UST GEN EXO LEV NUM DEU JOS JDG RUTH 1 SAM 2 SAM 1 KI 2 KI 1 CHR 2 CHR EZRA NEH EST JOB PSA PROV ECC SNG ISA JER LAM EZE DAN HOS JOEL AMOS OBA YNA MIC NAH HAB ZEP HAG ZEC MAL MAT MARK LUKE YHN ACTs ROM 1 COR 2 COR GAL EPH PHP COL 1 TH 2 TH 1 TIM 2 TIM TIT PHM HEB YAC 1 PET 2 PET 1 YHN 2 YHN 3 YHN YUD REV

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UST by section NEH 1:1

⌂ ← NEH 1:1–13:31 ║ ═ ©

Nehemiah 1

1 I am Nehemiah, of Hacaliah. I am writing this account.

story begins the month of Kislev the the reign of King Artaxerxes over the Persian Empire. capital city of 2 Hanani, my brothers, to see me, with some other people the province of Judah. asked Jews escaped remained in Judah many years earlier when soldiers had forced many Jews to go to Babylon. condition of the city of Jerusalem.

3 They said me, “The Jews the exile and remained the province of Judah in a desperate situation. The Babylonian soldiers broke down wall of get into city, burned down of its gates. people living there defenseless.”

4 When I heard sat down cried. could not stop mourning days. without food, God who is in

5 I said, “O are the God who is in are the awesome promises faithfully those who love you obey commandments. 6 Now please pay careful attention listen prayer praying you been constantly, people of chosen people. confess sins the people of committed you. I my family also sinned. 7 We have acted very wickedly you. Many years ago you gave us Law servant we have Law.

8 Please to mind made servant told you Israelites not obey my commandments, take your land and make the other nations. 9 But if you become loyal me start obeying my commandments more, will bring you back homeland of Judah. is the place from which chose start making myself famous throughout the world. will do this matter how far you have been taken away.’

10 We are chosen people, rescued from slavery in Egypt. You did that easily because you are so very powerful. 11 O Lord, pay careful attention prayer to of my fellow Israelites. are eager to honor you. grant that the king will agree to the request that I hope to make soon.” that time, I important official who served the wine the king’s table.

2 I prayed like this for four months. Then one day the month of in the the reign of Artaxerxes, happened. When it was time to serve the wine, took gave it the king. had before his presence.

2 No one was supposed to look unhappy in king’s presence. But king that I did look sad. tell that you must be about something.” made me very afraid.

3 I replied the king, “Your Majesty, hope live a very long time! I am sorry, but I cannot help being sad. am sad because city of Jerusalem, place where ancestors buried, in ruins. Our enemies have burned down gates.”

4 The king me, “What do you want me to do for you?” Before I answered him, prayed God who is in

5 Then I replied the king, “If seems like a good idea to you, if you are pleased with me, allow me to go would like to help my people rebuild city where ancestors buried.”

6 I was able to speak freely because this was a private meal, the queen sitting next to the king. king long would you be away?” told long I would be gone. That was acceptable me permission to go. I told day I wanted to leave.

7 I also said the king, “If it seems like a good idea to you, please give I can show to governors of the province Beyond the River. these letters, please tell them to me safe passage their province 8 Please also write a letter for me to man who takes care of royal that area. Please tell give make the beams to support gates of fortress is the temple. Please also tell him to give me timber for city for the house will live

was with me and helping me, king of my requests.

9 When I left to travel to Judah, king along soldiers riding on horses to protect me. I reached the province Beyond the River, went to see governors. showed letters king given me, and they gave me safe passage.

10 One of the people I showed my letters to was Horonite. He was the governor of Samaria, the area right next to Judah. deputy, Ammonite, very upset when they learned come help people of did not want to see Judah become strong again, because that would be a threat to Samaria. 11 But I made it safely their opposition. stayed

12 I did leading me do Jerusalem. I got up secretly the night to inspect the city walls. brought only a few other me. So that we could work quietly, only brought with me was one riding.

13 That night went out Valley a careful inspection the walls of where enemies broken down the walls, had burned up wooden gates. 14 Then we came opening there was so narrow that animal was riding not through. 15 So we path of Brook, even though it was night. From there we were able to the wall and see its condition. This route brought us back to where we started. re-entered the city the I went back home without being seen.

16 The city officials had gone what doing. that point had about it the Jewish leaders, priests, leading citizens, the city officials. I had doing work of rebuilding the walls.

17 But now I said them, “You desperate situation are in ruins, enemies have burned down its gates. We need to do something about this! I challenge all of you to join me in rebuilding wall of will to feel more.” 18 Then I told God had been with me and had been helping me. the king had given me permission to come.

When they heard this, said, “Let’s get going and start encouraged one another and committed themselves to the project.

19 Then Horonite, deputy Ammonite, Geshem Arabian we had started to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. ridiculed us mercilessly. said, “What you are doing is not going to amount to anything! But not be rebelling king like that!”

20 But I answered them firmly. said, “The God who is in the one who enable complete this project. are chosen people. are going to start you absolutely nothing to do with happens in Jerusalem.”

3 These are the names of the people who helped to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. his fellow rebuilding this gate to God, as a symbolic way of dedicating the entire wall. doors of the Sheep Gate in place. the wall as far as Tower of Soldiers that to Tower of they dedicated that part of the wall to God as well.

2 Next from of the wall.

son of of the wall.

3 The sons of it with wooden beams, doors place, and bars for locking the gate.

4 Next son of grandson of of the wall.

son of grandson of of the wall.

son of of the wall.

5 Next people from Tekoa of the wall. the leading citizens of Tekoa too proud to do work the leaders of Judah had asked them to do.

6 Joiada of Meshullam of it with wooden beams, doors place, and bars for locking the gate.

7 Next city of Gibeon, town of Meronoth, other men from from the city of Mizpah of the wall. repaired it far as the residence of governor of the province Beyond the River.

8 Next son of of the wall. was one of the goldsmiths, the workers who made jewelry and other objects from gold.

of the wall. was one of the workers who made perfumes. rebuilt the wall Jerusalem far as

9 Next son of of the wall. of district of

10 Next son of part of the wall house.

son of of the wall.

11 Malkijah son of Hashub son of the wall, with Tower of Ovens.

12 Next son of of the wall. half of district of daughers worked with him on the repairs.

13 Hanun some people from the city of Zanoah Valley the gate, doors place, and bars for locking the gate. feet the wall, far as

14 Malkijah. son of district of the gate, doors place, and bars for locking the gate.

15 Shallun son of district of the gate put a roof over it, doors place, and bars for locking the gate. the Pool of wall to the far as steps went down the City of

16 Next to him, son of wall far as place opposite tombs in the City of David, reservoir the people had made army of district of

17 Next to him, Levites of the wall. of them was Rehum son of ruled of district of section of the wall behalf of the people of his district.

18 Some other Levites next section of the wall. to them, Binnui son of ruled other half of district of of the wall.

19 Next son of the wall. of Mizpah. He a place in front of steps that went up to building for storing weapons, and the place where the wall bends slightly.

20 Next to him, son of great enthusiasm, bend in the wall far as door of house of

21 Next to him, son of grandson of the door of house of end of

22 Next to him, priests the area around Jerusalem section of the wall.

23 Next to them, Hasshub section house.

son of grandson of next section, house.

24 Next to him, son of the house of bend in the wall far as bulwark. 25 Next to him, son of a section. at the place opposite bend in the wall where the watchtower taller the that King Solomon built. near the courtyard the guards live. to him, son of a section.

26 The temple servants Ophel Hill repaired the wall as far as of there is a

27 Next to them, people from Tekoa opposite tall far as at

28 A group of priests wall at one section in front of own house.

29 Next to them, son of section in front of house.

son of was the gatekeeper at next section.

30 Next to him, son of Hanun of

to them, son of section opposite rooms where he lived.

31 Malkijah, was another one of the goldsmiths, next section, far as building used by temple servants the merchants. building opposite the wall as far as upper apartments of this building, were on the corner.

32 Some of the other goldsmiths, with some merchants, last section of the wall corner the

4 When rebuilding wall, became furious, he mocked Jews.

2 He spoke provincial officials army officers. said, “These weak Jews will not be able to accomplish anything! will never restore the city! God will not help them. do not realize what a long time it would take to repair that wall. only way they can get stones is by pulling them out of rubbish heaps. Babylonians burned the city, so those stones are probably weak anyway.”

3 Tobiah Ammonite standing beside Sanballat. made fun of the Jews by saying, “Right! wall building is so weak fox across the top of it, fall down!”

4 When I heard about what they were saying, I prayed to God and said, “O our God, the way they are mocking us! fail in their attempts to stop us, that other people will mock them! their enemies to capture them force them to go to a foreign land! 5 They are guilty, they have sinned you. not away guilt, not sin! I am asking this because are also causing others to be angry people who are rebuilding the wall!”

6 But we kept building wall, and after some time, finished wall the whole city about the necessary height. was determined accomplish this.

7 But men from the land of Arabia, men from the nation of Ammon, the men from the city of Ashdod were continuing to repair wall of fill in the gaps, became furious. 8 All of them a plan come fight the people of Jerusalem. wanted to make people inside the city divided. 9 But we prayed God to protect us, we stationed the walls all times watch out for them.

10 Then people of Judah saying, “The people who are carrying the stones getting worn out. is too much to be able rebuilding wall.”

11 Then enemies started saying, “Before the Jews know we are coming, will rush down kill them stop their the wall!’ ”

12 And of the Jews lived enemies Jerusalem, us men return home so they can defend us!”

13 But I put guards wall the places where it was low where there were gaps. also had each family group swords, bows and arrows. 14 After I had inspected everything, summoned leading citizens the city officials many of the other I said to them, “Do afraid our enemies! Lord is awesome, so think about what he can do. fight families, sons daughters, wives, your homes!”

15 When enemies had found out about their plan, realized that kept launching a surprise attack. They decided not to attack us. all back to working wall. person continued doing the same work as before. 16 But half of servants the wall. other half of them stood guard armed spears, and arrows, metal armor. behind workers and guards to encourage everyone and to give orders in case there was an attack. 17 Those who were building wall those who carried heavy loads always had their weapons with them so that they would be prepared to fight off an attack. 18 Each his sword side. I stationed to me would blow ram’s horn if we needed a signal.

19 Then I said leading citizens, city officials, of working over area, we wall. 20 But wherever hear the man sounding ram’s horn, us that place. God fight us!”

21 So we work on rebuilding the wall. of the men served as guards and kept weapons times. 22 At the people, “Each worker his servant spend the night not go home if they live outside the city. That way the city will have of defenders even at night, can still work on the wall the daytime.” 23 During that time us off clothes. not, my brothers, servants, my personal bodyguard not. of us always had our weapons with us, even when we were washing ourselves.

5 Around this same time, of the men their wives what fellow doing to them.

2 Some of them have to get a lot of food feed them all.”

3 Others to promise to give someone fields, houses we do not pay back the money he has loaned us. had to borrow the money to buy this time when food is scarce.”

4 Still others have had to borrow the taxes that king commanded us to pay our fields our vineyards. 5 This is how bad things have gotten. selling children slavery. fact, have our daughters. creditors took fields vineyards we pledged as security for loans, there was nothing else we could do. we are Jews, just like the people who are doing these things to us!”

6 I heard they were complaining about. 7 I thought hard about what to do. I brought charges against leading citizens the city officials. called together of people to hear the charges against them. told leaders, “You are charging loans your fellow Jews. You know that is forbidden in the Law of Moses.”

8 I said them, “Whenever fellow Jews had to sell themselves into slavery people from other nations, best of our ability been buying fellow Jews slavery to get back the money they owe you. are some of the very people we have been buying back!” knew that these charges were true, so there was absolutely nothing they could say in response.

9 Then I said to them, “What doing wrong! certainly ought to obey God and do what is right! our enemies will mock us even more. 10 I myself, relatives, my servants been lending grain to anyone in need charging interest. of us interest on loans. 11 Give fields, orchards, houses. it right away! back 12% annual interest you have been collecting on money, olive oil lent

12 These leaders replied, “Yes, will do will give back their fields, vineyards, olive orchards, and houses. will stop charging

I called priests, I made the leaders swear to God in front of them they would do had promised. 13 I out folds of my robe said to them, “In this same way, from everything he owns. may that person lose everything!”

was there agree!” they praised that none of the Jews took houses or fields to guarantee loans, and none of them charged interest any more.

14 Here is something else I did to help the people. king of Persia, appointed be governor province of Judah the his reign. the the time of his reign, governor’s food allowance, did not use it to feed my relatives. I knew that the people were poor and could not afford to pay for it. 15 The governors me made life very difficult people. demanded the people supply them bread wine day. servants people. respected and honored so them. 16 I devoted myself the work of rebuilding relatives and I did property, even though we could have gotten it cheaply because the poor were so desperate. of servants the wall.

17 As governor, responsible for feeding leaders city officials. also entertained Jewish visitors who came 18 Each told my servants to prepare for us various kinds of poultry. paid for these myself. also brought in abundant of kinds of wine. knew that people struggling to survive, so I paid for all of these things at my own expense. did food allowance.

19 My God, me, reward good have done people Judah.

6 Sanballat, Arabian, had finished rebuilding wall, were now no more it. (However, had doors the gates.) 2 So Geshem message said, “We want to arrange to meet you one of the villages the plain of knew that they were saying this because they

3 So I sent tell work doing here very important. am travel while it is going on. is no reason for me stop work leave it that I can meet you.”

4 They sent same time I refused this

5 Then of his servants me same a time the message was written, it was not sealed. Sanballat left the letter unsealed so that others would find out what it said, because he wanted to pressure me to meet with him. 6 The letter people in the countries around us saying, Geshem it is true, you the Jewish people rebel against King Artaxerxes. is why wall. They are also saying that to become king the Jews 7 These people are also saying that have appointed make a proclamation you Jerusalem. are saying, ‘The Jews now have king of their own!’ Artaxerxes when he does, he will be very angry with you. meet talk about this.”

8 I sent a message him saying true. them up

9 I knew that trying to frighten thought, “The Jews will become so afraid that they will stop working on the wall, they will it.” prayed, “O God, me courage.”

10 Around this time I to visit son of grandson of went to see him in his home, because he was not leaving his house. was a priest, and he was trying to show that it was not safe for Jewish leaders to go out in public. told me, “We are not safe even here. need to go into the temple lock doors, are trying kill you. night are going to come kill you.”

11 I responded, “I am not the kind of man who would run away! I am the governor, and everyone knows me, could not save my life to hide temple. refuse to do it!”

12 All of a sudden I realized that Shemaiah prophetic message me. was saying things Tobiah Sanballat paid him to say them. 13 They had paid money things that would scare me. were hoping they could make me abandoning my responsibilities and hiding in the temple. If I had done that, would have ruined my reputation discredited me.

14 So I prayed, “My God, Sanballat way they deserve for what they have done. the same female prophet all the other to make

15 We finished rebuilding wall the twenty-fifth day of month of Elul, on it for

16 When of enemies that we had completed the rebuilding in such a short time, realized God have helped us. made people in the countries us all of their confidence. 17 During leading citizens of writing give him information about me, he was sending letters back them with instructions. 18 Tobiah married to the daughter of a powerful and influential member of the community, son of son married to daughter of another powerful and influential man, son of so, those reasons, people Judah sworn loyal to Tobiah. 19 The people who were loyal to Tobiah and tell me good things he was doing, then they would report him I said in response. sent me letters try to make me afraid.

7 Once had finished rebuilding wall we had put doors the gates, assigned gatekeepers singers Levites their tasks. 2 I appointed two men me govern brother Hananiah, commander of fortress in Jerusalem. appointed trustworthy, because and respect most people do.

3 I told gates of daylight. That way we will be able to see anything our enemies are doing. the gatekeepers close the gates put the bars across doors still guarding the gates before they go home for the night.” also told them, “Have men who live in turns keeping watch their own neighborhoods.”

4 The city of Jerusalem a large area, that time many in the city, had yet themselves. 5 So as a first step towards filling Jerusalem with people again, gather together leading citizens the city officials the other people living in the city register them according to their family histories. also found book containing records of of people who had returned to Jerusalem from the exile. is what records

6 “These are the names of people from returned home exile. king of taken their ancestors Babylon. they returned Jerusalem to other places in Judah. returned to the same towns where their ancestors had lived.

7 The people who came back following Baanah.

This is a list of the number of from each returned:

8 2172 from the clan of

9 372 from the clan of

10 652 from the clan of

11 2818 from the clan of are descendants of Joab;

12 1254 from the clan of

13 845 from the clan of

14 760 from the clan of

15 648 from the clan of

16 628 from the clan of

17 2322 from the clan of

18 667 from the clan of

19 2067 from the clan of

20 655 from the clan of

21 98 from the clan of were descendants of Hezekiah;

22 328 from the clan of

23 324 from the clan of

24 112 from the clan of

25 95 from the clan of

26 Some other men also returned, whose ancestors had lived in these towns:

from Netophah;

27 128 from

28 42 from

29 743 from Beeroth;

30 621 from Geba;

31 122 from

32 123 from Ai;

33 52 from town called

34 1254 from town called

35 320 from

36 345 from

37 721 from Ono;

38 3930 from

39 These priests also returned:

from the clan of Jedaiah are descendants of

40 1052 from the clan of Immer;

41 1247 from the clan of Pashhur;

42 1017 from the clan of Harim.

43 These Levites also returned:

from the clan of clan of Kadmiel, of them descendants of

44 148 of the sacred choir also returned. of them were from the clan of

45 138 temple gatekeepers also returned. were from of clan of clan of clan of clan of the clan of

46 Some temple workers also returned. were clan of clan of clan of 47 the clan of clan of clan of 48 the clan of clan of clan of 49 the clan of clan of clan of 50 the clan of clan of clan of 51 the clan of clan of clan of 52 the clan of clan of clan of 53 the clan of clan of clan of 54 the clan of clan of clan of 55 the clan of clan of clan of 56 the clan of the clan of

57 Some descendants of laborers that King Solomon first conscripted returned.

were from clan of clan of clan of 58 the clan of clan of clan of 59 the clan of clan of clan of the clan of 60 Altogether, were 392 of workers laborers who returned.

61 Another group returned that came from the towns of Immer in Babylonia. could they were descendants of Israelites.

62 These 642 men were from clan of clan of the clan of

63 Some returned who were from clan of clan of the clan of married woman was a descendant of man named Barzillai the region of Gilead. taken family name of his wife. 64 These priests records contained the names of the Israelite ancestors, not the names of their families. They did not qualify to be priests because they could not trace their family history, they were not allowed have the rights and duties of priests. 65 The governor must of the share of food taken from the sacrifices and kept for the priests. would have to wait until priest in charge of the temple begun his duties could ask God what to do about this situation. 66 Altogether, to Judea.

67 There were servants female servants, singers female singers.

68 The Israelites also brought back from Babylonia 69 435

70 Some of leaders of ancestral clans the work of rebuilding the temple.

governor the treasury than 8 kilograms of be used in the temple, for priests.

71 Some of the leaders of ancestral clans gave the temple treasury the work of rebuilding the temple total of kilograms gold, kilograms silver.

72 And remainder of people total of kilograms gold, kilograms silver, for priests.” 73 So priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, workers, ordinary people started to live the towns and cities of Judea where their ancestors had lived. these people were of Israelites gone to their cities and had started living in them.

8 A huge crowd of people plaza was asked scribe bring out scroll of law that written down, which given the people of Israel for them to obey its rules and commands. 2 Ezra priest, who served God by offering sacrifices in the temple, out law and presented it before the people, both men who were old enough to understand what he read. this first the that year. 3 So he read aloud the book plaza was the whole morning. read front of the people, both men and women who were old enough to understand what he read. people carefully laws were written on the scroll. 4 Ezra scribe top of people had built this purpose. right Maaseiah. his left Meshullam. 5 Ezra stood on the platform people that see him. scroll, as he did that people up.

6 Then great people up hands to show that they were praying with him. At the end of his prayer agree!” they down their faces the ground, they worshiped 7 Then Jeshua, were all Levites, the meaning the laws of Moses the people standing 8 They read the scroll the law of they explained it meant, that the people understood and the others were reading.

9 Then people to cry from sadness they heard law was governor), priest scribe, the Levites were explaining the meaning the people, all people, “Today is a festival day on which you are supposed to worship Yahweh God.

10 Then Nehemiah said them, “Now go home, good food, drink sweet. share of it those who are not able to afford rich food and drink, a holy day set apart to worship our Lord. do not joy that Yahweh gives you.”

11 The Levites also people who were crying stop, a holy day!

12 So people eat drink share they had. they were understood the meaning of the words had read and the others had explained them.

13 On next of people the priests the Levites together scribe. study carefully was written in law that Yahweh had given to Moses. to understand 14 They learned that law said told command Israelite live shelters a festival the was so that they would remember that their ancestors had lived in shelters when they walked in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. 15 They also learned that should publicly proclaim, all towns in Jerusalem, people should go the hills cut should be from olive trees, olive trees, trees, trees, shade trees. must bring branches make live in during the festival. was what the scroll instructed.

16 So people out of the towns cut branches and brought them make themselves. roofs of their houses, their courtyards, the courtyards of temple, the plaza near in the plaza near 17 All of Israelite people had returned lived them for one week. festival this son of them into this territory. was the first time they were doing it. the people were 18 Every day that week Ezra read aloud to the people the scroll of law of celebrated festival the called for all the people to come together so they could hold a ceremony to bring the festival to an end. was what the scroll instructed.

9 Two days later, Israelite people together again. To show that they were sorry for their sins, without food, made from rough cloth, dirt their heads. 2 The descendants of themselves from all descendants of stood there confessed own sins the wicked things ancestors had done. 3 They stood to someone read the scroll of law of God three hours. for another three hours confessed their sins bowed down and worshiped God.

4 Some of the Levites up stairs, named Bani, Kenani. they cried out sorrowfully a God. 5 Then Levites were named Pethahiah.

up praise God, has always lived will live forever! praise glorious name more important else that is wonderful! 6 You no one else. heavens are above everything, all lives in the heavens above the earth. earth everything on it, seas everything in them. the one who causes living things be alive. that lives in heavens above the earth

7 You God brought him out city of Ur, the Chaldean people lived. name 8 You saw was faithful you his inner being. made promise him pledged with blood, you would give land to him his descendants. was the land where Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites, the Girgashites lived. you did you promised, do what is right.

9 You saw Egyptians ancestors Egypt. heard cry out to you for help they were beside Red Sea. 10 You knew leaders of Egypt were treating our ancestors arrogantly. performed Pharaoh his officials all people of proved you are the true God. made you are still famous! 11 You divided sea front of your people Israel, they walked through middle of sea dry land. you drowned the soldiers of the Egyptian army the waters. stone 12 During the day led your people a cloud that looked like a huge pillar. night led them a fire that looked like a huge pillar. shone the path front of them show them should walk. 13 When our ancestors were at appeared to them spoke them heaven. gave gave commands. 14 You taught rest. is set apart from the other days of the week. gave rules laws the people servant 15 When they were hungry, gave heaven. they were thirsty, gave a rock. told go take land of Canaan, had promised with a vow give

16 But ancestors proud stubborn. obey you commanded them to do. 17 They refused obey you. did the miracles had performed them. became stubborn rebelled against you. appointed leader take them back to Egypt, they would be slaves again! you a God forgives us. act kindly mercifully toward us. not become angry quickly. faithfully love us much. did ancestors alone in the desert. 18 Indeed you did not leave them alone, though made idol themselves that resembled a calf. said about the idol, ‘This our god, us up of Egypt.’ doing that insulted you 19 But mercifully, did them alone the desert. the daytime, cloud that looked like a huge pillar them lead them the way you wanted them to go. during the night, fire that looked like a huge pillar the path front of them show them walk. 20 You gave instruct them. continued to give they were hungry, gave they were thirsty. 21 For forty years took care of them the desert. all that time, had everything they needed. clothes out. feet up, even though they were continually walking. 22 You helped our ancestors defeat the armies of great kings who ruled many people. By doing that, allowed our ancestors to settle every part of this land. took over land that King Sihon ruled from the city of Heshbon the land that the Bashan area. 23 You gave so many to our ancestors like the stars in sky. brought them land, had told parents enter take for themselves so that they could live there.

24 Their children in took land. enabled them to defeat people who were living were the descendants of Canaan. enabled them to conquer kings all the people there. were able to do they wanted those people. 25 Our ancestors captured had walls around them. took possession of took possession of were already full of kinds of things, wells someone had already dug. took possession of of trees ate that they wanted became fat. enjoyed all the things you did for them.

26 But they turned you. rejected your law. killed prophets they should return you. and did things against you. 27 So you allowed enemies defeat them. when enemies suffer, called out you. heaven, because you are sent to help them. Those leaders them enemies.

28 But when there was a time of peace again, our ancestors things you hated. you allowed enemies conquer them rule them. they returned to you cried out to you help them, them heaven. rescued them you always act mercifully. 29 You warned they should return laws again. they proud and stubborn. not your commands. sinned decrees, though person purposely ignored what you commanded them to do. became stubborn refused obey.

30 You were patient them a long time. warned messages Spirit gave to prophets. not those messages. again you allowed the armies the nations defeat them. 31 But because you act did them completely. them alone. are gracious merciful

32 Our God, are mighty awesome! fulfill your promises faithfully love us! now we are praying: not ignore our difficulties. the troubles kings, leaders, priests, prophets, ancestors, all of people experienced. We have been experiencing troubles armies of the kings Assyria conquered us are 33 We know that you acted fairly things happen us. have treated us deserve. we done evil things. 34 In the past, kings, leaders, priests our other ancestors laws. did commands the warnings gave 35 They their own kings. the things provided this fertile gave then, you. things.

36 Consider our situation! like slaves land gave our ancestors. gave land that they could enjoy the good things grow here. consider slaves this land. 37 The kings have allowed to rule us enjoying all the good that grow here. is because we have sinned. rule bodies our cattle. do whatever they please. 38 Because of all Israelite people making solemn agreement. are writing it scroll. will write names of our leaders, Levites, our priests. we will seal the scroll.”

10 These are the names of the people who signed the agreement:

governor, son of the scribe.

2 The priests who signed the agreement included:

3 Pashhur, 4 Hattush, 5 Harim, 6 Daniel, 7 Meshullam, 8 Maaziah, Shemaiah. are the names of the priests who signed the agreement.

9 The Levites who signed the agreement were:

son of the clan of

10 Some of their associates also signed the agreement, including:

11 Mika, 12 Zaccur, 13 Hodiah, Beninu.

14 The signed the agreement were:

Bani, 15 Bunni, 16 Adonijah, 17 Ater, 18 Hodiah, 19 Hariph, 20 Magpiash, 21 Meshezabel, 22 Pelatiah, 23 Hoshea, 24 Hallohesh, 25 Rehum, 26 also Ahiah, 27 Malluk, Baanah.

28 The rest of people joined in this solemn agreement. This included priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, the temple workers. It also included agreed only to worship and obey the God of Israel, with their wives their sons daughters enough to understand what they were doing. 29 They all joined leaders, were important people, all made solemn agreement obey all the laws given servant. agreed that they would strictly obey God commanded, of his instructions. 30 This is what they promised to do: “We will daughters in marriage people who live in this land who do not worship Yahweh. will sons marry daughters. 31 People other groups who live in this land bring all kinds of sell will them a Sabbath day other sacred seventh will let the fields rest and not plant any crops. same will not make back anything they owe another person. 32 We agreed a pledge year pay grams of silver the supplies needed for temple. 33 Here is a list of those supplies. bread is placed before God. grain that is burned on the altar day. The animals that are completely burned up on the altar day. sacred offerings for the Sabbath days for celebrating each new moon other festivals that God told us to celebrate. Other offerings that are dedicated to God. The animals to be sacrificed atone sins of Israelite people. else that is needed for the work of taking care of temple.

34 We have cast determine when clan of priests, Levites, rest of the people bring offering of the temple. clan do this an Levites will use the wood to burn the sacrifices altar that belongs to God. commanded this the law he gave through Moses. 35 We will also bring an offering the temple the first grain that we harvest from first that grows on trees. 36 We will also something else that God commanded. will bring firstborn the temple for dedication, our lambs goats as sacrifices, the priests minister the temple. 37 We will also supplies the priests can store the temple. will include that we harvest, we make, from trees, the olive oil that we produce. will also bring percent of harvest the Levites. will allow them collect this 10 percent in all the where work. 38 A priest, of the descendants of be Levites and supervise that 10 percent. the Levites bring percent of they have received the temple. The priests will put it in storerooms and it will support them. 39 That is how it will work. Israelites the Levites bring offerings of olive oil storerooms. is where the priests will store equipment for temple. that is where they will keep food supplies for priests, gatekeepers, the singers are serving at that time.

promise that we will keep taking care of temple.”

11 So Jerusalem with their families. rest of people select family of live Jerusalem. was the city apart for God. remaining in the other towns. 2 The people asked God to bless volunteered live Jerusalem.

3 These are the names of provincial Jerusalem. in the towns of his own family property their towns. included Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, the descendants of servants of 4 But of the people of some of the people of and lived Jerusalem.

are the names of the leaders who lived in Jerusalem.

the descendants of of them was Athaiah son of son of son of son of son of descendant of

5 Another one was Maaseiah son of son of son of son of son of son of was one of descendants of Shelah. 6 Altogether who were descendants of city of Jerusalem. men brave and skilled in combat.

7 These are descendants of decided to live in Jerusalem.

of them was Sallu son of son of son of son of son of son of son of

8 Two men who assisted him were Sallai. 928 people from the tribe of Benjamin settled in Jerusalem. 9 Their was son of son of official who was second in command

10 The priests who settled in Jerusalem included son of Jachin. 11 Another priest was Seraiah son of son of son of son of son of was in charge of temple. 12 Another their associates settled in Jerusalem and performed the temple. priest who settled in Jerusalem was Adaiah, son of son of son of son of son of son of 13 Another his associates, the leaders their ancestral clans, settled in Jerusalem. Another priest who settled there was Amashsai son of son of son of son of 14 Another their associates were in Jerusalem. was son of

15 One of Levites who settled in Jerusalem Shemaiah son of son of son of son of 16 Two others were Shabbethai and Jozabad, supervised work temple were leaders of Levites. 17 Another Levite who settled in Jerusalem was Mattaniah, directed temple choir they sang the prayers thank God. was the son of son of son of director was Levite was Abda, son of son of son of 18 Altogether, in Jerusalem, city apart for God.

19 The gatekeepers who settled in Jerusalem included their associates kept watch the gates.

20 The rest of Israelite people, the priests the Levites, their own property all the other in 21 The temple workers Ophel Hill in Jerusalem; Ziha Gishpa

22 The man who supervised Levites who in Jerusalem son of son of son of son of one of the descendants of were the singers for music in temple services. 23 Now king of Persia said that his kingdom would provide support for singers. king had said to give them they needed maintain singing in the temple services. 24 Pethahiah the ambassador to king of Persia any to the Israelites. was the son of was one of the descendants of son of

25 Some of the descendants of not settle in Jerusalem. They lived and villages their farms. included the city of Kiriath-Arba its neighboring villages, the city of Dibon its neighboring villages, town of Jekabzeel its neighboring villages. 26 Some descendants of Judah also lived in the town of Jeshua, the town of Moladah, the town of Beth-Pelet, 27 the town of Hazar-Shual, city of Beersheba its neighboring villages. 28 Some also lived in the town of Ziklag, the town of Mekonah its neighboring villages, 29 the town of En-Rimmon, the town of Zora, the town of Jarmuth, 30 the towns of Zanoah and Adullam the nearby villages, the city of Lachish the nearby farms, town of Azekah the nearby villages.

All of those people settled in the territory of Judah, in the area between Beersheba in the south and the Valley of Hinnom in the north. 31 Some people who were descendants of in these cities and towns: its neighboring villages, 32 Anathoth, 33 Hazor, 34 Hadid, 35 Lod, Ono Valley of 36 Some had previously lived in the territory of Judah went and settled in the land that had belonged to the old tribe of Benjamin.

12 These are the names of priests Levites Babylonia son of with Joshua the Supreme Priest. priests included Seraiah, 2 Amariah, 3 Shecaniah, 4 Iddo, 5 Mijamin, 6 Shemaiah, Joiarib, 7 Sallu, Jedaiah.

All those men were of priests, associates, the time when the Supreme Priest.

8 The Levites who returned included Mattaniah. his associates people in singing songs to thank God. 9 Their associates Unni stood opposite them the worship services and led a choir that sang responses. 10 Joshua the Supreme Priest the father of the father of the father of Joiada. 11 Joiada the father of the father of

12 When Supreme Priest, priests leaders of clans. the leader of the clan of Seraiah. the leader of the clan of Jeremiah. 13 Meshullam leader of the clan of Ezra.

Jehohanan leader of the clan of Amariah.

14 Jonathan leader of the clan of Malluchi. leader of the clan of Shecaniah. 15 Adna leader of the clan of Harim. leader of the clan of Meraioth. 16 Zechariah leader of the clan of Iddo. leader of the clan of Ginnethon. 17 Zichri leader of the clan of Abijah. leader of the clan of Miniamin clan of Moadiah. 18 Shammua leader of the clan of Bilgah. leader of the clan of Shemaiah. 19 Mattenai leader of the clan of Joiarib. leader of the clan of Jedaiah. 20 Kallai the leader of the clan of Sallai.

Eber leader of the clan of Amok.

21 Hashabiah leader of the clan of Hilkiah. leader of the clan of Jedaiah.

22 Some scribes wrote down the names of the of Levites the time when Jaddua Priests. wrote down the names of the of priests king Persia.

23 Scribes recorded the names clan the Levites record books until time when descendant of Supreme Priest. 24 Hashabiah, Jeshua son of directed one choir. associates stood opposite them directing another choir. singers praised God gave thanks to him, one group other. was what David, who God faithfully, instructed. 25 Mattaniah, Akkub gatekeepers. guard the storerooms near gates. 26 They did that work the time when son of grandson of Supreme Priest. did it again during the time when as Ezra served as scribe.

27 When we dedicated wall Jerusalem, summoned Levites all places where they were living. brought them Jerusalem assist dedicating the wall rejoicing giving thanks by singing accompanied by harps other stringed instruments. 28 We summoned Levites who were used to singing together. came to areas where they had settled city. also came from around the village of of Jerusalem. 29 They also came from three places northeast of the areas around Azmaveth. We summoned singers built live in 30 The priests Levites rituals to make themselves acceptable to God. they performed similar rituals to purify other people, gates, the wall. 31 Then I gathered leaders of top the wall. assigned them to lead that would march around the city top the wall, they faced the city, one group walked to the right the 32 Hoshaiah half of leaders of that group. 33 The people who marched with that group included Azariah, 34 Judah, Jeremiah. 35 Some descendants of the marched with that group musical instruments. included Zechariah son of son of son of son of son of son of 36 Some associates of Zechariah also marched and played musical instruments. included Shemaiah, Hanani. all were playing the same kinds of King David, man who served told the Levite musicians to play many years previously. scribe marched in front of this group. 37 When the people in this group reached went up steps were in front of them area known as the City of they went along the top of wall the location of palace of then to the east side of the temple. 38 The of those who were singing and thanking Yahweh the left top the wall. them half of people. marched past Tower of Ovens 39 From there we marched the Tower of the Tower of Hundred Soldiers finished marching a gate into the temple area. 40 Both of groups reached temple as they were singing and giving thanks. stood in their places there. was there the half of city officials had come with me. 41 My group included the priests Hananiah. of them were blowing trumpets. 42 Others who were blowing trumpets included Maaseiah, Ezer. singers Jezrahiah was their leader. 43 The people offered rejoiced made them women the children with the men, sound of the celebration in so loud that people away hear it.

44 On appointed be in charge of storerooms. That was where the priests kept money the food the grain the tithes. The people brought these things the fields the cities the storerooms the priests the Levites, Moses had commanded the law. The people of Judah all this because were so happy priests Levites the temple. 45 The priests and the Levites performing rituals purify things. singers the gatekeepers their work as David son declared they should. 46 We did all this because that was how it was the days old, was king Asaph was in charge of the temple musicians. was someone to lead singers, they sang songs praise thank 47 During the time when governor, people food that singers temple gatekeepers day. the same the time when governor. a tenth of their crops the Levites, the Levites a tenth of that the priests, who were descendants of first Supreme Priest.

13 Then read loud to people a scroll that contained the law God gave to Moses. learned that said Moabites they gathered together worship God. 2 The law said this because the people of Ammon and the people of Moab did any water the Israelites while they were traveling through their areas after leaving Egypt. they paid get him to curse Israelites. God attempt to curse Israel a blessing. 3 So people obeyed law. sent people whose ancestors had come from other countries.

4 When he became Priest, control of storerooms in temple. he was related Tobiah. 5 He allowed Tobiah have a which priests used to store supplies. These included grain offerings the incense, equipment for the temple, the tithes of wine olive oil. God had commanded the people to bring these the Levites, singers, the gatekeepers. room also held offerings for priests. 6 During time was Jerusalem, the Artaxerxes the king of had gone back to report king I had been doing. I had been there while, asked king allow me to return to Jerusalem.

7 When I arrived Jerusalem, discovered evil thing done Tobiah allowing him to use room the 8 That grieved much. threw to 9 Then I commanded the priests to perform a ritual to cleanse room make again. also ordered equipment for temple grain offerings incense to be put back that room where they belonged.

10 I also learned singers the other Levites were responsible the temple services left Jerusalem. They had returned their people had stopped giving percent of their harvests, since Tobiah had occupied the storeroom. 11 So I rebuked city officials. told them, “You have neglected the work of the temple!” I brought the Levites and the singers back to the temple told them to do work again. 12 Then all the people of Judah bringing tithes of olive oil the temple storerooms once again. 13 I appointed some men be in charge of storerooms. were Shelemiah priest, scribe, Pedaiah Levite. also appointed son of grandson of assist them. appointed these men knew that were trustworthy would distribute the offerings fairly their associates.

14 “My God, bless bless me for good things have done your temple for the temple services!”

15 During saw some people in Judea who were working the Sabbath day. were to make wine. were grain loading it were of wine, of grapes, many other bringing them into the warned them to sell food the people of Judea days. 16 I also saw some people from the city of Tyre were living in Jerusalem other Jerusalem sell the people of the Sabbath day. 17 So I rebuked Jewish citizens. said them, “This is a very evil thing that you are doing! You are making the Sabbath day into something God never wanted it to be. 18 You know that your ancestors did these same things, and God punished our nation by bringing great trouble to this city! But now you too breaking the laws the Sabbath day. are going to cause God to be angry with the nation of Israel again. He will punish us even more!”

19 So commanded the gatekeepers to shut doors the gates of city started to get dark Friday evening. commanded not to open the gates also stationed of my men gates so they would make sure that one to sell city between those times, the 20 One two times merchants selling kinds of city the night before the Sabbath day. They were hoping to sell something next day. 21 I warned said them, “It is useless for you to camp here outside the walls on Friday night. do this again, will arrest force!” that, did Sabbath days.

22 I also commanded Levites a ritual to purify themselves then take up to guard city gates. wanted them to ensure that kept holy by not allowing merchants to enter the city on that

“My God, bless doing this be kind me, kindness so great.”

23 During that of the Jewish men married city of Ashdod, from the Ammonites Moabites. 24 So of children foreign language, they did not how speak spoke whatever language their foreign parent spoke. 25 So I rebuked men. God to curse them. struck of them with my fists. pulled out their hair. I forced them to make a solemn promise, that God was listening. made them promise that they would never again daughters marry foreign men. also made them promise that their sons not women. 26 I said to them, “You know that Solomon, the king of Israel, sinned as a result of marrying foreign women who worshiped idols! know that he was greater than any of the kings of other nations. loved him, him the king people of Israel. foreign sin! 27 I am grieved to hear this you! have married worship idols. have commited great sin God!”

28 A man was a son of a grandson of married the daughter of our enemy Sanballat Horonite. I forced this man to leave Jerusalem.

29 “My God, have brought shame to priesthood. They have broken the covenant of priesthood of the Levites. they deserve!”

30 I took away priests came from other nations and religions. also established the priests for the Levites so they would know work of them supposed to do. 31 I also arranged for the people to bring their offerings wood the burn on the altar, to bring the first part of what they harvested of each crop during the year.

“My God, consider I have done all these things, bless me for doing them.”

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