of Dawid the man of God (Elohim), and Ezra the scribe before them.

37 And at the fountain gate, which was opposite them, they went up by the stairs of the city of Dawid, at the going up of the wall, above the house of Dawid, even unto the water gate eastward.

38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went opposite them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;

39 And from above the gate of Efrayim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate; and they stood still in the prison gate.

40 So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God (Elohim), and I, and the half of the rulers with me:

41 And the priests (kohanim), Elyaqim, Maaseyah, Miniamin, Mikhayah, Elioenai, Zechariah (Zekharyah), and Chananyah, with trumpets;

42 And Maaseyah, and Shemayah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Yehochanan, and Malkiyah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Yizrachyah their overseer.

43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God (Elohim) had made them rejoice with great joy; the wives also and the children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) was heard even afar off.

44 And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions required by the Torah for the priests (kohanim) and Levites (Lewiyim); for Judah (Yehudah) rejoiced for the priests (kohanim) and for the Levites (Lewiyim) that waited.

45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God (Elohim), and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of Dawid, and of Solomon (Shelomoh) his son.

46 For in the days of Dawid and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God (Elohim).

47 And all Yisrael in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah (Nechemyah), gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion; and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites (Lewiyim); and the Levites (Lewiyim) sanctified them unto the children of Aaron (Aharon).

13

1 On that day they read in the book of Moses (Mosheh) in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moavite should not come into the congregation of God (Elohim) forever;

2 Because they met not the children of Yisrael with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them; howbeit our God (Elohim) turned the curse into a blessing.

3 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the Torah, that they separated from Yisrael all the mixed multitude.

4 And before this, Elijahhib (Elyashiv) the priest (kohen), having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God (Elohim), was allied unto Toviyah.

5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites (Lewiyim), and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests (kohanim).

6 But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon (Bavel) came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king;

7 And I came to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and understood of the evil that Elijahhib did for Toviyah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God (Elohim).

8 And it grieved me sore; therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Toviyah out of the chamber.

9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers; and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God (Elohim), with the meat offering and the frankincense.

10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites (Lewiyim) had not been given them; for the Levites (Lewiyim) and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.

11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, “Why is the house of God (Elohim) forsaken?” And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

12 Then brought all Judah (Yehudah) the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemyah the priest (kohen), and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites (Lewiyim), Pedayah; and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattanyah; for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.

14 Remember me, O my God (Elohim), concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God (Elohim), and for the offices thereof.

15 In those days saw I in Judah (Yehudah) some treading wine presses on the Shabbat, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) on the Shabbat day; and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the Shabbat unto the children of Judah (Yehudah), and in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).

17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah (Yehudah), and said unto them, “What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Shabbat day?

18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God (Elohim) bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? Yet you bring more wrath upon Yisrael by profaning the Shabbat.”

19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) began to be dark before the Shabbat, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the Shabbat; and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the Shabbat day.

20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged outside Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) once or twice.

21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge you about the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the Shabbat.

22 And I commanded the Levites (Lewiyim) that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Shabbat day. Remember me, O my God (Elohim), concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of Your mercy.

23 In those days also saw I, Jews (Yehudim) that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moav;

24 And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language (Yehudit), but according to the language of each people.

25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and

plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God (Elohim), saying, “You shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

26 Did not Solomon (Shelomoh) king of Yisrael sin by these things? Yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God (Elohim), and God (Elohim) made him king over all Yisrael; nevertheless even him did foreign women cause to sin.

27 Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God (Elohim) in marrying foreign wives?”

28 And one of the sons of Yoyada, the son of Elijahhib (Elyashiv) the high priest (kohen gadol), was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I chased him away from me.

29 Remember them, O my God (Elohim), because they have defiled the priesthood (kehunnah), and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites (Lewiyim).

30 Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests (kohanim) and the Levites (Lewiyim), every one in his business;

31 And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God (Elohim), for good.