1The words of a Ne-hem-i′-ah the son of Hach-a-li′-ah. And it came to pass in the month Chis′-leu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shu′-shan the palace,
2 That Ha-na′-ni, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Ju′-dah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Je-ru′-sa-lem.
3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: b the wall of Je-ru′-sa-lem also c 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 the God of heaven,
5 And said, I beseech thee, d O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, e that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and f thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Is′-ra-el thy servants, and g confess the sins of the children of Is′-ra-el, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
7 h We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have i not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Mo′-ses.
8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Mo′-ses, saying, j If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
9 k But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; l 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 m Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
11 O Lord, I beseech thee, n let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who a desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's b cupbearer.
2And it came to pass in the month Ni′-san, in the twentieth year of c Ar-ta-xerx′-es the king, that wine was before him: and d 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 thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but e sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,
3 And said unto the king, f Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when g 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 thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Ju′-dah, 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 thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him h a time.
7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Ju′-dah;
8 And a letter unto A′-saph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained i to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, j according to the good hand of my God 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 San-bal′-lat the Hor′-on-ite and To-bi′-ah the servant, the Am′-mon-ite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Is′-ra-el.
11 So I a came to Je-ru′-sa-lem, 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 had put in my heart to do at Je-ru′-sa-lem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.
13 And I went out by night b by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Je-ru′-sa-lem, which were c 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 d 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, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.
17 ¶ Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Je-ru′-sa-lem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Je-ru′-sa-lem, that we be no more a a reproach.
18 Then I told them of b the hand of my God 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 c strengthened their hands for this good work.
19 But when San-bal′-lat the Hor′-on-ite, and To-bi′-ah the servant, the Am′-mon-ite, and Ge′-shem the A-ra′-bi-an, heard it, they d laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? e will ye rebel against the king?
20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: f but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Je-ru′-sa-lem.
3Then g E-li-ash′-ib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, h and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; i even unto the tower of Me′-ah they sanctified it, unto the tower of j Han′-a-neel.
2 And next unto him builded k the men of Jer′-i-cho. And next to them builded Zac′-cur the son of Im′-ri.
3 l But the fish gate did the sons of Has-se-na′-ah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and m set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
4 And next unto them repaired Mer′-e-moth the son of U-ri′-jah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Me-shul′-lam the son of Ber-e-chi′-ah, the son of Me-shez′-a-beel. And next unto them repaired Za′-dok the son of Ba′-a-na.
5 And next unto them the Te-ko′-ites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to a the work of their Lord.
6 Moreover b the old gate repaired Je-hoi′-a-da the son of Pa-se′-ah, and Me-shul′-lam the son of Bes-o-dei′-ah; 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 Mel-a-ti′-ah the Gib′-e-on-ite, and Ja′-don the Me-ro′-no-thite, the men of Gib′-e-on, and of Miz′-pah, unto the c throne of the governor on this side the river.
8 Next unto him repaired Uz′-zi-el the son of Har-hai′-ah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Han-a-ni′-ah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Je-ru′-sa-lem unto the d broad wall.
9 And next unto them repaired Re-phai′-ah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Je-ru′-sa-lem.
10 And next unto them repaired Je-dai′-ah the son of Ha-ru′-maph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hat′-tush the son of Hash-ab-ni′-ah.
11 Mal-chi′-jah the son of Har′-im, and Hash′-ub the son of Pa′-hath–mo′-ab, repaired the other piece, e and the tower of the furnaces.
12 And next unto him repaired Shal′-lum the son of Ha-lo′-hesh, the ruler of the half part of Je-ru′-sa-lem, he and his daughters.
13 f The valley gate repaired Ha′-nun, and the inhabitants of Za-no′-ah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto g the dung gate.
14 But the dung gate repaired Mal-chi′-ah the son of Re′-chab, the ruler of part of Beth–hac′-ce-rem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
15 But h the gate of the fountain repaired Shal′-lun the son of Col–ho′-zeh, the ruler of part of Miz′-pah; 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 a Si-lo′-ah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of Da′-vid.
16 After him repaired Ne-hem-i′-ah the son of Az′-buk, the ruler of the half part of Beth′–zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of Da′-vid, and to the b pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.
17 After him repaired the Le′-vites, Re′-hum the son of Ba′-ni. Next unto him repaired Hash-a-bi′-ah, the ruler of the half part of Ke-i′-lah, in his part.
18 After him repaired their brethren, Ba-va′-i the son of Hen-a′-dad, the ruler of the half part of Ke-i′-lah.
19 And next to him repaired E′-zer the son of Jesh′-u-a, the ruler of Miz′-pah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the c turning of the wall.
20 After him Bar′-uch the son of Zab-ba′-i earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of E-li-ash′-ib the high priest.
21 After him repaired Mer′-e-moth the son of U-ri′-jah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of E-li-ash′-ib even to the end of the house of E-li-ash′-ib.
22 And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.
23 After him repaired Ben′-ja-min and Hash′-ub over against their house. After him repaired Az-a-ri′-ah the son of Ma-a-sei′-ah the son of An-a-ni′-ah by his house.
24 After him repaired Bin′-nu-i the son of Hen-a′-dad another piece, from the house of Az-a-ri′-ah unto d the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.
25 Pa′-lal the son of U′-zai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the e court of the prison. After him Pe-dai′-ah the son of Par′-osh.
26 Moreover f the Neth′-i-nims dwelt in g O′-phel, unto the place over against h the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
27 After them the Te-ko′-ites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of O′-phel.
28 From above the i horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.
29 After them repaired Za′-dok the son of Im′-mer over against his house. After him repaired also Shem-ai′-ah the son of Shech-a-ni′-ah, the keeper of the east gate.
30 After him repaired Han-a-ni′-ah the son of Shel-e-mi′-ah, and Ha′-nun the sixth son of Za′-laph, another piece. After him repaired Me-shul′-lam the son of Ber-e-chi′-ah over against his chamber.
31 After him repaired Mal-chi′-ah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Neth′-i-nims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miph′-kad, 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.
4But it came to pass, j that when San-bal′-lat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Sa-mar′-i-a, and said, What do these feeble Jews? 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 a To-bi′-ah the Am′-mon-ite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
4 b Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and c turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
5 And d cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee 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 e when San-bal′-lat, and To-bi′-ah, and the A-ra′-bi-ans, and the Am′-mon-ites, and the Ash′-do-dites, heard that the walls of Je-ru′-sa-lem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
8 And f conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Je-ru′-sa-lem, and to hinder it.
9 Nevertheless g we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
10 And Ju′-dah 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 which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye 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, h Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is i great and terrible, and j 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, k and God 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 Ju′-dah.
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 ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: a our God 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 Je-ru′-sa-lem, 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, saving that every one put them off for washing.
5And there was a great b cry of the people and of their wives against their c brethren the Jews.
2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
5 Yet now d our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we e 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, f Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.
8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have a redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye 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 ye do: ought ye not to walk b in the fear of our God c 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: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
11 Restore, I pray you, 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 ye exact of them.
12 Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, d and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
13 Also e I shook my lap, and said, So God 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, A′-men, and praised the Lord. f 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 Ju′-dah, from the twentieth year g even unto the two and thirtieth year of Ar-ta-xerx′-es the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not h 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 she′-kels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but i so did not I, because of the j fear of God.
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 k at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
18 Now that l 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 m required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
19 n Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
6Now it came to pass, a when San-bal′-lat, and To-bi′-ah, and Ge′-shem the A-ra′-bi-an, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (b though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
2 That San-bal′-lat and Ge′-shem c sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of d O′-no. But they e 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 San-bal′-lat 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 heathen, and Gash′-mu saith it, f that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Je-ru′-sa-lem, saying, There is a king in Ju′-dah: 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 thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine 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, strengthen my hands.
10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shem-ai′-ah the son of Del-ai′-ah the son of Me-het′-a-beel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
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, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that g he pronounced this prophecy against me: for To-bi′-ah and San-bal′-lat 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 h My God, think thou upon To-bi′-ah and San-bal′-lat according to these their works, and on the i prophetess No-a-di′-ah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
15 ¶ So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month E′-lul, in fifty and two days.
16 And it came to pass, that a 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 b they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
17 ¶ Moreover in those days the nobles of Ju′-dah sent many letters unto To-bi′-ah, and the letters of To-bi′-ah came unto them.
18 For there were many in Ju′-dah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shech-a-ni′-ah the son of Ar′-ah; and his son Jo-ha′-nan had taken the daughter of Me-shul′-lam the son of Ber-e-chi′-ah.
19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And To-bi′-ah sent letters to put me in fear.
7Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had c set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Le′-vites were appointed,
2 That I gave my brother Ha-na′-ni, and Han-a-ni′-ah the ruler d of the palace, charge over Je-ru′-sa-lem: for he was a faithful man, and e feared God above many.
3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Je-ru′-sa-lem 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 Je-ru′-sa-lem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.
4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
5 ¶ And my God 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 which came up at the first, and found written therein,
6 f These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Neb-u-chad-nez′-zar the king of Bab′-y-lon had carried away, and came again to Je-ru′-sa-lem and to Ju′-dah, every one unto his city;
7 Who came with Ze-rub′-ba-bel, Jesh′-u-a, Ne-hem-i′-ah, Az-a-ri′-ah, Ra-a-mi′-ah, Na-ha-ma′-ni, Mor-de-ca′-i, Bil′-shan, Mis′-pe-reth, Big-va′-i, Ne′-hum, Ba′-a-nah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Is′-ra-el was this;
8 The children of Par′-osh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
9 The children of Sheph-a-ti′-ah, three hundred seventy and two.
10 The children of Ar′-ah, six hundred fifty and two.
11 The children of Pa′-hath–mo′-ab, of the children of Jesh′-u-a and Jo′-ab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.
12 The children of E′-lam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
13 The children of Zat′-tu, eight hundred forty and five.
14 The children of Zac′-ca-i, seven hundred and threescore.
15 The children of Bin′-nu-i, six hundred forty and eight.
16 The children of Be-ba′-i, six hundred twenty and eight.
17 The children of Az′-gad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.
18 The children of Ad-o-ni′-kam, six hundred threescore and seven.
19 The children of Big-va′-i, two thousand threescore and seven.
20 The children of A′-din, six hundred fifty and five.
21 The children of A′-ter of Hez-e-ki′-ah, ninety and eight.
22 The children of Hash′-um, three hundred twenty and eight.
23 The children of Be-za′-i, three hundred twenty and four.
24 The children of Har′-iph, an hundred and twelve.
25 The children of Gib′-e-on, ninety and five.
26 The men of Beth′–le-hem and Ne-to′-phah, an hundred fourscore and eight.
27 The men of An′-a-thoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
28 The men of Beth–az-ma′-veth, forty and two.
29 The men of Kir′-jath–je′-a-rim, Che-phi′-rah, and Beer′-oth, seven hundred forty and three.
30 The men of Ra′-mah and Ge′-ba, six hundred twenty and one.
31 The men of Mich′-mas, an hundred and twenty and two.
32 The men of Beth′–el and A′-i, an hundred twenty and three.
33 The men of the other Ne′-bo, fifty and two.
34 The children of the other a E′-lam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
35 The children of Har′-im, three hundred and twenty.
36 The children of Jer′-i-cho, three hundred forty and five.
37 The children of Lod, Ha′-did, and O′-no, seven hundred twenty and one.
38 The children of Sen′-a-ah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
39 ¶ The priests: the children of b Je-dai′-ah, of the house of Jesh′-u-a, nine hundred seventy and three.
40 The children of c Im′-mer, a thousand fifty and two.
41 The children of d Pash′-ur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
42 The children of e Har′-im, a thousand and seventeen.
43 ¶ The Le′-vites: the children of Jesh′-u-a, of Kad′-mi-el, and of the children of Ho′-de-vah, seventy and four.
44 ¶ The singers: the children of A′-saph, an hundred forty and eight.
45 ¶ The porters: the children of Shal′-lum, the children of A′-ter, the children of Tal′-mon, the children of Ak′-kub, the children of Ha-ti′-ta, the children of Sho-ba′-i, an hundred thirty and eight.
46 ¶ The Neth′-i-nims: the children of Zi′-ha, the children of Ha-shu′-pha, the children of Tab-ba′-oth,
47 The children of Ke′-ros, the children of Si′-a, the children of Pa′-don,
48 The children of Le-ba′-na, the children of Hag′-a-ba, the children of Shal′-mai,
49 The children of Ha′-nan, the children of Gid′-del, the children of Ga′-har,
50 The children of Re-ai′-ah, the children of Re′-zin, the children of Ne-ko′-da,
51 The children of Gaz′-zam, the children of Uz′-za, the children of Pha-se′-ah,
52 The children of Be′-sai, the children of Me-u′-nim, the children of Ne-phish′-e-sim,
53 The children of Bak′-buk, the children of Ha-ku′-pha, the children of Har′-hur,
54 The children of Baz′-lith, the children of Me-hi′-da, the children of Har′-sha,
55 The children of Bar′-kos, the children of Sis′-e-ra, the children of Ta′-mah,
56 The children of Ne-zi′-ah, the children of Ha-ti′-pha.
57 ¶ The children of Sol′-o-mon's servants: the children of So-ta′-i, the children of So′-phe-reth, the children of Pe-ri′-da,
58 The children of Ja′-a-la, the children of Dar′-kon, the children of Gid′-del,
59 The children of Sheph-a-ti′-ah, the children of Hat′-til, the children of Po′-che-reth of Ze-ba′-im, the children of A′-mon.
60 All the Neth′-i-nims, and the children of Sol′-o-mon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.
61 f And these were they which went up also from Tel–me′-lah, Tel–ha-re′-sha, Cher′-ub, Ad′-don, and Im′-mer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Is′-ra-el.
62 The children of Del-ai′-ah, the children of To-bi′-ah, the children of Ne-ko′-da, six hundred forty and two.
63 ¶ And of the priests: the children of Ha-bai′-ah, the children of Koz, the children of Bar-zil-la′-i, which took one of the daughters of Bar-zil-la′-i the Gil′-e-ad-ite 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 Tir′-sha-tha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with U′-rim and Thum′-mim.
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. a The Tir′-sha-tha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.
71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work b twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.
72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.
73 So the priests, and the Le′-vites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Neth′-i-nims, and all Is′-ra-el, dwelt in their cities; c and when the seventh month came, the children of Is′-ra-el were in their cities.
8 And all d the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was e before the water gate; and they spake unto Ez′-ra the f scribe to bring the book of the law of Mo′-ses, which the Lord had commanded to Is′-ra-el.
2 And Ez′-ra the priest brought g the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, h 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 law.
4 And Ez′-ra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mat-ti-thi′-ah, and She′-ma, and A-nai′-ah, and U-ri′-jah, and Hil-ki′-ah, and Ma-a-sei′-ah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pe-dai′-ah, and Mi′-sha-el, and Mal-chi′-ah, and Hash′-um, and Hash-ba′-da-na, Zech-a-ri′-ah, and Me-shul′-lam.
5 And Ez′-ra 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 a stood up:
6 And Ez′-ra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people b answered, A′-men, A′-men, with c lifting up their hands: and they d bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 Also Jesh′-u-a, and Ba′-ni, and Sher-e-bi′-ah, Ja′-min, Ak′-kub, Shab′-be-thai, Ho-di′-jah, Ma-a-sei′-ah, Ke-li′-ta, Az-a-ri′-ah, Jo′-za-bad, Ha′-nan, Pe-lai′-ah, and the Le′-vites, e caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
9 f And Ne-hem-i′-ah, which is the Tir′-sha-tha, and Ez′-ra the priest the scribe, g and the Le′-vites that taught the people, said unto all the people, h This day is holy unto the Lord your God; i mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, j and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
11 So the Le′-vites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to k send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had l 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, and the Le′-vites, unto Ez′-ra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.
14 And they found written in the law which the Lord had commanded by Mo′-ses, that the children of Is′-ra-el should dwell in a booths in the feast of the seventh month:
15 And b that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and c in Je-ru′-sa-lem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and d 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 e roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the f water gate, g and in the street of the gate of E′-phra-im.
17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jesh′-u-a the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Is′-ra-el done so. And there was very h great gladness.
18 Also i day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, j according unto the manner.
9Now in the twenty and fourth day of k this month the children of Is′-ra-el were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, l and earth upon them.
2 And m the seed of Is′-ra-el 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 a read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God.
4 ¶ Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Le′-vites, Jesh′-u-a, and Ba′-ni, Kad′-mi-el, Sheb-a-ni′-ah, Bun′-ni, Sher-e-bi′-ah, Ba′-ni, and Che-na′-ni, and cried with a loud voice unto the Lord their God.
5 Then the Le′-vites, Jesh′-u-a, and Kad′-mi-el, Ba′-ni, Hash-ab-ni′-ah, Sher-e-bi′-ah, Ho-di′-jah, Sheb-a-ni′-ah, and Peth-a-hi′-ah, said, Stand up and bless the Lord your God for ever and ever: and blessed be b thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
6 c Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; d thou hast made heaven, e the heaven of heavens, with f all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou g preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
7 Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose h A′-bram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chal′-dees, and gavest him the name of i A′-bra-ham;
8 And foundest his heart j faithful before thee, and madest a k covenant with him to give the land of the Ca′-naan-ites, the Hit′-tites, the Am′-o-rites, and the Per-iz′-zites, and the Jeb′-u-sites, and the Gir′-ga-shites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and l hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
9 m And didst see the affliction of our fathers in E′-gypt, and n heardest their cry by the Red sea;
10 And o shewedst signs and wonders upon Phar′-aoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they p dealt proudly against them. So didst thou q get thee a name, as it is this day.
11 r And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, s as a stone into the mighty waters.
12 Moreover thou t 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 u Thou camest down also upon mount Si′-nai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them v right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments:
14 And madest known unto them thy w holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Mo′-ses thy servant:
15 And x gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and y broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should z go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.
16 aa But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and ab hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
17 And refused to obey, ac neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, b gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
18 Yea, c when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of E′-gypt, and had wrought great provocations;
19 Yet thou in thy d manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the e 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 Thou gavest also thy f good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy g man′-na from their mouth, and gavest them h water for their thirst.
21 Yea, i forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their j clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
22 Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of k Si′-hon, and the land of the king of Hesh′-bon, and the land of Og king of Ba′-shan.
23 l Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it.
24 So m the children went in and possessed the land, and n thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Ca′-naan-ites, 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 o fat land, and possessed p houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and q became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great r goodness.
26 Nevertheless they s were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and t cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy u prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.
27 v Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou w heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies x thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
28 But after they had rest, y they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and z many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies;
29 And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they aa dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (ab which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.
30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst ac against them by thy spirit ad in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: ae therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
31 Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake af thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art ag a gracious and merciful God.
32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the a mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, b since the time of the kings of As-syr′-i-a unto this day.
33 Howbeit c thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but d we have done wickedly:
34 Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.
35 For they have e not served thee in their kingdom, and in f thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and g fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
36 Behold, h we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it:
37 And i it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have j dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
38 And because of all this we k make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Le′-vites, and priests, l seal unto it.
10 Now those that sealed were, m Ne-hem-i′-ah, the Tir′-sha-tha, n the son of Hach-a-li′-ah, and Zid-ki′-jah,
2 o Se-rai′-ah, Az-a-ri′-ah, Jer-e-mi′-ah,
3 Pash′-ur, Am-a-ri′-ah, Mal-chi′-jah,
4 Hat′-tush, Sheb-a-ni′-ah, Mal′-luch,
5 Har′-im, Mer′-e-moth, O-ba-di′-ah,
6 Dan′-iel, Gin′-ne-thon, Bar′-uch,
7 Me-shul′-lam, A-bi′-jah, Mi′-ja-min,
8 Ma-a-zi′-ah, Bil-ga′-i, Shem-ai′-ah: these were the priests.
9 And the Le′-vites: both Jesh′-u-a the son of Az-a-ni′-ah, Bin′-nu-i of the sons of Hen-a′-dad, Kad′-mi-el;
10 And their brethren, Sheb-a-ni′-ah, Ho-di′-jah, Ke-li′-ta, Pe-lai′-ah, Ha′-nan,
11 Mi′-cha, Re′-hob, Hash-a-bi′-ah,
12 Zac′-cur, Sher-e-bi′-ah, Sheb-a-ni′-ah,
13 Ho-di′-jah, Ba′-ni, Be-ni′-nu.
14 The chief of the people; p Par′-osh, Pa′-hath–mo′-ab, E′-lam, Zat′-thu, Ba′-ni,
15 Bun′-ni, Az′-gad, Be-ba′-i,
16 Ad-o-ni′-jah, Big-va′-i, A′-din,
17 A′-ter, Hiz-ki′-jah, Az′-zur,
18 Ho-di′-jah, Hash′-um, Be-za′-i,
19 Har′-iph, An′-a-thoth, Ne-ba′-i,
20 Mag′-pi-ash, Me-shul′-lam, He′-zir,
21 Me-shez′-a-beel, Za′-dok, Jad′-du-a,
22 Pel-a-ti′-ah, Ha′-nan, A-nai′-ah,
23 Ho-she′-a, Han-a-ni′-ah, Hash′-ub,
24 Hal-lo′-hesh, Pil′-e-ha, Sho′-bek,
25 Re′-hum, Ha-shab′-nah, Ma-a-sei′-ah,
26 And A-hi′-jah, Ha′-nan, A′-nan,
27 Mal′-luch, Har′-im, Ba′-a-nah.
28 ¶ a And the rest of the people, the priests, the Le′-vites, the porters, the singers, the Neth′-i-nims, b and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, c and entered into a curse, and into an oath, d to walk in God's law, which was given by Mo′-ses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
30 And that we would not give e our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:
31 f And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the g seventh year, and the h exaction of every debt.
32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a she′-kel for the service of the house of our God;
33 For i the shewbread, and for the j continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Is′-ra-el, and for all the work of the house of our God.
34 And we cast the lots among the priests, the Le′-vites, and the people, k for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the Lord our God, l as it is written in the law:
35 And m to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the Lord:
36 Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written n in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:
37 o 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, to the chambers of the house of our God; and a the tithes of our ground unto the Le′-vites, that the same Le′-vites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
38 And the priest the son of Aar′-on shall be with the Le′-vites, b when the Le′-vites take tithes: and the Le′-vites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes into the house of our God, to c the chambers, unto the treasure house.
39 For the children of Is′-ra-el and the children of Le′-vi d 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 that minister, and the porters, and the singers: e and we will not forsake the house of our God.
11And the rulers of the people dwelt at Je-ru′-sa-lem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Je-ru′-sa-lem f the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
2 And the people blessed all the men, that g willingly offered themselves to dwell at Je-ru′-sa-lem.
3 ¶ h Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Je-ru′-sa-lem: but in the cities of Ju′-dah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Is′-ra-el, the priests, and the Le′-vites, and i the Neth′-i-nims, and j the children of Sol′-o-mon's servants.
4 And k at Je-ru′-sa-lem dwelt certain of the children of Ju′-dah, and of the children of Ben′-ja-min. Of the children of Ju′-dah; A-thai′-ah the son of Uz-zi′-ah, the son of Zech-a-ri′-ah, the son of Am-a-ri′-ah, the son of Sheph-a-ti′-ah, the son of Ma-hal′-a-leel, of the children of l Pe′-rez;
5 And Ma-a-sei′-ah the son of Bar′-uch, the son of Col–ho′-zeh, the son of Ha-zai′-ah, the son of A-dai′-ah, the son of Joi′-a-rib, the son of Zech-a-ri′-ah, the son of Shi-lo′-ni.
6 All the sons of Pe′-rez that dwelt at Je-ru′-sa-lem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.
7 And these are the sons of Ben′-ja-min; Sal′-lu the son of Me-shul′-lam, the son of Jo′-ed, the son of Pe-dai′-ah, the son of Ko-lai′-ah, the son of Ma-a-sei′-ah, the son of I′-thi-el, the son of Je-sai′-ah.
8 And after him Gab-ba′-i, Sal-la′-i, nine hundred twenty and eight.
9 And Jo′-el the son of Zich′-ri was their overseer: and Ju′-dah the son of Sen′-u-ah was second over the city.
10 m Of the priests: Je-dai′-ah the son of Joi′-a-rib, Ja′-chin.
11 Se-rai′-ah the son of Hil-ki′-ah, the son of Me-shul′-lam, the son of Za′-dok, the son of Me-rai′-oth, the son of A-hi′-tub, was the ruler of the house of God.
12 And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and A-dai′-ah the son of Je-ro′-ham, the son of Pel-a-li′-ah, the son of Am′-zi, the son of Zech-a-ri′-ah, the son of Pash′-ur, the son of Mal-chi′-ah,
13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and A-mash′-ai the son of Az′-a-reel, the son of A-ha′-sai, the son of Me-shil′-le-moth, the son of Im′-mer,
14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zab′-di-el, the son of one of the great men.
15 Also of the Le′-vites: Shem-ai′-ah the son of Hash′-ub, the son of Az-ri′-kam, the son of Hash-a-bi′-ah, the son of Bun′-ni;
16 And Shab′-be-thai and Jo′-za-bad, of the chief of the Le′-vites, had the oversight of n the outward business of the house of God.
17 And Mat-ta-ni′-ah the son of Mi′-cha, the son of Zab′-di, the son of A′-saph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bak-bu-ki′-ah the second among his brethren, and Ab′-da the son of Sham′-mu-a, the son of Ga′-lal, the son of Je-du′-thun.
18 All the Le′-vites in a the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.
19 Moreover the porters, Ak′-kub, Tal′-mon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.
20 ¶ And the residue of Is′-ra-el, of the priests, and the Le′-vites, were in all the cities of Ju′-dah, every one in his inheritance.
21 b But the Neth′-i-nims dwelt in O′-phel: and Zi′-ha and Gis′-pa were over the Neth′-i-nims.
22 The overseer also of the Le′-vites at Je-ru′-sa-lem was Uz′-zi the son of Ba′-ni, the son of Hash-a-bi′-ah, the son of Mat-ta-ni′-ah, the son of Mi′-cha. Of the sons of A′-saph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.
23 For c it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
24 And Peth-a-hi′-ah the son of Me-shez′-a-beel, of the children of d Ze′-rah the son of Ju′-dah, was e at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.
25 And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Ju′-dah dwelt at f Kir′-jath–ar′-ba, and in the villages thereof, and at Di′-bon, and in the villages thereof, and at Je-kab′-zeel, and in the villages thereof,
26 And at Jesh′-u-a, and at Mo-la′-dah, and at Beth′–phe-let,
27 And at Ha′-zar–shu′-al, and at Beer–she′-ba, and in the villages thereof,
28 And at Zik′-lag, and at Me-ko′-nah, and in the villages thereof,
29 And at En–rim′-mon, and at Za-re′-ah, and at Jar′-muth,
30 Za-no′-ah, A-dul′-lam, and in their villages, at La′-chish, and the fields thereof, at A-ze′-kah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beer–she′-ba unto the valley of Hin′-nom.
31 The children also of Ben′-ja-min from Ge′-ba dwelt at Mich′-mash, and Ai′-ja, and Beth′–el, and in their villages,
32 And at An′-a-thoth, Nob, An-a-ni′-ah,
33 Ha′-zor, Ra′-mah, Git-ta′-im,
34 Ha′-did, Ze-bo′-im, Ne-bal′-lat,
35 Lod, and O′-no, g the valley of craftsmen.
36 And of the Le′-vites were divisions in Ju′-dah, and in Ben′-ja-min.
12 Now these are the h priests and the Le′-vites that went up with Ze-rub′-ba-bel the son of She-al′-ti-el, and Jesh′-u-a: i Se-rai′-ah, Jer-e-mi′-ah, Ez′-ra,
2 Am-a-ri′-ah, Mal′-luch, Hat′-tush,
3 Shech-a-ni′-ah, Re′-hum, Mer′-e-moth,
4 Id′-do, Gin′-ne-tho, j A-bi′-jah,
5 Mi′-a-min, Ma-a-di′-ah, Bil′-gah,
6 Shem-ai′-ah, and Joi′-a-rib, Je-dai′-ah,
7 Sal′-lu, A′-mok, Hil-ki′-ah, Je-dai′-ah. These were the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of a Jesh′-u-a.
8 Moreover the Le′-vites: Jesh′-u-a, Bin′-nu-i, Kad′-mi-el, Sher-e-bi′-ah, Ju′-dah, and Mat-ta-ni′-ah, b which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.
9 Also Bak-bu-ki′-ah and Un′-ni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches.
10 ¶ And Jesh′-u-a begat Joi′-a-kim, Joi′-a-kim also begat E-li-ash′-ib, and E-li-ash′-ib begat Joi′-a-da,
11 And Joi′-a-da begat Jon′-a-than, and Jon′-a-than begat Jad′-du-a.
12 And in the days of Joi′-a-kim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Se-rai′-ah, Me-rai′-ah; of Jer-e-mi′-ah, Han-a-ni′-ah;
13 Of Ez′-ra, Me-shul′-lam; of Am-a-ri′-ah, Je-ho-ha′-nan;
14 Of Mel′-i-cu, Jon′-a-than; of Sheb-a-ni′-ah, Jo′-seph;
15 Of Har′-im, Ad′-na; of Me-rai′-oth, Hel-ka′-i;
16 Of Id′-do, Zech-a-ri′-ah; of Gin′-ne-thon, Me-shul′-lam;
17 Of A-bi′-jah, Zich′-ri; of Min-i′-a-min, of Mo-a-di′-ah, Pil-ta′-i;
18 Of Bil′-gah, Sham′-mu-a; of Shem-ai′-ah, Je-hon′-a-than;
19 And of Joi′-a-rib, Mat-te′-nai; of Je-dai′-ah, Uz′-zi;
20 Of Sal-la′-i, Kal-la′-i; of A′-mok, E′-ber;
21 Of Hil-ki′-ah, Hash-a-bi′-ah; of Je-dai′-ah, Neth′-a-neel.
22 ¶ The Le′-vites in the days of E-li-ash′-ib, Joi′-a-da, and Jo-ha′-nan, and Jad′-du-a, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Da-ri′-us the Per′-sian.
23 The sons of Le′-vi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the c chronicles, even until the days of Jo-ha′-nan the son of E-li-ash′-ib.
24 And the chief of the Le′-vites: Hash-a-bi′-ah, Sher-e-bi′-ah, and Jesh′-u-a the son of Kad′-mi-el, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, d according to the commandment of Da′-vid the man of God, e ward over against ward.
25 Mat-ta-ni′-ah, and Bak-bu-ki′-ah, O-ba-di′-ah, Me-shul′-lam, Tal′-mon, Ak′-kub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.
26 These were in the days of Joi′-a-kim the son of Jesh′-u-a, the son of Jo′-za-dak, and in the days of Ne-hem-i′-ah f the governor, and of Ez′-ra the priest, g the scribe.
27 ¶ And at h the dedication of the wall of Je-ru′-sa-lem they sought the Le′-vites out of all their places, to bring them to Je-ru′-sa-lem, to keep the dedication with gladness, i both with thanksgivings, 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 Je-ru′-sa-lem, and from the villages of Ne-toph′-a-thi;
29 Also from the house of Gil′-gal, and out of the fields of Ge′-ba and Az-ma′-veth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Je-ru′-sa-lem.
30 And the priests and the Le′-vites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.
31 Then I brought up the princes of Ju′-dah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof a one went on the right hand upon the wall b toward the dung gate:
32 And after them went Ho-shai′-ah, and half of the princes of Ju′-dah,
33 And Az-a-ri′-ah, Ez′-ra, and Me-shul′-lam,
34 Ju′-dah, and Ben′-ja-min, and Shem-ai′-ah, and Jer-e-mi′-ah.
35 And certain of the priests' sons c with trumpets; namely, Zech-a-ri′-ah the son of Jon′-a-than, the son of Shem-ai′-ah, the son of Mat-ta-ni′-ah, the son of Mi-chai′-ah, the son of Zac′-cur, the son of A′-saph:
36 And his brethren, Shem-ai′-ah, and Az-a-ra′-el, Mil′-a-lai, Gil′-a-lai, Ma-a′-i, Neth′-a-neel, and Ju′-dah, Ha-na′-ni, with d the musical instruments of Da′-vid the man of God, and Ez′-ra the scribe before them.
37 e And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by f the stairs of the city of Da′-vid, at the going up of the wall, above the house of Da′-vid, even unto g the water gate eastward.
38 h And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond i the tower of the furnaces even unto j the broad wall;
39 k And from above the gate of E′-phra-im, and above l the old gate, and above m the fish gate, n and the tower of Han′-a-neel, and the tower of Me′-ah, even unto o the sheep gate: and they stood still in p the prison gate.
40 So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
41 And the priests; E-li′-a-kim, Ma-a-sei′-ah, Min-i′-a-min, Mi-chai′-ah, El-i-o-e′-nai, Zech-a-ri′-ah, and Han-a-ni′-ah, with trumpets;
42 And Ma-a-sei′-ah, and Shem-ai′-ah, and El-e-a′-zar, and Uz′-zi, and Je-ho-ha′-nan, and Mal-chi′-jah, and E′-lam, and E′-zer. And the singers sang loud, with Jez-ra-hi′-ah their overseer.
43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Je-ru′-sa-lem was heard even afar off.
44 ¶ q 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 of the law for the priests and Le′-vites: for Ju′-dah rejoiced for the priests and for the Le′-vites that waited.
45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, a according to the commandment of Da′-vid, and of Sol′-o-mon his son.
46 For in the days of Da′-vid b and A′-saph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
47 And all Is′-ra-el in the days of Ze-rub′-ba-bel, and in the days of Ne-hem-i′-ah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: c and they sanctified holy things unto the Le′-vites; d and the Le′-vites sanctified them unto the children of Aar′-on.
13 On that day e they read in the book of Mo′-ses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, f that the Am′-mon-ite and the Mo′-ab-ite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
2 Because they met not the children of Is′-ra-el with bread and with water, but g hired Ba′-laam against them, that he should curse them: h howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.
3 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, i that they separated from Is′-ra-el all the mixt multitude.
4 ¶ And before this, E-li-ash′-ib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto To-bi′-ah:
5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, j where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, k which was commanded to be given to the Le′-vites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
6 But in all this time was not I at Je-ru′-sa-lem: l for in the two and thirtieth year of Ar-ta-xerx′-es king of Bab′-y-lon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:
7 And I came to Je-ru′-sa-lem, and understood of the evil that E-li-ash′-ib did for To-bi′-ah, in a preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.
8 And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of To-bi′-ah out of the chamber.
9 Then I commanded, and they b cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
10 ¶ And I perceived that the portions of the Le′-vites had c not been given them: for the Le′-vites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to d his field.
11 Then e contended I with the rulers, and said, f Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
12 g Then brought all Ju′-dah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.
13 h And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shel-e-mi′-ah the priest, and Za′-dok the scribe, and of the Le′-vites, Pe-dai′-ah: and next to them was Ha′-nan the son of Zac′-cur, the son of Mat-ta-ni′-ah: for they were counted i faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
14 j Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
15 ¶ In those days saw I in Ju′-dah some treading wine presses k on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, l which they brought into Je-ru′-sa-lem on the sabbath 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 sabbath unto the children of Ju′-dah, and in Je-ru′-sa-lem.
17 m Then I contended with the nobles of Ju′-dah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
18 n Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Is′-ra-el by profaning the sabbath.
19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Je-ru′-sa-lem o began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: p and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Je-ru′-sa-lem once or twice.
21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.
22 And I commanded the Le′-vites that a they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. b Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
23 ¶ In those days also saw I Jews that c had married wives of Ash′-dod, of Am′-mon, and of Mo′-ab:
24 And their children spake half in the speech of Ash′-dod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.
25 And I d contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and pluckt off their hair, and made them e swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.
26 f Did not Sol′-o-mon king of Is′-ra-el sin by these things? yet g among many nations was there no king like him, h who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Is′-ra-el: i nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
27 Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to j transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
28 And one of the sons k of Joi′-a-da, the son of E-li-ash′-ib the high priest, was son in law to San-bal′-lat the Hor′-on-ite: therefore I chased him from me.
29 l Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and m the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Le′-vites.
30 n Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and o appointed the wards of the priests and the Le′-vites, every one in his business;
31 And for p the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. q Remember me, O my God, for good.