37 The priests and Levites, and those who were of Yisrael (Israel), lived in Yerushalem (Jerusalem) and in the country, on the new moon of the seventh month, and the children of Yisrael in their settlements.

38 The whole multitude gathered together with one accord into the broad place before the porch of the temple towards the east.[ref] 39 They said to Ezra the priest and reader, “Bring the law of Mosheh (Moses) that was given by the master, the god of Yisrael.”

40 So Ezra the chief priest brought the law to the whole multitude both of men and women, and to all the priests, to hear the law on the new moon of the seventh month. 41 He read in the broad place before the porch of the temple from morning until midday, before both men and women; and all the multitude gave attention to the law. 42 Ezra the priest and reader of the law stood up on the wooden pulpit which had been prepared. 43 Beside him stood Matityah (Mattathias), Shema, Hananyah, Azaryah, Uriyah, Hilkiyah,[fn] and Baalsamus on the right hand, 44 and on his left hand, Pedayah,[fn] Mishael, Malkiyah, Hashum,[fn] Nabarias, and Zekaryah (Zechariah). 45 Then Ezra took the book of the law before the multitude, and sat honourably in the first place before all. 46 When he opened the law, they all stood straight up. So Ezra blessed the master God Most High, the god of armies, the Almighty. 47 All the people answered, “Amen.” Lifting up their hands, they fell to the ground and worshipped the master. 48 Also Yeshua (Jesus), Annus, Shereveyah, Yamin, Akuv, Shabtay, Hodiyah,[fn] Maiannas, Kelita, Azaryah, Yozavad, Hananyah, and Pelayah, the Levites, taught the law of the master, and[fn] read to the multitude the law of the master, explaining what was read.

49 Then Attharates said to Ezra the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites who taught the multitude, even to all, 50 “This day is holy to the master—now they all wept when they heard the law—51 go then, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing; 52 for the day is holy to the master. Don’t be sorrowful, for the master will bring you to honour.” 53 So the Levites commanded all things to the people, saying, “This day is holy. Don’t be sorrowful.” 54 Then they went their way, every one to eat, drink, enjoy themselves, to give portions to those who had nothing, and to rejoice greatly, 55 because they understood[fn] the words they were instructed with, and for which they had been assembled.