5“Stand in the holy place with a group of Levites for each subdivision of the families of your fellow countrymen, the lay people. 6Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves† and prepare [the lambs] for your fellow countrymen, doing what the LORD commanded through Moses.”

7Josiah provided for all the lay people who were there a total of thirty thousand sheep and goats for the Passover offerings,† and also three thousand cattle—all from the king’s own possessions.†

8His officials also contributed† voluntarily to the people and the priests and Levites. Hilkiah,† Zechariah and Jehiel, the administrators of God’s temple, gave the priests twenty-six hundred Passover offerings and three hundred cattle. 9Also Conaniah† along with Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah, Jeiel and Jozabad,† the leaders of the Levites, provided five thousand Passover offerings and five hundred head of cattle for the Levites.

10The service was arranged and the priests stood in their places with the Levites in their divisions† as the king had ordered.† 11The Passover lambs were slaughtered,† and the priests sprinkled the blood handed to them, while the Levites skinned the animals. 12They set aside the burnt offerings to give them to the subdivisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD, as is written in the Book of Moses. They did the same with the cattle. 13They roasted the Passover animals over the fire as prescribed,† and boiled the holy offerings in pots, caldrons and pans and served them quickly to all the people. 14After this, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were sacrificing the burnt offerings and the fat portions† until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the Aaronic priests.

15The musicians,† the descendants of Asaph, were in the places prescribed by David, Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun the king’s seer. The gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made the preparations for them.

16So at that time the entire service of the LORD was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, as King Josiah had ordered. 17The Israelites who were present celebrated the Passover at that time and observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. 18The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem. 19This Passover was celebrated in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign.

The Death of Josiah

20After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish† on the Euphrates,† and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle. 21But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What quarrel is there between you and me, O king of Judah? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told† me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.”

22Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised† himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Neco had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.

23Archers† shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, “Take me away; I am badly wounded.” 24So they took him out of his chariot, put him in the other chariot he had and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried in the tombs of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him.

25Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the men and women singers commemorate Josiah in the laments.† These became a tradition in Israel and are written in the Laments.

26The other events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion, according to what is written in the Law of the LORD— 27all the events, from beginning to end, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.


2 Chronicles 36

1And the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.




Jehoahaz King of Judah

2Jehoahaz[116] was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. 3The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[117] of silver and a talent[118] of gold. 4The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Neco† took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.




Jehoiakim King of Judah

5Jehoiakim† was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD his God. 6Nebuchadnezzar† king of Babylon attacked him and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon.† 7Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon articles from the temple of the LORD and put them in his temple[119] there.†

8The other events of Jehoiakim’s reign, the detestable things he did and all that was found against him, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king.

Jehoiachin King of Judah

9Jehoiachin† was eighteen[120] years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD. 10In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon,† together with articles of value from the temple of the LORD, and he made Jehoiachin’s uncle,[121] Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.

Zedekiah King of Judah

11Zedekiah† was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. 12He did evil in the eyes of the LORD† his God and did not humble† himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the LORD. 13He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath† in God’s name. He became stiff-necked† and hardened his heart and would not turn to the LORD, the God of Israel. 14Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful,† following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the LORD, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.

The Fall of Jerusalem

15The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers† again and again,† because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed† at his prophets until the wrath† of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.† 17He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians,[122] who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man† nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar.† 18He carried to Babylon all the articles† from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the LORD’s temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. 19They set fire† to God’s temple† and broke down the wall† of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed† everything of value there.†

20He carried into exile† to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants† to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. 21The land enjoyed its sabbath rests;† all the time of its desolation it rested,† until the seventy years† were completed in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah.

22In the first year of Cyrus† king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:

23“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“ ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed† me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.’ ”

EZRA

Author, Place and Date of Writing

Ezra, the priest who returned to Jerusalem with a group of Babylonian exiles in 458 B.C., is assumed to have authored this book, presumably from Jerusalem, around 440 B.C. He is also thought to have written the book of Nehemiah, around 430 B.C. Originally two separate compositions, the two were combined into one book, titled Ezra, prior to A.D. 100. The oldest manuscripts of the Septuagint also treated Nehemiah and Ezra as one book. Origen (c. A.D. 185–253) was the first writer to make a distinction between the two, which he called 1 Ezra and 2 Ezra. Wycliffe’s English translation (1382) also separated the books, as did Coverdale’s (1535).

Audience

Generations of Israelites after the return of the exiles from Babylon read this book. Ezra clearly wanted his readers to recognize, in various historical events, the power and love God demonstrated toward his chosen people and, in turn, their covenant responsibilities toward him.

Cultural Facts and Highlights

In 539 B.C. Cyrus, king of Persia, decreed that Jewish exiles could return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel’s leadership. Many did undertake the journey and began rebuilding the temple and offering sacrifices to God. By the time Ezra returned with a second group of exiles, God’s people had experienced many blessings:


Timeline

As You Read

Try to imagine the joy that Ezra and his fellow returnees must have experienced as they set foot upon their home soil. God had been working miracles on their behalf: mellowing the hearts of kings, protecting the vulnerable returnees from fierce neighbors, enabling the temple to be rebuilt after initial work had been forcibly halted and overseeing every aspect of the restoration. Some of the returning Jews no doubt even reconnected with friends and relatives. Ezra, whose every wish had been granted by Artaxerxes, began teaching Moses’ Law to the people, reestablishing it as the only authoritative guide for living, and temple services began in earnest. All things considered, life for the Jewish remnant was going along pretty well. Or was it?

Watch how unfalteringly Ezra, a committed follower and teacher of Moses’ Law, focused upon temple worship. Imagine the people’s shock as they discovered, many perhaps for the first time, the reality of their sin and their need to become God’s holy people, who would once again be set apart from neighboring idol-worshipers. Experience vicariously Ezra’s anger and sorrow after learning that certain Jewish men had married Canaanite women and were practicing other religions. Pay close attention to the far-reaching consequences of the priest’s response to the people’s sinfulness.

Did You Know?


Themes

The book of Ezra includes the following themes:

  1. God’s sovereignty. God is sovereign over all peoples and rulers, even pagan kings (1:1; 6:22; 7:6, 27). He controls history and orchestrates events for his own purposes. Despite opposition, God will fulfill his promises and protect his people.
  2. Restoration. Ezra describes not only the restoration of the temple (3:1–6:22) but also the renewal of the spiritual, moral and social fabric of the community (9:1–10:44). While the overt goals were temple reconstruction and worship renewal, the restoration of the Jews’ sense of community and heritage was equally important. It was essential that they reclaim the separateness that distinguished them from the peoples around them and marked them as God’s people. Organizing the community around the law (7:10; Ne 8:1–8) and renouncing the compromises they had made with the nations around them (9:1–10:16; Ne 9:1–3) were crucial steps toward that end.

Outline

I. First Exiles Return to Judah (1–2)

II. Rebuilding of the Temple (3–6)

III. Ezra’s Return (7–8)

IV. Ezra’s Ministry (9–10)


Ezra 1

Cyrus Helps the Exiles to Return

1In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah,† the LORD moved the heart† of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:




2“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“ ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed† me to build† a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3Anyone of his people among you—may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. 4And the people of any place where survivors† may now be living are to provide him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings† for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’ ”†

5Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin,† and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved†—prepared to go up and build the house† of the LORD in Jerusalem. 6All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings. 7Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god.[1] † 8Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar† the prince of Judah.

9This was the inventory:

gold dishes 30

silver dishes 1,000

silver pans[2] 29

10gold bowls 30

matching silver bowls 410

other articles 1,000

11In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold and of silver. Sheshbazzar brought all these along when the exiles came up from Babylon to Jerusalem.


Ezra 2

The List of the Exiles Who Returned

1Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles,† whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon† had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town,† 2in company with Zerubbabel,† Jeshua,† Nehemiah, Seraiah,† Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah):




The list of the men of the people of Israel:

3the descendants of Parosh† 2,172

4of Shephatiah 372

5of Arah 775

6of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab) 2,812

7of Elam 1,254

8of Zattu 945

9of Zaccai 760

10of Bani 642

11of Bebai 623

12of Azgad 1,222

13of Adonikam† 666

14of Bigvai 2,056

15of Adin 454

16of Ater (through Hezekiah) 98

17of Bezai 323

18of Jorah 112

19of Hashum 223

20of Gibbar 95

21the men of Bethlehem† 123

22of Netophah 56

23of Anathoth 128

24of Azmaveth 42

25of Kiriath Jearim,[3] Kephirah and Beeroth 743

26of Ramah† and Geba 621

27of Micmash 122

28of Bethel and Ai† 223

29of Nebo 52

30of Magbish 156

31of the other Elam 1,254

32of Harim 320

33of Lod, Hadid and Ono 725

34of Jericho† 345

35of Senaah 3,630

36The priests:

the descendants of Jedaiah† (through the family of Jeshua) 973

37of Immer† 1,052

38of Pashhur† 1,247

39of Harim† 1,017

40The Levites:†

the descendants of Jeshua† and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah) 74

41The singers:†

the descendants of Asaph 128

42The gatekeepers† of the temple:

the descendants of

Shallum, Ater, Talmon,

Akkub, Hatita and Shobai 139

43The temple servants:†

the descendants of

Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,

44Keros, Siaha, Padon,

45Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,

46Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,

47Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,

48Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam,

49Uzza, Paseah, Besai,

50Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim,

51Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,

52Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,

53Barkos, Sisera, Temah,

54Neziah and Hatipha

55The descendants of the servants of Solomon:

the descendants of

Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda,

56Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,

57Shephatiah, Hattil,

Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami

58The temple servants† and the descendants of the servants of Solomon 392

59The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended† from Israel:

60The descendants of

Delaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda 652

61And from among the priests:

The descendants of

Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite† and was called by that name).

62These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood† as unclean. 63The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food† until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.†

64The whole company numbered 42,360, 65besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 200 men and women singers.† 66They had 736 horses,† 245 mules, 67435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.

68When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families† gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site. 69According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas[4] of gold, 5,000 minas[5] of silver and 100 priestly garments.

70The priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.†


Ezra 3

Rebuilding the Altar

1When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns,† the people assembled† as one man in Jerusalem. 2Then Jeshua† son of Jozadak† and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel† and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses† the man of God. 3Despite their fear† of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and evening sacrifices.† 4Then in accordance with what is written, they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles† with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. 5After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon† sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD,† as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the LORD. 6On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, though the foundation of the LORD’s temple had not yet been laid.

Rebuilding the Temple

7Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and gave food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar logs† by sea from Lebanon† to Joppa, as authorized by Cyrus† king of Persia.

8In the second month of the second year after their arrival at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel† son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak and the rest of their brothers (the priests and the Levites and all who had returned from the captivity to Jerusalem) began the work, appointing Levites twenty† years of age and older to supervise the building of the house of the LORD. 9Jeshua† and his sons and brothers and Kadmiel and his sons (descendants of Hodaviah[6]) and the sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all Levites—joined together in supervising those working on the house of God.

10When the builders laid† the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets,† and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise† the LORD, as prescribed by David† king of Israel.† 11With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD:

“He is good;

his love to Israel endures forever.Ӡ

And all the people gave a great shout† of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple,† wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. 13No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy† from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.


Ezra 4

Opposition to the Rebuilding

1When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, 2they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon† king of Assyria, who brought us here.”†






3But Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.”†

4Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.[7] † 5They hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Later Opposition Under Xerxes and Artaxerxes

6At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes,[8] † they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.†

7And in the days of Artaxerxes† king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. The letter was written in Aramaic script and in the Aramaic† language.[9],[10]

8Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows:

9Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary, together with the rest of their associates†—the judges and officials over the men from Tripolis, Persia,[11] Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, 10and the other people whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal[12] deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates.†

11(This is a copy of the letter they sent him.)

To King Artaxerxes,

From your servants, the men of Trans-Euphrates:

12The king should know that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations.†

13Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty† will be paid, and the royal revenues will suffer. 14Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king, 15so that a search may be made in the archives† of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place of rebellion from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.† 16We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.

17The king sent this reply:

To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates:†

Greetings.

18The letter you sent us has been read and translated in my presence. 19I issued an order and a search was made, and it was found that this city has a long history of revolt† against kings and has been a place of rebellion and sedition. 20Jerusalem has had powerful kings ruling over the whole of Trans-Euphrates,† and taxes, tribute and duty were paid to them. 21Now issue an order to these men to stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. 22Be careful not to neglect this matter. Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of the royal interests?†

23As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimshai the secretary and their associates,† they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop.

24Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius† king of Persia.


Ezra 5

Tattenai’s Letter to Darius

1Now Haggai† the prophet and Zechariah† the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied† to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2Then Zerubbabel† son of Shealtiel and Jeshua† son of Jozadak set to work† to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.




3At that time Tattenai,† governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai† and their associates went to them and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”† 4They also asked, “What are the names of the men constructing this building?”[13] 5But the eye of their God† was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.

6This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, the officials of Trans-Euphrates, sent to King Darius. 7The report they sent him read as follows:

To King Darius:

Cordial greetings.

8The king should know that we went to the district of Judah, to the temple of the great God. The people are building it with large stones and placing the timbers in the walls. The work† is being carried on with diligence and is making rapid progress under their direction.

9We questioned the elders and asked them, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”† 10We also asked them their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information.

11This is the answer they gave us:

“We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple† that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished. 12But because our fathers angered† the God of heaven, he handed them over to Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon.†

13“However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree† to rebuild this house of God. 14He even removed from the temple[14] of Babylon the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to the temple[15] in Babylon.†

“Then King Cyrus gave them to a man named Sheshbazzar,† whom he had appointed governor, 15and he told him, ‘Take these articles and go and deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem. And rebuild the house of God on its site.’ 16So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God† in Jerusalem. From that day to the present it has been under construction but is not yet finished.”

17Now if it pleases the king, let a search be made in the royal archives† of Babylon to see if King Cyrus did in fact issue a decree to rebuild this house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.


Ezra 6

The Decree of Darius

1King Darius then issued an order, and they searched in the archives† stored in the treasury at Babylon. 2A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, and this was written on it:




Memorandum:

3In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem:

Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid.† It is to be ninety feet[16] high and ninety feet wide, 4with three courses† of large stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid by the royal treasury.† 5Also, the gold† and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, are to be returned to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; they are to be deposited in the house of God.†

6Now then, Tattenai,† governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai† and you, their fellow officials of that province, stay away from there. 7Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site.

8Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God:

The expenses of these men are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury,† from the revenues† of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. 9Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings† to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.†

11Furthermore, I decree that if anyone changes this edict, a beam is to be pulled from his house and he is to be lifted up and impaled† on it. And for this crime his house is to be made a pile of rubble.† 12May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there,† overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.

I Darius† have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.

Completion and Dedication of the Temple

13Then, because of the decree King Darius had sent, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates† carried it out with diligence. 14So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching† of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus,† Darius† and Artaxerxes,† kings of Persia. 15The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.†

16Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication† of the house of God with joy. 17For the dedication of this house of God they offered† a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred male lambs and, as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, one for each of the tribes of Israel. 18And they installed the priests in their divisions† and the Levites in their groups† for the service of God at Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.†

The Passover

19On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover.† 20The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean. The Levites slaughtered† the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their brothers the priests and for themselves. 21So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves† from the unclean practices† of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the LORD,† the God of Israel. 22For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread,† because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude† of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.


Ezra 7

Ezra Comes to Jerusalem

1After these things, during the reign of Artaxerxes† king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,† 2the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok,† the son of Ahitub,† 3the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, 4the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest— 6this Ezra† came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.† 7Some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants, also came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.†




8Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. 9He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.† 10For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching† its decrees and laws in Israel.

King Artaxerxes’ Letter to Ezra

11This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and teacher, a man learned in matters concerning the commands and decrees of the LORD for Israel:

12[17] Artaxerxes, king of kings,†

To Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven:

Greetings.

13Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who wish to go to Jerusalem with you, may go. 14You are sent by the king and his seven advisers† to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. 15Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given† to the God of Israel, whose dwelling† is in Jerusalem, 16together with all the silver and gold† you may obtain from the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests for the temple of their God in Jerusalem.† 17With this money be sure to buy bulls, rams and male lambs,† together with their grain offerings and drink offerings,† and sacrifice† them on the altar of the temple of your God in Jerusalem.

18You and your brother Jews may then do whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, in accordance with the will of your God. 19Deliver† to the God of Jerusalem all the articles entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your God. 20And anything else needed for the temple of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may provide from the royal treasury.†

21Now I, King Artaxerxes, order all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven, may ask of you— 22up to a hundred talents[18] of silver, a hundred cors[19] of wheat, a hundred baths[20] of wine, a hundred baths[21] of olive oil, and salt without limit. 23Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and of his sons?† 24You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty† on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God.†

25And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint† magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach† any who do not know them. 26Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.†

27Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king’s heart† to bring honor† to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way 28and who has extended his good favor† to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me,† I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.


Ezra 8

List of the Family Heads Returning With Ezra

1These are the family heads and those registered with them who came up with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes:†




2of the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom;

of the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel;

of the descendants of David, Hattush 3of the descendants of Shecaniah;†

of the descendants of Parosh,† Zechariah, and with him were registered 150 men;

4of the descendants of Pahath-Moab,† Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men;

5of the descendants of Zattu,[22] Shecaniah son of Jahaziel, and with him 300 men;

6of the descendants of Adin,† Ebed son of Jonathan, and with him 50 men;

7of the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men;

8of the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son of Michael, and with him 80 men;

9of the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men;

10of the descendants of Bani,[23] Shelomith son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men;

11of the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him 28 men;

12of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men;

13of the descendants of Adonikam,† the last ones, whose names were Eliphelet, Jeuel and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men;

14of the descendants of Bigvai, Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men.

The Return to Jerusalem

15I assembled them at the canal that flows toward Ahava,† and we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites† there. 16So I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah and Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of learning, 17and I sent them to Iddo, the leader in Casiphia. I told them what to say to Iddo and his kinsmen, the temple servants† in Casiphia, so that they might bring attendants to us for the house of our God. 18Because the gracious hand of our God was on us,† they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah’s sons and brothers, 18 men; 19and Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and nephews, 20 men. 20They also brought 220 of the temple servants†—a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name.

21There, by the Ahava Canal,† I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey† for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers† and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone† who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.†” 23So we fasted† and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

24Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah,† Hashabiah and ten of their brothers, 25and I weighed out† to them the offering of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his advisers, his officials and all Israel present there had donated for the house of our God. 26I weighed out to them 650 talents[24] of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents,[25] 100 talents[26] of gold, 2720 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics,[27] and two fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.

28I said to them, “You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD.† The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. 29Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before the leading priests and the Levites and the family heads of Israel.” 30Then the priests and Levites received the silver and gold and sacred articles that had been weighed out to be taken to the house of our God in Jerusalem.

31On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal† to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way. 32So we arrived in Jerusalem, where we rested three days.†

33On the fourth day, in the house of our God, we weighed out the silver and gold and the sacred articles into the hands of Meremoth† son of Uriah, the priest. Eleazar son of Phinehas was with him, and so were the Levites Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui.† 34Everything was accounted for by number and weight, and the entire weight was recorded at that time.

35Then the exiles who had returned from captivity sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven male lambs and, as a sin offering, twelve male goats.† All this was a burnt offering to the LORD. 36They also delivered the king’s orders† to the royal satraps and to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, who then gave assistance to the people and to the house of God.†


Ezra 9

Ezra’s Prayer About Intermarriage

1After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate† from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites,† Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites.† 2They have taken some of their daughters† as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race† with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.”†

3When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. 4Then everyone who trembled† at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice.

5Then, at the evening sacrifice,† I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God 6and prayed:

“O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.† 7From the days of our forefathers† until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword† and captivity,† to pillage and humiliation† at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.

8“But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious† in leaving us a remnant† and giving us a firm place† in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes† and a little relief in our bondage. 9Though we are slaves,† our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness† in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins,† and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.

10“But now, O our God, what can we say after this? For we have disregarded the commands† 11you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: ‘The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted† by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices† they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. 12Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them† at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.’

13“What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved† and have given us a remnant like this. 14Shall we again break your commands and intermarry† with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us,† leaving us no remnant† or survivor? 15O LORD, God of Israel, you are righteous!† We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand† in your presence.†”


Ezra 10

The People’s Confession of Sin

1While Ezra was praying and confessing,† weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a large crowd of Israelites—men, women and children—gathered around him. They too wept bitterly. 2Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, one of the descendants of Elam, said to Ezra, “We have been unfaithful† to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel.† 3Now let us make a covenant† before our God to send away† all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law. 4Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”

5So Ezra rose up and put the leading priests and Levites and all Israel under oath† to do what had been suggested. And they took the oath. 6Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water,† because he continued to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.

7A proclamation was then issued throughout Judah and Jerusalem for all the exiles to assemble in Jerusalem. 8Anyone who failed to appear within three days would forfeit all his property, in accordance with the decision of the officials and elders, and would himself be expelled from the assembly of the exiles.

9Within the three days, all the men of Judah and Benjamin† had gathered in Jerusalem. And on the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people were sitting in the square before the house of God, greatly distressed by the occasion and because of the rain. 10Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt. 11Now make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.”†

12The whole assembly responded with a loud voice:† “You are right! We must do as you say. 13But there are many people here and it is the rainy season; so we cannot stand outside. Besides, this matter cannot be taken care of in a day or two, because we have sinned greatly in this thing. 14Let our officials act for the whole assembly. Then let everyone in our towns who has married a foreign woman come at a set time, along with the elders and judges† of each town, until the fierce anger† of our God in this matter is turned away from us.” 15Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah, supported by Meshullam and Shabbethai† the Levite, opposed this.

16So the exiles did as was proposed. Ezra the priest selected men who were family heads, one from each family division, and all of them designated by name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat down to investigate the cases, 17and by the first day of the first month they finished dealing with all the men who had married foreign women.

Those Guilty of Intermarriage

18Among the descendants of the priests, the following had married foreign women:†

From the descendants of Jeshua† son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib and Gedaliah. 19(They all gave their hands† in pledge to put away their wives, and for their guilt they each presented a ram from the flock as a guilt offering.)†

20From the descendants of Immer:†

Hanani and Zebadiah.

21From the descendants of Harim:†

Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel and Uzziah.

22From the descendants of Pashhur:†

Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad and Elasah.

23Among the Levites:†

Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah and Eliezer.

24From the singers:

Eliashib.†

From the gatekeepers:

Shallum, Telem and Uri.

25And among the other Israelites:

From the descendants of Parosh:†

Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malkijah and Benaiah.

26From the descendants of Elam:†

Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth and Elijah.

27From the descendants of Zattu:

Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad and Aziza.

28From the descendants of Bebai:

Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai and Athlai.

29From the descendants of Bani:

Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal and Jeremoth.

30From the descendants of Pahath-Moab:

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

31From the descendants of Harim:

Eliezer, Ishijah, Malkijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32Benjamin, Malluch and Shemariah.

33From the descendants of Hashum:

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

34From the descendants of Bani:

Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35Benaiah, Bedeiah, Keluhi, 36Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37Mattaniah, Mattenai and Jaasu.

38From the descendants of Binnui:[28]

Shimei, 39Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40Macnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42Shallum, Amariah and Joseph.

43From the descendants of Nebo:

Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel and Benaiah.

44All these had married foreign women, and some of them had children by these wives.[29]

NEHEMIAH

Author, Place and Date of Writing

Ezra the priest, who is presumed to have written this book around 430 B.C., after having returned to Jerusalem with a group of Babylonian exiles in 458 B.C., also authored the book of Ezra in about 440 B.C. Originally two separate compositions, they were combined into one book, titled Ezra, prior to A.D. 100. The oldest manuscripts of the Septuagint treated Nehemiah and Ezra as one book. Origen (c. A.D. 185–253) was the first writer to make a distinction between the two, which he called 1 Ezra and 2 Ezra. Wycliffe’s (1382) and Coverdale’s (1535) English translations also separated the two.

Audience

Generations of Israelites after the exiles had returned from Babylon read the book of Nehemiah. Ezra clearly wanted his readers to understand what had happened in Jerusalem as the exiles returned, as well as the issues they faced and overcame in order to reestablish their covenant relationship with God. The national identity of God’s people was at stake: The community of God had to be rebuilt upon the foundation of God’s covenants with his people established many years earlier.

Cultural Facts and Highlights

Continuing the historical record found in the book of Ezra, Nehemiah describes the Jews’ return from exile in Babylon and God’s continued faithfulness to his covenant people. The book’s narrative is communicated through the life of Nehemiah, who left his position as cupbearer of Artaxerxes to become governor of Jerusalem when Ezra was leading the people.

Timeline

As You Read

Notice the key role of prayer in Nehemiah’s life, and evaluate its importance in your own life today. Imagine how the Jewish exiles must have felt as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem under threats from powerful neighbors and even opposition from some fellow Jews. Reflect on why—despite what they were learning about God and Moses’ Law, as well as their participation in the covenant-renewal ceremony (chs. 8–10)—the members of the Jewish remnant seemed unable or unwilling to honor fully their covenant with Yahweh or to maintain purity of faith.

Carefully note the challenges Nehemiah faced. Imagine his disappointment after having returned from his visit with Artaxerxes only to discover that more problems had surfaced while he had been away: neglect of the temple, Levites not being supplied with food and supplies, God’s people working on the Sabbath, men of Judah once again marrying pagan women. Follow along as he and Ezra worked to overcome these crises of national identity.

Did You Know?


Themes

Nehemiah contains the following themes:

  1. Renewal. While rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was the obvious material challenge facing Nehemiah, reestablishing the Jews’ commitment to God and to the Mosaic Law was his primary spiritual concern. Nehemiah 9:1–12:47 captures the people’s dramatic response to the reading of the law by Ezra (8:1–18): They confessed their sins (9:1–37) and voluntarily recommitted themselves to God’s covenant (9:38–10:39). Later, during a second visit from Nehemiah, they agreed to support the temple (13:4–14), keep the Sabbath (13:15–22) and divorce their foreign wives (13:23–31).
  2. Prayer. Prayer is essential to any work of God, and Nehemiah was a model leader who initiated his plans only after consultation with God. A man of prayer (1:4; 2:4; 4:4; 5:19; 6:9, 14; 13:14, 22, 29, 31), his efforts were richly blessed by God.
  3. Opposition. Nehemiah’s task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was met with strong resistance, which was overcome with God’s help (2:19–20; 4:1–15; 5:1–19; 6:1–14).

Outline

I. Nehemiah Leads in the Rebuilding of the Wall (1:1–7:3)

II. Changes Under Ezra (7:4–10:39)

III. Jerusalem Repopulated and Wall Dedicated (11–12)

IV. Nehemiah’s Return to Jerusalem and Leadership Role (13)


Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah’s Prayer

1The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:




In the month of Kislev† in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2Hanani,† one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant† that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

3They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.†”

4When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.† For some days I mourned and fasted† and prayed before the God of heaven. 5Then I said:

“O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God,† who keeps his covenant of love† with those who love him and obey his commands, 6let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear† the prayer† your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. 7We have acted very wickedly† toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8“Remember† the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter† you among the nations, 9but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather† them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’†

10“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.† 11O Lord, let your ear be attentive† to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

I was cupbearer† to the king.


Nehemiah 2

Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem

1In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes,† when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before; 2so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”




I was very much afraid, 3but I said to the king, “May the king live forever!† Why should my face not look sad when the city† where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?†”

4The king said to me, “What is it you want?”

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

6Then the king†, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time.

7I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates,† so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel† by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me,† the king granted my requests. 9So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry† with me.

10When Sanballat† the Horonite and Tobiah† the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.†

Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls

11I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days† 12I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

13By night I went out through the Valley Gate† toward the Jackal[1] Well and the Dung Gate,† examining the walls† of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate† and the King’s Pool,† but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.

17Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.† Come, let us rebuild the wall† of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.†” 18I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me† and what the king had said to me.

They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

19But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem† the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us.† “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”

20I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share† in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”


Nehemiah 3

Builders of the Wall

1Eliashib† the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt† the Sheep Gate.† They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel.† 2The men of Jericho† built the adjoining section, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them.

3The Fish Gate† was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa,† but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.[2]