Book of Ezra. 1. Resumption of work under 4.

List of those returning with

Darius (4:24) Ezra (8:1-14)
Outline
2. A new beginning inspired 5. The search for Levites
 First Return from Exile and Rebuilding of by Haggai and Zechariah (8:15-20)
the Temple (chs. 1-6) (5:1-2)
6. Prayer and fasting (8:21-23)
o First Return of the Exiles (ch. 1) 3. Intervention of the
7. The assignment of the
governor, Tattenai (5:3-5)
1. The edict of Cyrus (1:1-4) sacred articles (8:24-30)
4. Report to Darius (5:6-17)
2. The return under 8. The journey and arrival in
Sheshbazzar (1:5-11) 5. Search for the decree of Jerusalem (8:31-36)
Cyrus (6:1-5)
o List of Returning Exiles (ch. 2) o Ezra's Reforms (chs. 9-10)
6. Darius's order for the
o Revival of Temple Worship (ch. 3) 1. The offense of mixed
rebuilding of the temple
marriages (9:1-5)
1. The rebuilding of the altar (6:6-12)
(3:1-3) 2. Ezra's confession and
7. Completion of the temple
prayer (9:6-15)
2. The Feast of Tabernacles (6:13-15)
(3:4-6) 3. The people's response
8. Dedication of the temple
(10:1-4)
3. The beginning of temple (6:16-18)
reconstruction (3:7-13) 4. The calling of a public
9. Celebration of Passover
assembly (10:5-15)
o Opposition to Rebuilding (4:1-23) (6:19-22)
5. Investigation of the
1. Opposition during the reign  Ezra's Return and Reforms (chs. 7-10)
offenders (10:16-17)
of Cyrus (4:1-5)
o Ezra's Return to Jerusalem (chs. 7-
6. The list of offenders (10:18-
2. Opposition during the reign 8)
43)
of Xerxes (4:6)
1. Introduction (7:1-10)
7. The dissolution of mixed
3. Opposition during the reign
2. The authorization by marriages (10:44)
of Artaxerxes (4:7-23)
Artaxerxes (7:11-26)
o Completion of the Temple
3. Ezra's doxology (7:27-28)
(4:24;6:22)

1
 7 Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles 6 of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and
belonging to the temple of the LORD, which Joab), 2,812
Chapter: 1 Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem
7 of Elam, 1,254
Cyrus Helps the Exiles to Return and had placed in the temple of his god.
8 of Zattu, 945
1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to 8 Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by
fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to 9 of Zaccai, 760
the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.
10 of Bani, 642
make a proclamation throughout his realm and also 9 This was the inventory:
to put it in writing: 11 of Bebai, 623
10 gold bowls, 30 matching silver bowls, 410 other
2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “ ‘The articles, 1,000 12 of Azgad, 1,222
LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the
11 In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold and of 13 of Adonikam, 666
kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to
build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. silver. Sheshbazzar brought all these along with the 14 of Bigvai, 2,056
exiles when they came up from Babylon to
3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem. 15 of Adin, 454
Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the
16 of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98
LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Chapter: 2
Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 17 of Bezai, 323
The List of the Exiles Who Returned
4 And in any locality where survivors may now be 18 of Jorah, 112
1 Now these are the people of the province who
living, the people are to provide them with silver
came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom 19 of Hashum, 223
and gold, with goods and livestock, and with
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive
freewill offerings for the temple of God in 20 of Gibbar, 95
to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah,
Jerusalem.’ ”
each to their own town, 21 the men of Bethlehem, 123
5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin,
2 in company with Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, 22 of Netophah, 56
and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart
Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai,
God had moved—prepared to go up and build the 23 of Anathoth, 128
Rehum and Baanah): The list of the men of the
house of the LORD in Jerusalem.
people of Israel: 24 of Azmaveth, 42
6 All their neighbors assisted them with articles of
3 the descendants of Parosh, 2,172 25 of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah and Beeroth, 743
silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with
valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill 4 of Shephatiah, 372 26 of Ramah and Geba, 621
offerings.
5 of Arah, 775
2
27 of Micmash, 122 49 Uzza, Paseah, Besai, 63 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the
most sacred food until there was a priest
28 of Bethel and Ai, 223 50 Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim,
ministering with the Urim and Thummim.
29 of Nebo, 52 51 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,
64 The whole company numbered 42,360,
30 of Magbish, 156 52 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,
65 besides their 7,337 male and female slaves; and
31 of the other Elam, 1,254 53 Barkos, Sisera, Temah, they also had 200 male and female singers.

32 of Harim, 320 54 Neziah and Hatipha 66 They had 736 horses, 245 mules,

33 of Lod, Hadid and Ono, 725 55 The descendants of the servants of Solomon: 67 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.

34 of Jericho, 345 56 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel, 68 When they arrived at the house of the LORD in
Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave
35 of Senaah, 3,630 57 Shephatiah, Hattil, freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the
36 The priests: 58 The temple servants and the descendants of the house of God on its site.
servants of Solomon, 392 69 According to their ability they gave to the
37 of Immer, 1,052
59 The following came up from the towns of Tel treasury for this work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000
38 of Pashhur, 1,247 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments.
Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but
39 of Harim, 1,017 they could not show that their families were 70 The priests, the Levites, the musicians, the
descended from Israel: gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in
40 The Levites:
60 The descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda their own towns, along with some of the other
41 The musicians: 652 people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their
towns.
42 The gatekeepers of the temple: 61 And from among the priests: The descendants of
43 The temple servants: Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had Chapter: 3
married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and
44 Keros, Siaha, Padon, Rebuilding the Altar
was called by that name).
45 Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub, 1 When the seventh month came and the Israelites
62 These searched for their family records, but they
had settled in their towns, the people assembled
46 Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan, could not find them and so were excluded from the
together as one in Jerusalem.
priesthood as unclean.
47 Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah, 2 Then Joshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests
48 Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam, and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates
began to build the altar of the God of Israel to
3
sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with Levites and all who had returned from the captivity 1 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard
what is written in the Law of Moses the man of to Jerusalem) began the work. They appointed that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD,
God. Levites twenty years old and older to supervise the the God of Israel,
building of the house of the LORD.
3 Despite their fear of the peoples around them, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the
they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed 9 Joshua and his sons and brothers and Kadmiel families and said, “Let us help you build because,
burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and his sons (descendants of Hodaviah ) and the like you, we seek your God and have been
and evening sacrifices. sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king
Levites—joined together in supervising those of Assyria, who brought us here.”
4 Then in accordance with what is written, they
working on the house of God.
celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles with the 3 But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads
required number of burnt offerings prescribed for 10 When the builders laid the foundation of the of the families of Israel answered, “You have no
each day. temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments part with us in building a temple to our God. We
and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as
5 After that, they presented the regular burnt
Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.”
offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the
LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel.
sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals of 4 Then the peoples around them set out to
the LORD, as well as those brought as freewill 11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the discourage the people of Judah and make them
offerings to the LORD. LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures afraid to go on building.
forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of
6 On the first day of the seventh month they began 5 They bribed officials to work against them and
praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the
to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, though the frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus
house of the LORD was laid.
foundation of the LORD’s temple had not yet been king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king
laid. 12 But many of the older priests and Levites and of Persia.
family heads, who had seen the former temple,
Rebuilding the Temple
wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this
7 Then they gave money to the masons and temple being laid, while many others shouted for Later Opposition Under Xerxes and Artaxerxes
carpenters, and gave food and drink and olive oil to joy.
6 At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, they
the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would
13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts lodged an accusation against the people of Judah
bring cedar logs by sea from Lebanon to Joppa, as
of joy from the sound of weeping, because the and Jerusalem.
authorized by Cyrus king of Persia.
people made so much noise. And the sound was
heard far away. 7 And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia,
8 In the second month of the second year after
Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel and the rest of his
their arrival at the house of God in Jerusalem,
Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jozadak Chapter: 4 associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. The letter
and the rest of the people (the priests and the Opposition to the Rebuilding
4
was written in Aramaic script and in the Aramaic 15 so that a search may be made in the archives of immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and
language. your predecessors. In these records you will find compelled them by force to stop.
that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to
8 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the 24 Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem
kings and provinces, a place with a long history of
secretary wrote a letter against Jerusalem to came to a standstill until the second year of the
sedition. That is why this city was destroyed.
Artaxerxes the king as follows: reign of Darius king of Persia.
16 We inform the king that if this city is built and its
9 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the Chapter: 5
walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in
secretary, together with the rest of their associates
Trans-Euphrates. Tattenai’s Letter to Darius
—the judges, officials and administrators over the
people from Persia, Uruk and Babylon, the Elamites 17 The king sent this reply: To Rehum the 1 Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the
of Susa, commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the
rest of their associates living in Samaria and Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the
10 and the other people whom the great and
elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates: Greetings. God of Israel, who was over them.
honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the
city of Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates. 18 The letter you sent us has been read and 2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son
translated in my presence. of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God
11 (This is a copy of the letter they sent him.) To
King Artaxerxes, From your servants in Trans- 19 I issued an order and a search was made, and it in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with
Euphrates: was found that this city has a long history of revolt them, supporting them.
against kings and has been a place of rebellion and 3 At that time Tattenai, governor of Trans-
12 The king should know that the people who came
sedition. Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their
up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are
rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are 20 Jerusalem has had powerful kings ruling over the associates went to them and asked, “Who
restoring the walls and repairing the foundations. whole of Trans-Euphrates, and taxes, tribute and authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish
duty were paid to them. it?”
13 Furthermore, the king should know that if this
city is built and its walls are restored, no more 21 Now issue an order to these men to stop work, 4 They also asked, “What are the names of those
taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and eventually so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. who are constructing this building?”
the royal revenues will suffer. 5 But the eye of their God was watching over the
22 Be careful not to neglect this matter. Why let
14 Now since we are under obligation to the palace this threat grow, to the detriment of the royal elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until
and it is not proper for us to see the king interests? a report could go to Darius and his written reply be
dishonored, we are sending this message to inform received.
23 As soon as the copy of the letter of King
the king, 6 This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor
Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimshai the
secretary and their associates, they went of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their

5
associates, the officials of Trans-Euphrates, sent to 14 He even removed from the temple of Babylon sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. It is to be
King Darius. the gold and silver articles of the house of God, sixty cubits high and sixty cubits wide,
which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple
7 The report they sent him read as follows: To King 4 with three courses of large stones and one of
in Jerusalem and brought to the temple in Babylon.
Darius: Cordial greetings. timbers. The costs are to be paid by the royal
Then King Cyrus gave them to a man named
treasury.
8 The king should know that we went to the district Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor,
of Judah, to the temple of the great God. The 5 Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of
15 and he told him, ‘Take these articles and go and
people are building it with large stones and placing God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple
deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem. And
the timbers in the walls. The work is being carried in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, are to be
rebuild the house of God on its site.’
on with diligence and is making rapid progress returned to their places in the temple in Jerusalem;
under their direction. 16 “So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the they are to be deposited in the house of God.
foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem. From
9 We questioned the elders and asked them, “Who 6 Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates,
that day to the present it has been under
authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish and Shethar-Bozenai and you other officials of that
construction but is not yet finished.”
it?” province, stay away from there.
17 Now if it pleases the king, let a search be made
10 We also asked them their names, so that we 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of
in the royal archives of Babylon to see if King Cyrus
could write down the names of their leaders for God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish
did in fact issue a decree to rebuild this house of
your information. elders rebuild this house of God on its site.
God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his
11 This is the answer they gave us: “We are the decision in this matter. 8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for
servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we these elders of the Jews in the construction of this
are rebuilding the temple that was built many years Chapter: 6 house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid
ago, one that a great king of Israel built and The Decree of Darius out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of
finished. Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop.
1 King Darius then issued an order, and they
12 But because our ancestors angered the God of searched in the archives stored in the treasury at 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male
heaven, he gave them into the hands of Babylon. lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and
Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon, wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the
who destroyed this temple and deported the 2 A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily
people to Babylon. the province of Media, and this was written on it: without fail,
Memorandum:
13 “However, in the first year of Cyrus king of 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the
Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this 3 In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the
house of God. decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: king and his sons.
Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present

6
11 Furthermore, I decree that if anyone defies this Israel, twelve male goats, one for each of the tribes 2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of
edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and of Israel. Ahitub,
they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime
18 And they installed the priests in their divisions 3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of
their house is to be made a pile of rubble.
and the Levites in their groups for the service of Meraioth,
12 May God, who has caused his Name to dwell God at Jerusalem, according to what is written in
4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of
there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a the Book of Moses.
Bukki,
hand to change this decree or to destroy this
The Passover
temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it 5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son
be carried out with diligence. 19 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—
exiles celebrated the Passover.
Completion and Dedication of the Temple 6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher
20 The priests and Levites had purified themselves well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD,
13 Then, because of the decree King Darius had
and were all ceremonially clean. The Levites the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted
sent, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and
slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD
Shethar-Bozenai and their associates carried it out
their relatives the priests and for themselves. his God was on him.
with diligence.
21 So the Israelites who had returned from the exile 7 Some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites,
14 So the elders of the Jews continued to build and
ate it, together with all who had separated musicians, gatekeepers and temple servants, also
prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet
themselves from the unclean practices of their came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King
and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished
Gentile neighbors in order to seek the LORD, the Artaxerxes.
building the temple according to the command of
God of Israel.
the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius 8 Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the
and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. 22 For seven days they celebrated with joy the seventh year of the king.
Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD
15 The temple was completed on the third day of 9 He had begun his journey from Babylon on the
had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of
the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of first day of the first month, and he arrived in
the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the
King Darius. Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the
work on the house of God, the God of Israel.
gracious hand of his God was on him.
16 Then the people of Israel—the priests, the
Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the Chapter: 7 10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and
dedication of the house of God with joy. Ezra Comes to Jerusalem observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching
its decrees and laws in Israel.
17 For the dedication of this house of God they 1 After these things, during the reign of Artaxerxes
offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of King Artaxerxes’ Letter to Ezra
hundred male lambs and, as a sin offering for all Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

7
11 This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had 19 Deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles death, banishment, confiscation of property, or
given to Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law, a man entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your imprisonment.
learned in matters concerning the commands and God.
27 Praise be to the LORD, the God of our ancestors,
decrees of the LORD for Israel:
20 And anything else needed for the temple of your who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor
12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, God that you are responsible to supply, you may to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way
teacher of the Law of the God of heaven: provide from the royal treasury.
28 and who has extended his good favor to me
Greetings.
21 Now I, King Artaxerxes, decree that all the before the king and his advisers and all the king’s
13 Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my treasurers of Trans-Euphrates are to provide with powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD
kingdom, including priests and Levites, who diligence whatever Ezra the priest, the teacher of my God was on me, I took courage and gathered
volunteer to go to Jerusalem with you, may go. the Law of the God of heaven, may ask of you— leaders from Israel to go up with me.

14 You are sent by the king and his seven advisers 22 up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred Chapter: 8
to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred
to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. List of the Family Heads Returning With Ezra

15 Moreover, you are to take with you the silver 23 Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let 1 These are the family heads and those registered
and gold that the king and his advisers have freely it be done with diligence for the temple of the God with them who came up with me from Babylon
given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in of heaven. Why should his wrath fall on the realm during the reign of King Artaxerxes:
Jerusalem, of the king and of his sons? 2 of the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom; of the
16 together with all the silver and gold you may 24 You are also to know that you have no authority descendants of Ithamar, Daniel; of the descendants
obtain from the province of Babylon, as well as the to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the of David, Hattush
freewill offerings of the people and priests for the priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, temple 3 of the descendants of Shekaniah; of the
temple of their God in Jerusalem. servants or other workers at this house of God. descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him
17 With this money be sure to buy bulls, rams and 25 And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of were registered 150 men;
male lambs, together with their grain offerings and your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates 4 of the descendants of Pahath-Moab, Eliehoenai
drink offerings, and sacrifice them on the altar of and judges to administer justice to all the people of son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men;
the temple of your God in Jerusalem. Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your
God. And you are to teach any who do not know 5 of the descendants of Zattu, Shekaniah son of
18 You and your fellow Israelites may then do Jahaziel, and with him 300 men;
them.
whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and
gold, in accordance with the will of your God. 26 Whoever does not obey the law of your God and 6 of the descendants of Adin, Ebed son of Jonathan,
the law of the king must surely be punished by and with him 50 men;

8
7 of the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of fellow Levites, the temple servants in Kasiphia, so his officials and all Israel present there had donated
Athaliah, and with him 70 men; that they might bring attendants to us for the house for the house of our God.
of our God.
8 of the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son 26 I weighed out to them 650 talents of silver, silver
of Michael, and with him 80 men; 18 Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, articles weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the
9 of the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, 27 20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics, and two
descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel,
and with him 218 men; fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
and Sherebiah’s sons and brothers, 18 in all;
10 of the descendants of Bani, Shelomith son of 28 I said to them, “You as well as these articles are
19 and Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the
Josiphiah, and with him 160 men; consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a
descendants of Merari, and his brothers and
freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your
11 of the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of nephews, 20 in all.
ancestors.
Bebai, and with him 28 men;
20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants—a
29 Guard them carefully until you weigh them out
12 of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of body that David and the officials had established to
in the chambers of the house of the LORD in
Hakkatan, and with him 110 men; assist the Levites. All were registered by name.
Jerusalem before the leading priests and the Levites
13 of the descendants of Adonikam, the last ones, 21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, and the family heads of Israel.”
whose names were Eliphelet, Jeuel and Shemaiah, so that we might humble ourselves before our God
30 Then the priests and Levites received the silver
and with them 60 men; and ask him for a safe journey for us and our
and gold and sacred articles that had been weighed
children, with all our possessions.
14 of the descendants of Bigvai, Uthai and Zakkur, out to be taken to the house of our God in
and with them 70 men. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and Jerusalem.
horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road,
The Return to Jerusalem 31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out
because we had told the king, “The gracious hand
from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand
15 I assembled them at the canal that flows toward of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his
of our God was on us, and he protected us from
Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I great anger is against all who forsake him.”
enemies and bandits along the way.
checked among the people and the priests, I found 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this,
no Levites there. 32 So we arrived in Jerusalem, where we rested
and he answered our prayer.
three days.
16 So I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, 24 Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests,
Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah and 33 On the fourth day, in the house of our God, we
namely, Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their
Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and weighed out the silver and gold and the sacred
brothers,
Elnathan, who were men of learning, articles into the hands of Meremoth son of Uriah,
25 and I weighed out to them the offering of silver the priest. Eleazar son of Phinehas was with him,
17 and I ordered them to go to Iddo, the leader in and gold and the articles that the king, his advisers,
Kasiphia. I told them what to say to Iddo and his
9
and so were the Levites Jozabad son of Jeshua and 3 When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, 10 “But now, our God, what can we say after this?
Noadiah son of Binnui. pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down For we have forsaken the commands
appalled.
34 Everything was accounted for by number and 11 you gave through your servants the prophets
weight, and the entire weight was recorded at that 4 Then everyone who trembled at the words of the when you said: ‘The land you are entering to
time. God of Israel gathered around me because of this possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its
unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled peoples. By their detestable practices they have
35 Then the exiles who had returned from captivity
until the evening sacrifice. filled it with their impurity from one end to the
sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel:
other.
twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy- 5 Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-
seven male lambs and, as a sin offering, twelve abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell 12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in
male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD marriage to their sons or take their daughters for
LORD. my God your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with
them at any time that you may be strong and eat
36 They also delivered the king’s orders to the royal 6 and prayed: “I am too ashamed and disgraced, my
the good things of the land and leave it to your
satraps and to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are
children as an everlasting inheritance.’
who then gave assistance to the people and to the higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to
house of God. the heavens. 13 “What has happened to us is a result of our evil
deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you
Chapter: 9 7 From the days of our ancestors until now, our
have punished us less than our sins deserved and
guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and
Ezra’s Prayer About Intermarriage have given us a remnant like this.
our kings and our priests have been subjected to
1 After these things had been done, the leaders the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation 14 Shall we then break your commands again and
came to me and said, “The people of Israel, at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today. intermarry with the peoples who commit such
including the priests and the Levites, have not kept detestable practices? Would you not be angry
8 “But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God
themselves separate from the neighboring peoples enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no
has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and
with their detestable practices, like those of the remnant or survivor?
giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our
Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our 15 LORD, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We
Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. bondage. are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before
2 They have taken some of their daughters as wives you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us
9 Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken
for themselves and their sons, and have mingled can stand in your presence.”
us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the
the holy race with the peoples around them. And sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new
the leaders and officials have led the way in this life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its
unfaithfulness.” ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in
Judah and Jerusalem.
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 7 A proclamation was then issued throughout Judah anger of our God in this matter is turned away from
and Jerusalem for all the exiles to assemble in us.”
Chapter: 10 Jerusalem.
15 Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of
The People’s Confession of Sin 8 Anyone who failed to appear within three days Tikvah, supported by Meshullam and Shabbethai
would forfeit all his property, in accordance with the Levite, opposed this.
1 While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping the decision of the officials and elders, and would
and throwing himself down before the house of 16 So the exiles did as was proposed. Ezra the priest
himself be expelled from the assembly of the
God, a large crowd of Israelites—men, women and selected men who were family heads, one from
exiles.
children—gathered around him. They too wept each family division, and all of them designated by
bitterly. 9 Within the three days, all the men of Judah and name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat
Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. And on the down to investigate the cases,
2 Then Shekaniah son of Jehiel, one of the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people
descendants of Elam, said to Ezra, “We have been 17 and by the first day of the first month they
were sitting in the square before the house of God,
unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women finished dealing with all the men who had married
greatly distressed by the occasion and because of
from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, foreign women.
the rain.
there is still hope for Israel.
Those Guilty of Intermarriage
10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them,
3 Now let us make a covenant before our God to “You have been unfaithful; you have married 18 Among the descendants of the priests, the
send away all these women and their children, in foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt. following had married foreign women: From the
accordance with the counsel of my lord and of
descendants of Joshua son of Jozadak, and his
those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be 11 Now honor the LORD, the God of your ancestors,
brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib and Gedaliah.
done according to the Law. and do his will. Separate yourselves from the
peoples around you and from your foreign wives.” 19 (They all gave their hands in pledge to put away
4 Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will
their wives, and for their guilt they each presented
support you, so take courage and do it.” 12 The whole assembly responded with a loud
a ram from the flock as a guilt offering.)
voice: “You are right! We must do as you say.
5 So Ezra rose up and put the leading priests and
20 From the descendants of Immer: Hanani and
Levites and all Israel under oath to do what had 13 But there are many people here and it is the
Zebadiah.
been suggested. And they took the oath. rainy season; so we cannot stand outside. Besides,
this matter cannot be taken care of in a day or two, 21 From the descendants of Harim: Maaseiah,
6 Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of because we have sinned greatly in this thing. Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel and Uzziah.
God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of
Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and 14 Let our officials act for the whole assembly. Then 22 From the descendants of Pashhur: Elioenai,
drank no water, because he continued to mourn let everyone in our towns who has married a Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad and Elasah.
over the unfaithfulness of the exiles. foreign woman come at a set time, along with the
elders and judges of each town, until the fierce
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23 Among the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,
(that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah and Eliezer.
37 Mattaniah, Mattenai and Jaasu.
24 From the musicians: Eliashib. From the
38 From the descendants of Binnui:Shimei,
gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem and Uri.
39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,
25 And among the other Israelites: From the
descendants of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, 40 Maknadebai, Shashai, Sharai,
Mijamin, Eleazar, Malkijah and Benaiah.
41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah,
26 From the descendants of Elam: Mattaniah,
Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth and Elijah. 42 Shallum, Amariah and Joseph.

27 From the descendants of Zattu: Elioenai, 43 From the descendants of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah,
Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad and Aziza. Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel and Benaiah.

28 From the descendants of Bebai: Jehohanan, 44 All these had married foreign women, and some
Hananiah, Zabbai and Athlai. of them had children by these wives.

29 From the descendants of Bani: Meshullam,

Malluk, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal and Jeremoth.

30 From the descendants of Pahath-Moab: Adna,

Kelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel,
Binnui and Manasseh.

31 From the descendants of Harim: Eliezer, Ishijah,

Malkijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,

32 Benjamin, Malluk and Shemariah.

33 From the descendants of Hashum: Mattenai,

Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh and
Shimei.

34 From the descendants of Bani: Maadai, Amram,

Uel,

35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Keluhi,

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