# Esdras 1

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> The First Book of Esdras
> 
> 1Esdr 1
> And Josias held the feast of the passover in Jerusalem unto his Lord,
> and offered the passover the fourteenth day of the first month;
> 
> 2
> Having set the priests according to their daily courses,
> being arrayed in long garments, in the temple of the Lord.
> 
> 3
> And he spake unto the Levites, the holy ministers of Israel,
> that they should hallow themselves unto the Lord, to set
> the holy ark of the Lord in the house that king Solomon
> the son of David had built:
> 
> 4
> And said, Ye shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders:
> now therefore serve the Lord your God, and minister unto his
> people Israel, and prepare you after your families and kindreds,
> 
> 5
> According as David the king of Israel prescribed,
> and according to the magnificence of Solomon his son:
> and standing in the temple according to the several dignity
> of the families of you the Levites, who minister in the presence
> of your brethren the children of Israel,
> 
> 6
> Offer the passover in order, and make ready the sacrifices
> for your brethren, and keep the passover according to the
> commandment of the Lord, which was given unto Moses.
> 
> 7
> And unto the people that was found there Josias gave
> thirty thousand lambs and kids, and three thousand calves:
> these things were given of the king's allowance,
> according as he promised, to the people, to the priests,
> and to the Levites.
> 
> 8
> And Helkias, Zacharias, and Syelus, the governors of the temple,
> gave to the priests for the passover two thousand and six hundred sheep,
> and three hundred calves.
> 
> 9
> And Jeconias, and Samaias, and Nathanael his brother, and Assabias,
> and Ochiel, and Joram, captains over thousands, gave to the Levites
> for the passover five thousand sheep, and seven hundred calves.
> 
> 10
> And when these things were done, the priests and Levites,
> having the unleavened bread, stood in very comely order
> according to the kindreds,
> 
> 11
> And according to the several dignities of the fathers,
> before the people, to offer to the Lord, as it is written
> in the book of Moses: and thus did they in the morning.
> 
> 12
> And they roasted the passover with fire, as appertaineth:
> as for the sacrifices, they sod them in brass pots and pans
> with a good savour,
> 
> 13
> And set them before all the people: and afterward they prepared
> for themselves, and for the priests their brethren, the sons of Aaron.
> 
> 14
> For the priests offered the fat until night: and the Levites
> prepared for themselves, and the priests their brethren,
> the sons of Aaron.
> 
> 15
> The holy singers also, the sons of Asaph, were in their order,
> according to the appointment of David, to wit, Asaph, Zacharias,
> and Jeduthun, who was of the king's retinue.
> 
> 16
> Moreover the porters were at every gate; it was not lawful
> for any to go from his ordinary service: for their brethren
> the Levites prepared for them.
> 
> 17
> Thus were the things that belonged to the sacrifices
> of the Lord accomplished in that day, that they might
> hold the passover,
> 
> 18
> And offer sacrifices upon the altar of the Lord,
> according to the commandment of king Josias.
> 
> 19
> So the children of Israel which were present held the
> passover at that time, and the feast of sweet bread seven days.
> 
> 20
> And such a passover was not kept in Israel since
> the time of the prophet Samuel.
> 
> 21
> Yea, all the kings of Israel held not such a passover as Josias,
> and the priests, and the Levites, and the Jews, held with all Israel
> that were found dwelling at Jerusalem.
> 
> 22
> In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept.
> 
> 23
> And the works or Josias were upright before his Lord
> with an heart full of godliness.
> 
> 24
> As for the things that came to pass in his time, they were written
> in former times, concerning those that sinned, and did wickedly against
> the Lord above all people and kingdoms, and how they grieved him exceedingly,
> so that the words of the Lord rose up against Israel.
> 
> 25
> Now after all these acts of Josias it came to pass,
> that Pharaoh the king of Egypt came to raise war at Carchamis
> upon Euphrates: and Josias went out against him.
> 
> 26
> But the king of Egypt sent to him, saying,
> What have I to do with thee, O king of Judea?
> 
> 27
> I am not sent out from the Lord God against thee; for my war
> is upon Euphrates: and now the Lord is with me, yea, the Lord is
> with me hasting me forward: depart from me, and be not against the Lord.
> 
> 28
> Howbeit Josias did not turn back his chariot from him,
> but undertook to fight with him, not regarding the words
> of the prophet Jeremy spoken by the mouth of the Lord:
> 
> 29
> But joined battle with him in the plain of Magiddo,
> and the princes came against king Josias.
> 
> 30
> Then said the king unto his servants, Carry me away out of
> the battle; for I am very weak. And immediately his servants
> took him away out of the battle.
> 
> 31
> Then gat he up upon his second chariot; and being brought
> back to Jerusalem died, and was buried in his father's sepulchre.
> 
> 32
> And in all Jewry they mourned for Josias, yea, Jeremy the prophet
> lamented for Josias, and the chief men with the women made lamentation
> for him unto this day: and this was given out for an ordinance
> to be done continually in all the nation of Israel.
> 
> 33
> These things are written in the book of the stories of the
> kings of Judah, and every one of the acts that Josias did,
> and his glory, and his understanding in the law of the Lord,
> and the things that he had done before, and the things now recited,
> are reported in the book of the kings of Israel and Judea.
> 
> 34
> And the people took Joachaz the son of Josias, and made him king
> instead of Josias his father, when he was twenty and three years old.
> 
> 35
> And he reigned in Judea and in Jerusalem three months: and
> then the king of Egypt deposed him from reigning in Jerusalem.
> 
> 36
> And he set a tax upon the land of an hundred talents
> of silver and one talent of gold.
> 
> 37
> The king of Egypt also made king Joacim his brother king
> of Judea and Jerusalem.
> 
> 38
> And he bound Joacim and the nobles: but Zaraces his brother
> he apprehended, and brought him out of Egypt.
> 
> 39
> Five and twenty years old was Joacim when he was made king in the land
> of Judea and Jerusalem; and he did evil before the Lord.
> 
> 40
> Wherefore against him Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up,
> and bound him with a chain of brass, and carried him into Babylon.
> 
> 41
> Nabuchodonosor also took of the holy vessels of the Lord,
> and carried them away, and set them in his own temple at Babylon.
> 
> 42
> But those things that are recorded of him, and of his uncleaness and impiety,
> are written in the chronicles of the kings.
> 
> 43
> And Joacim his son reigned in his stead:
> he was made king being eighteen years old;
> 
> 44
> And reigned but three months and ten days in Jerusalem;
> and did evil before the Lord.
> 
> 45
> So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be
> brought into Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord;
> 
> 46
> And made Zedechias king of Judea and Jerusalem, when he was
> one and twenty years old; and he reigned eleven years:
> 
> 47
> And he did evil also in the sight of the Lord, and cared not
> for the words that were spoken unto him by the prophet Jeremy
> from the mouth of the Lord.
> 
> 48
> And after that king Nabuchodonosor had made him to swear
> by the name of the Lord, he forswore himself, and rebelled;
> and hardening his neck, his heart, he transgressed the laws
> of the Lord God of Israel.
> 
> 49
> The governors also of the people and of the priests did many things
> against the laws, and passed all the pollutions of all nations,
> and defiled the temple of the Lord, which was sanctified in Jerusalem.
> 
> 50
> Nevertheless the God of their fathers sent by his messenger
> to call them back, because he spared them and his tabernacle also.
> 
> 51
> But they had his messengers in derision; and, look, when the
> Lord spake unto them, they made a sport of his prophets:
> 
> 52
> So far forth, that he, being wroth with his people for their great ungodliness,
> commanded the kings of the Chaldees to come up against them;
> 
> 53
> Who slew their young men with the sword, yea, even within the compass
> of their holy temple, and spared neither young man nor maid,
> old man nor child, among them; for he delivered all into their hands.
> 
> 54
> And they took all the holy vessels of the Lord,
> both great and small, with the vessels of the ark of God,
> and the king's treasures, and carried them away into Babylon.
> 
> 55
> As for the house of the Lord, they burnt it, and brake down
> the walls of Jerusalem, and set fire upon her towers:
> 
> 56
> And as for her glorious things, they never ceased till they
> had consumed and brought them all to nought: and the people
> that were not slain with the sword he carried unto Babylon:
> 
> 57
> Who became servants to him and his children, till the Persians reigned,
> to fulfil the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremy:
> 
> 58
> Until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths, the whole time of her
> desolation shall she rest, until the full term of seventy years.
> 
> 1Esdr 2
> In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the
> word of the Lord might be accomplished, that he had promised by
> the mouth of Jeremy;
> 
> 2
> The Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus the king of the
> Persians, and he made proclamation through all his kingdom, and
> also by writing,
> 
> 3
> Saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians; The Lord of
> Israel, the most high Lord, hath made me king of the whole
> world,
> 
> 4
> And commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry.
> 
> 5
> If therefore there be any of you that are of his people, let
> the Lord, even his Lord, be with him, and let him go up to
> Jerusalem that is in Judea, and build the house of the Lord of
> Israel: for he is the Lord that dwelleth in Jerusalem.
> 
> 6
> Whosoever then dwell in the places about, let them help him,
> those, I say, that are his neighbours, with gold, and with
> silver,
> 
> 7
> With gifts, with horses, and with cattle, and other things,
> which have been set forth by vow, for the temple of the Lord at
> Jerusalem.
> 
> 8
> Then the chief of the families of Judea and of the tribe of
> Benjamin stood up; the priests also, and the Levites, and all
> they whose mind the Lord had moved to go up, and to build an
> house for the Lord at Jerusalem,
> 
> 9
> And they that dwelt round about them, and helped them in all
> things with silver and gold, with horses and cattle, and with
> very many free gifts of a great number whose minds were stirred
> up thereto.
> 
> 10
> King Cyrus also brought forth the holy vessels, which
> Nabuchodonosor had carried away from Jerusalem, and had set up
> in his temple of idols.
> 
> 11
> Now when Cyrus king of the Persians had brought them forth,
> he delivered them to Mithridates his treasurer:
> 
> 12
> And by him they were delivered to Sanabassar the governor of
> Judea.
> 
> 13
> And this was the number of them; A thousand golden cups, and
> a thousand of silver, censers of silver twenty nine, vials of
> gold thirty, and of silver two thousand four hundred and ten,
> and a thousand other vessels.
> 
> 14
> So all the vessels of gold and of silver, which were carried
> away, were five thousand four hundred threescore and nine.
> 
> 15
> These were brought back by Sanabassar, together with them of
> the captivity, from Babylon to Jerusalem.
> 
> 16
> But in the time of Artexerxes king of the Persians Belemus,
> and Mithridates, and Tabellius, and Rathumus, and Beeltethmus,
> and Semellius the secretary, with others that were in commission
> with them, dwelling in Samaria and other places, wrote unto him
> against them that dwelt in Judea and Jerusalem these letters
> following;
> 
> 17
> To king Artexerxes our lord, Thy servants, Rathumus the
> storywriter, and Semellius the scribe, and the rest of their
> council, and the judges that are in Celosyria and Phenice.
> 
> 18
> Be it now known to the lord king, that the Jews that are up
> from you to us, being come into Jerusalem, that rebellious and
> wicked city, do build the marketplaces, and repair the walls of
> it and do lay the foundation of the temple.
> 
> 19
> Now if this city and the walls thereof be made up again, they
> will not only refuse to give tribute, but also rebel against
> kings.
> 
> 20
> And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now
> in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter,
> 
> 21
> But to speak unto our lord the king, to the intent that, if
> it be thy pleasure it may be sought out in the books of thy
> fathers:
> 
> 22
> And thou shalt find in the chronicles what is written
> concerning these things, and shalt understand that that city was
> rebellious, troubling both kings and cities:
> 
> 23
> And that the Jews were rebellious, and raised always wars
> therein; for the which cause even this city was made desolate.
> 
> 24
> Wherefore now we do declare unto thee, O lord the king, that
> if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up anew,
> thou shalt from henceforth have no passage into Celosyria and
> Phenice.
> 
> 25
> Then the king wrote back again to Rathumus the storywriter,
> to Beeltethmus, to Semellius the scribe, and to the rest that
> were in commission, and dwellers in Samaria and Syria and
> Phenice, after this manner;
> 
> 26
> I have read the epistle which ye have sent unto me: therefore
> I commanded to make diligent search, and it hath been found that
> that city was from the beginning practising against kings;
> 
> 27
> And the men therein were given to rebellion and war: and that
> mighty kings and fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned and
> exacted tributes in Celosyria and Phenice.
> 
> 28
> Now therefore I have commanded to hinder those men from
> building the city, and heed to be taken that there be no more
> done in it;
> 
> 29
> And that those wicked workers proceed no further to the
> annoyance of kings,
> 
> 30
> Then king Artexerxes his letters being read, Rathumus, and
> Semellius the scribe, and the rest that were in commission with
> them, removing in haste toward Jerusalem with a troop of
> horsemen and a multitude of people in battle array, began to
> hinder the builders; and the building of the temple in Jerusalem
> ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of the
> Persians.
> 
> 1Esdr 3
> Now when Darius reigned, he made a great feast unto all his
> subjects, and unto all his household, and unto all the princes
> of Media and Persia,
> 
> 2
> And to all the governors and captains and lieutenants that
> were under him, from India unto Ethiopia, of an hundred twenty
> and seven provinces.
> 
> 3
> And when they had eaten and drunken, and being satisfied were
> gone home, then Darius the king went into his bedchamber, and
> slept, and soon after awaked.
> 
> 4
> Then three young men, that were of the guard that kept the
> king's body, spake one to another;
> 
> 5
> Let every one of us speak a sentence: he that shall overcome,
> and whose sentence shall seem wiser than the others, unto him
> shall the king Darius give great gifts, and great things in
> token of victory:
> 
> 6
> As, to be clothed in purple, to drink in gold, and to sleep
> upon gold, and a chariot with bridles of gold, and an headtire
> of fine linen, and a chain about his neck:
> 
> 7
> And he shall sit next to Darius because of his wisdom, and
> shall be called Darius his cousin.
> 
> 8
> And then every one wrote his sentence, sealed it, and laid it
> under king Darius his pillow;
> 
> 9
> And said that, when the king is risen, some will give him the
> writings; and of whose side the king and the three princes of
> Persia shall judge that his sentence is the wisest, to him shall
> the victory be given, as was appointed.
> 
> 10
> The first wrote, Wine is the strongest.
> 
> 11
> The second wrote, The king is strongest.
> 
> 12
> The third wrote, Women are strongest: but above all things
> Truth beareth away the victory.
> 
> 13
> Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings, and
> delivered them unto him, and so he read them:
> 
> 14
> And sending forth he called all the princes of Persia and
> Media, and the governors, and the captains, and the lieutenants,
> and the chief officers;
> 
> 15
> And sat him down in the royal seat of judgment; and the
> writings were read before them.
> 
> 16
> And he said, Call the young men, and they shall declare their
> own sentences. So they were called, and came in.
> 
> 17
> And he said unto them, Declare unto us your mind concerning
> the writings. Then began the first, who had spoken of the
> strength of wine;
> 
> 18
> And he said thus, O ye men, how exceeding strong is wine! it
> causeth all men to err that drink it:
> 
> 19
> It maketh the mind of the king and of the fatherless child to
> be all one; of the bondman and of the freeman, of the poor man
> and of the rich:
> 
> 20
> It turneth also every thought into jollity and mirth, so that
> a man remembereth neither sorrow nor debt:
> 
> 21
> And it maketh every heart rich, so that a man remembereth
> neither king nor governor; and it maketh to speak all things by
> talents:
> 
> 22
> And when they are in their cups, they forget their love both
> to friends and brethren, and a little after draw out swords:
> 
> 23
> But when they are from the wine, they remember not what they
> have done.
> 
> 24
> O ye men, is not wine the strongest, that enforceth to do
> thus? And when he had so spoken, he held his peace.
> 
> 1Esdr 4
> Then the second, that had spoken of the strength of the king,
> began to say,
> 
> 2
> O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over
> sea and land and all things in them?
> 
> 3
> But yet the king is more mighty: for he is lord of all these
> things, and hath dominion over them; and whatsoever he
> commandeth them they do.
> 
> 4
> If he bid them make war the one against the other, they do
> it: if he send them out against the enemies, they go, and break
> down mountains walls and towers.
> 
> 5
> They slay and are slain, and transgress not the king's
> commandment: if they get the victory, they bring all to the
> king, as well the spoil, as all things else.
> 
> 6
> Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do
> with wars, but use husbundry, when they have reaped again that
> which they had sown, they bring it to the king, and compel one
> another to pay tribute unto the king.
> 
> 7
> And yet he is but one man: if he command to kill, they kill;
> if he command to spare, they spare;
> 
> 8
> If he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make
> desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they
> build;
> 
> 9
> If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to
> plant, they plant.
> 
> 10
> So all his people and his armies obey him: furthermore he
> lieth down, he eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest:
> 
> 11
> And these keep watch round about him, neither may any one
> depart, and do his own business, neither disobey they him in any
> thing.
> 
> 12
> O ye men, how should not the king be mightiest, when in such
> sort he is obeyed? And he held his tongue.
> 
> 13
> Then the third, who had spoken of women, and of the truth,
> (this was Zorobabel) began to speak.
> 
> 14
> O ye men, it is not the great king, nor the multitude of men,
> neither is it wine, that excelleth; who is it then that ruleth
> them, or hath the lordship over them? are they not women?
> 
> 15
> Women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule
> by sea and land.
> 
> 16
> Even of them came they: and they nourished them up that
> planted the vineyards, from whence the wine cometh.
> 
> 17
> These also make garments for men; these bring glory unto men;
> and without women cannot men be.
> 
> 18
> Yea, and if men have gathered together gold and silver, or
> any other goodly thing, do they not love a woman which is comely
> in favour and beauty?
> 
> 19
> And letting all those things go, do they not gape, and even
> with open mouth fix their eyes fast on her; and have not all men
> more desire unto her than unto silver or gold, or any goodly
> thing whatsoever?
> 
> 20
> A man leaveth his own father that brought him up, and his own
> country, and cleaveth unto his wife.
> 
> 21
> He sticketh not to spend his life with his wife. and
> remembereth neither father, nor mother, nor country.
> 
> 22
> By this also ye must know that women have dominion over you:
> do ye not labour and toil, and give and bring all to the woman?
> 
> 23
> Yea, a man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to rob and to
> steal, to sail upon the sea and upon rivers;
> 
> 24
> And looketh upon a lion, and goeth in the darkness; and when
> he hath stolen, spoiled, and robbed, he bringeth it to his love.
> 
> 25
> Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father or mother.
> 
> 26
> Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women,
> and become servants for their sakes.
> 
> 27
> Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women.
> 
> 28
> And now do ye not believe me? is not the king great in his
> power? do not all regions fear to touch him?
> 
> 29
> Yet did I see him and Apame the king's concubine, the
> daughter of the admirable Bartacus, sitting at the right hand of
> the king,
> 
> 30
> And taking the crown from the king's head, and setting it
> upon her own head; she also struck the king with her left hand.
> 
> 31
> And yet for all this the king gaped and gazed upon her with
> open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if she
> took any displeasure at him, the king was fain to flatter, that
> she might be reconciled to him again.
> 
> 32
> O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing
> they do thus?
> 
> 33
> Then the king and the princes looked one upon another: so he
> began to speak of the truth.
> 
> 34
> O ye men, are not women strong? great is the earth, high is
> the heaven, swift is the sun in his course, for he compasseth
> the heavens round about, and fetcheth his course again to his
> own place in one day.
> 
> 35
> Is he not great that maketh these things? therefore great is
> the truth, and stronger than all things.
> 
> 36
> All the earth crieth upon the truth, and the heaven blesseth
> it: all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no
> unrighteous thing.
> 
> 37
> Wine is wicked, the king is wicked, women are wicked, all the
> children of men are wicked, and such are all their wicked works;
> and there is no truth in them; in their unrighteousness also
> they shall perish.
> 
> 38
> As for the truth, it endureth, and is alwaYs strong; it
> liveth and conquereth for evermore.
> 
> 39
> With her there is no accepting of persons or rewards; but she
> doeth the things that are just, and refraineth from all unjust
> and wicked things; and all men do well like of her works.
> 
> 40
> Neither in her judgment is any unrighteousness; and she is
> the strength, kingdom, power, and majesty, of all ages. Blessed
> be the God of truth.
> 
> 41
> And with that he held his peace. And all the people then
> shouted, and said, Great is Truth, and mighty above all things.
> 
> 42
> Then said the king unto him, Ask what thou wilt more than is
> appointed in the writing, and we will give it thee, because thou
> art found wisest; and thou shalt sit next me, and shalt be
> called my cousin.
> 
> 43
> Then said he unto the king, Remember thy vow, which thou hast
> vowed to build Jerusalem, in the day when thou camest to thy
> kingdom,
> 
> 44
> And to send away all the vessels that were taken away out of
> Jerusalem, which Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy
> Babylon, and to send them again thither.
> 
> 45
> Thou also hast vowed to build up the temple, which the
> Edomites burned when Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees.
> 
> 46
> And now, O lord the king, this is that which I require, and
> which I desire of thee, and this is the princely liberality
> proceeding from thyself: I desire therefore that thou make good
> the vow, the performance whereof with thine own mouth thou hast
> vowed to the King of heaven.
> 
> 47
> Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, and wrote
> letters for him unto all the treasurers and lieutenants and
> captains and governors, that they should safely convey on their
> way both him, and all those that go up with him to build
> Jerusalem.
> 
> 48
> He wrote letters also unto the lieutenants that were in
> Celosyria and Phenice, and unto them in Libanus, that they
> should bring cedar wood from Libanus unto Jerusalem, and that
> they should build the city with him.
> 
> 49
> Moreover he wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm
> up into Jewry, concerning their freedom, that no officer, no
> ruler, no lieutenant, nor treasurer, should forcibly enter into
> their doors;
> 
> 50
> And that all the country which they hold should be free
> without tribute; and that the Edomites should give over the
> villages of the Jews which then they held:
> 
> 51
> Yea, that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the
> building of the temple, until the time that it were built;
> 
> 52
> And other ten talents yearly, to maintain the burnt offerings
> upon the altar every day, as they had a commandment to offer
> seventeen:
> 
> 53
> And that all they that went from Babylon to build the city
> should have free liberty, as well they as their posterity, and
> all the priests that went away.
> 
> 54
> He wrote also concerning. the charges, and the priests'
> vestments wherein they minister;
> 
> 55
> And likewise for the charges of the Levites, to be given them
> until the day that the house were finished, and Jerusalem
> builded up.
> 
> 56
> And he commanded to give to all that kept the city pensions
> and wages.
> 
> 57
> He sent away also all the vessels from Babylon, that Cyrus
> had set apart; and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the
> same charged he also to be done, and sent unto Jerusalem.
> 
> 58
> Now when this young man was gone forth, he lifted up his face
> to heaven toward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven,
> 
> 59
> And said, From thee cometh victory, from thee cometh wisdom,
> and thine is the glory, and I am thy servant.
> 
> 60
> Blessed art thou, who hast given me wisdom: for to thee I
> give thanks, O Lord of our fathers.
> 
> 61
> And so he took the letters, and went out, and came unto
> Babylon, and told it all his brethren.
> 
> 62
> And they praised the God of their fathers, because he had
> given them freedom and liberty
> 
> 63
> To go up, and to build Jerusalem, and the temple which is
> called by his name: and they feasted with instruments of musick
> and gladness seven days.
> 
> 1Esdr 5
> After this were the principal men of the families chosen
> according to their tribes, to go up with their wives and sons
> and daughters, with their menservants and maidservants, and
> their cattle.
> 
> 2
> And Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen, till they had
> brought them back to Jerusalem safely, and with musical
> [instruments] tabrets and flutes.
> 
> 3
> And all their brethren played, and he made them go up
> together with them.
> 
> 4
> And these are the names of the men which went up, according
> to their families among their tribes, after their several heads.
> 
> 5
> The priests, the sons of Phinees the son of Aaron: Jesus the
> son of Josedec, the son of Saraias, and Joacim the son of
> Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the house of David, out of
> the kindred of Phares, of the tribe of Judah;
> 
> 6
> Who spake wise sentences before Darius the king of Persia in
> the second year of his reign, in the month Nisan, which is the
> first month.
> 
> 7
> And these are they of Jewry that came up from the captivity,
> where they dwelt as strangers, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of
> Babylon had carried away unto Babylon.
> 
> 8
> And they returned unto Jerusalem, and to the other parts of
> Jewry, every man to his own city, who came with Zorobabel, with
> Jesus, Nehemias, and Zacharias, and Reesaias, Enenius,
> Mardocheus. Beelsarus, Aspharasus, Reelius, Roimus, and Baana,
> their guides.
> 
> 9
> The number of them of the nation, and their governors, sons
> of Phoros, two thousand an hundred seventy and two; the sons of
> Saphat, four hundred seventy and two:
> 
> 10
> The sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty and six:
> 
> 11
> The sons of Phaath Moab, two thousand eight hundred and
> twelve:
> 
> 12
> The sons of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four: the
> sons of Zathul, nine hundred forty and five: the sons of Corbe,
> seven hundred and five: the sons of Bani, six hundred forty and
> eight:
> 
> 13
> The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three: the sons of
> Sadas, three thousand two hundred twenty and two:
> 
> 14
> The sons of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and seven: the sons
> of Bagoi, two thousand sixty and six: the sons of Adin, four
> hundred fifty and four:
> 
> 15
> The sons of Aterezias, ninety and two: the sons of Ceilan and
> Azetas threescore and seven: the sons of Azuran, four hundred
> thirty and two:
> 
> 16
> The sons of Ananias, an hundred and one: the sons of Arom,
> thirty two: and the sons of Bassa, three hundred twenty and
> three: the sons of Azephurith, an hundred and two:
> 
> 17
> The sons of Meterus, three thousand and five: the sons of
> Bethlomon, an hundred twenty and three:
> 
> 18
> They of Netophah, fifty and five: they of Anathoth, an
> hundred fifty and eight: they of Bethsamos, forty and two:
> 
> 19
> They of Kiriathiarius, twenty and five: they of Caphira and
> Beroth, seven hundred forty and three: they of Pira, seven
> hundred:
> 
> 20
> They of Chadias and Ammidoi, four hundred twenty and two:
> they of Cirama and Gabdes, six hundred twenty and one:
> 
> 21
> They of Macalon, an hundred twenty and two: they of Betolius,
> fifty and two: the sons of Nephis, an hundred fifty and six:
> 
> 22
> The sons of Calamolalus and Onus, seven hundred twenty and
> five: the sons of Jerechus, two hundred forty and five:
> 
> 23
> The sons of Annas, three thousand three hundred and thirty.
> 
> 24
> The priests: the sons of Jeddu, the son of Jesus among the
> sons of Sanasib, nine hundred seventy and two: the sons of
> Meruth, a thousand fifty and two:
> 
> 25
> The sons of Phassaron, a thousand forty and seven: the sons
> of Carme, a thousand and seventeen.
> 
> 26
> The Levites: the sons of Jessue, and Cadmiel, and Banuas, and
> Sudias, seventy and four.
> 
> 27
> The holy singers: the sons of Asaph, an hundred twenty and
> eight.
> 
> 28
> The porters: the sons of Salum, the sons of Jatal, the sons
> of Talmon, the sons of Dacobi, the sons of Teta, the sons of
> Sami, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
> 
> 29
> The servants of the temple: the sons of Esau, the sons of
> Asipha, the sons of Tabaoth, the sons of Ceras, the sons of Sud,
> the sons of Phaleas, the sons of Labana, the sons of Graba,
> 
> 30
> The sons of Acua, the sons of Uta, the sons of Cetab, the
> sons of Agaba, the sons of Subai, the sons of Anan, the sons of
> Cathua, the sons of Geddur,
> 
> 31
> The sons of Airus, the sons of Daisan, the sons of Noeba, the
> sons of Chaseba, the sons of Gazera, the sons of Azia, the sons
> of Phinees, the sons of Azare, the sons of Bastai, the sons of
> Asana, the sons of Meani, the sons of Naphisi, the sons of Acub,
> the sons of Acipha, the sons of Assur, the sons of Pharacim, the
> sons of Basaloth,
> 
> 32
> The sons of Meeda, the sons of Coutha, the sons of Charea,
> the sons of Charcus, the sons of Aserer, the sons of Thomoi, the
> sons of Nasith, the sons of Atipha.
> 
> 33
> The sons of the servants of Solomon: the sons of Azaphion,
> the sons of Pharira, the sons of Jeeli, the sons of Lozon, the
> sons of Israel, the sons of Sapheth,
> 
> 34
> The sons of Hagia, the sons of Pharacareth, the sons of
> Sabi, the sons of Sarothie, the sons of Masias, the sons of Gar,
> the sons of Addus, the sons of Suba, the sons of Apherra, the
> sons of Barodis, the sons of Sabat, the sons of Allom.
> 
> 35
> All the ministers of the temple, and the sons of the servants
> of Solomon, were three hundred seventy and two.
> 
> 36
> These came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas, Charaathalar
> leading them, and Aalar;
> 
> 37
> Neither could they shew their families, nor their stock, how
> they were of Israel: the sons of Ladan, the son of Ban, the sons
> of Necodan, six hundred fifty and two.
> 
> 38
> And of the priests that usurped the office of the priesthood,
> and were not found: the sons of Obdia, the sons of Accoz, the
> sons of Addus, who married Augia one of the daughters of
> Barzelus, and was named after his name.
> 
> 39
> And when the description of the kindred of these men was
> sought in the register, and was not found, they were removed
> from executing the office of the priesthood:
> 
> 40
> For unto them said Nehemias and Atharias, that they should
> not be partakers of the holy things, till there arose up an high
> priest clothed with doctrine and truth.
> 
> 41
> So of Israel, from them of twelve years old and upward, they
> were all in number forty thousand, beside menservants and
> womenservants two thousand three hundred and sixty.
> 
> 42
> Their menservants and handmaids were seven thousand three
> hundred forty and seven: the singing men and singing women, two
> hundred forty and five:
> 
> 43
> Four hundred thirty and five camels, seven thousand thirty
> and six horses, two hundred forty and five mules, five thousand
> five hundred twenty and five beasts used to the yoke.
> 
> 44
> And certain of the chief of their families, when they came to
> the temple of God that is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the
> house again in his own place according to their ability,
> 
> 45
> And to give into the holy treasury of the works a thousand
> pounds of gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred priestly
> vestments.
> 
> 46
> And so dwelt the priests and the Levites and the people in
> Jerusalem, and in the country, the singers also and the porters;
> and all Israel in their villages.
> 
> 47
> But when the seventh month was at hand, and when the children
> of Israel were every man in his own place, they came all
> together with one consent into the open place of the first gate
> which is toward the east.
> 
> 48
> Then stood up Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren the
> priests and Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and his brethren,
> and made ready the altar of the God of Israel,
> 
> 49
> To offer burnt sacrifices upon it, according as it is
> expressly commanded in the book of Moses the man of God.
> 
> 50
> And there were gathered unto them out of the other nations of
> the land, and they erected the altar upon his own place, because
> all the nations of the land were at enmity with them, and
> oppressed them; and they offered sacrifices according to the
> time, and burnt offerings to the Lord both morning and evening.
> 
> 51
> Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded
> in the law, and offered sacrifices daily, as was meet:
> 
> 52
> And after that, the continual oblations, and the sacrifice of
> the sabbaths, and of the new moons, and of all holy feasts.
> 
> 53
> And all they that had made any vow to God began to offer
> sacrifices to God from the first day of the seventh month,
> although the temple of the Lord was not yet built.
> 
> 54
> And they gave unto the masons and carpenters money, meat, and
> drink, with cheerfulness.
> 
> 55
> Unto them of Zidon also and Tyre they gave carrs, that they
> should bring cedar trees from Libanus, which should be brought
> by floats to the haven of Joppa, according as it was commanded
> them by Cyrus king of the Persians.
> 
> 56
> And in the second year and second month after his coming to
> the temple of God at Jerusalem began Zorobabel the son of
> Salathiel, and Jesus the son of Josedec, and their brethren, and
> the priests, and the Levites, and all they that were come unto
> Jerusalem out of the captivity:
> 
> 57
> And they laid the foundation of the house of God in the first
> day of the second month, in the second year after they were come
> to Jewry and Jerusalem.
> 
> 58
> And they appointed the Levites from twenty years old over the
> works of the Lord. Then stood up Jesus, and his sons and
> brethren, and Cadmiel his brother, and the sons of Madiabun,
> with the sons of Joda the son of Eliadun, with their sons and
> brethren, all Levites, with one accord setters forward of the
> business, labouring to advance the works in the house of God. So
> the workmen built the temple of the Lord.
> 
> 59
> And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical
> instruments and trumpets; and the Levites the sons of Asaph had
> cymbals,
> 
> 60
> Singing songs of thanksgiving, and praising the Lord,
> according as David the king of Israel had ordained.
> 
> 61
> And they sung with loud voices songs to the praise of the
> Lord, because his mercy and glory is for ever in all Israel.
> 
> 62
> And all the people sounded trumpets, and shouted with a loud
> voice, singing songs of thanksgiving unto the Lord for the
> rearing up of the house of the Lord.
> 
> 63
> Also of the priests and Levites, and of the chief of their
> families, the ancients who had seen the former house came to the
> building of this with weeping and great crying.
> 
> 64
> But many with trumpets and joy shouted with loud voice,
> 
> 65
> Insomuch that the trumpets might not be heard for the weeping
> of the people: yet the multitude sounded marvellously, so that
> it was heard afar off.
> 
> 66
> Wherefore when the enemies of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin
> heard it, they came to know what that noise of trumpets should
> mean.
> 
> 67
> And they perceived that they that were of the captivity did
> build the temple unto the Lord God of Israel.
> 
> 68
> So they went to Zorobabel and Jesus, and to the chief of the
> families, and said unto them, We will build together with you.
> 
> 69
> For we likewise, as ye, do obey your Lord, and do sacrifice
> unto him from the days of Azbazareth the king of the Assyrians,
> who brought us hither.
> 
> 70
> Then Zorobabel and Jesus and the chief of the families of
> Israel said unto them, It is not for us and you to build
> together an house unto the Lord our God.
> 
> 71
> We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord of Israel,
> according as Cyrus the king of the Persians hath commanded us.
> 
> 72
> But the heathen of the land lying heavy upon the inhabitants
> of Judea, and holding them strait, hindered their building;
> 
> 73
> And by their secret plots, and popular persuasions and
> commotions, they hindered the finishing of the building all the
> time that king Cyrus lived: so they were hindered from building
> for the space of two years, until the reign of Darius.
> 
> 1Esdr 6
> Now in the second year of the reign of Darius Aggeus and
> Zacharias the son of Addo, the prophets, prophesied unto the
> Jews in Jewry and Jerusalem in the name of the Lord God of
> Israel, which was upon them.
> 
> 2
> Then stood up Zorobabel the son of Salatiel, and Jesus the
> son of Josedec, and began to build the house of the Lord at
> Jerusalem, the prophets of the Lord being with them, and helping
> them.
> 
> 3
> At the same time came unto them Sisinnes the governor of
> Syria and Phenice, with Sathrabuzanes and his companions, and
> said unto them,
> 
> 4
> By whose appointment do ye build this house and this roof,
> and perform all the other things? and who are the workmen that
> perform these things?
> 
> 5
> Nevertheless the elders of the Jews obtained favour, because
> the Lord had visited the captivity;
> 
> 6
> And they were not hindered from building, until such time as
> signification was given unto Darius concerning them, and an
> answer received.
> 
> 7
> The copy of the letters which Sisinnes, governor of Syria and
> Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, rulers in
> Syria and Phenice, wrote and sent unto Darius; To king Darius,
> greeting:
> 
> 8
> Let all things be known unto our lord the king, that being
> come into the country of Judea, and entered into the city of
> Jerusalem we found in the city of Jerusalem the ancients of the
> Jews that were of the captivity
> 
> 9
> Building an house unto the Lord, great and new, of hewn and
> costly stones, and the timber already laid upon the walls.
> 
> 10
> And those works are done with great speed, and the work goeth
> on prosperously in their hands, and with all glory and diligence
> is it made.
> 
> 11
> Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment
> build ye this house, and lay the foundations of these works?
> 
> 12
> Therefore to the intent that we might give knowledge unto
> thee by writing, we demanded of them who were the chief doers,
> and we required of them the names in writing of their principal
> men.
> 
> 13
> So they gave us this answer, We are the servants of the Lord
> which made heaven and earth.
> 
> 14
> And as for this house, it was builded many years ago by a
> king of Israel great and strong, and was finished.
> 
> 15
> But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned
> against the Lord of Israel which is in heaven, he gave them over
> into the power of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, of the
> Chaldees;
> 
> 16
> Who pulled down the house, and burned it, and carried away
> the people captives unto Babylon.
> 
> 17
> But in the first year that king Cyrus reigned over the
> country of Babylon Cyrus the king wrote to build up this house.
> 
> 18
> And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, that
> Nabuchodonosor had carried away out of the house at Jerusalem,
> and had set them in his own temple those Cyrus the king brought
> forth again out of the temple at Babylon, and they were
> delivered to Zorobabel and to Sanabassarus the ruler,
> 
> 19
> With commandment that he should carry away the same vessels,
> and put them in the temple at Jerusalem; and that the temple of
> the Lord should be built in his place.
> 
> 20
> Then the same Sanabassarus, being come hither, laid the
> foundations of the house of the Lord at Jerusalem; and from that
> time to this being still a building, it is not yet fully ended.
> 
> 21
> Now therefore, if it seem good unto the king, let search be
> made among the records of king Cyrus:
> 
> 22
> And if it be found that the building of the house of the Lord
> at Jerusalem hath been done with the consent of king Cyrus, and
> if our lord the king be so minded, let him signify unto us
> thereof.
> 
> 23
> Then commanded king Darius to seek among the records at
> Babylon: and so at Ecbatane the palace, which is in the country
> of Media, there was found a roll wherein these things were
> recorded.
> 
> 24
> In the first year of the reign of Cyrus king Cyrus commanded
> that the house of the Lord at Jerusalem should be built again,
> where they do sacrifice with continual fire:
> 
> 25
> Whose height shall be sixty cubits and the breadth sixty
> cubits, with three rows of hewn stones, and one row of new wood
> of that country; and the expences thereof to be given out of the
> house of king Cyrus:
> 
> 26
> And that the holy vessels of the house of the Lord, both of
> gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at
> Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, should be restored to the
> house at Jerusalem, and be set in the place where they were
> before.
> 
> 27
> And also he commanded that Sisinnes the governor of Syria and
> Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, and their companions, and those
> which were appointed rulers in Syria and Phenice, should be
> careful not to meddle with the place, but suffer Zorobabel, the
> servant of the Lord, and governor of Judea, and the elders of
> the Jews, to build the house of the Lord in that place.
> 
> 28
> I have commanded also to have it built up whole again; and
> that they look diligently to help those that be of the captivity
> of the Jews, till the house of the Lord be finished:
> 
> 29
> And out of the tribute of Celosyria and Phenice a portion
> carefully to be given these men for the sacrifices of the Lord,
> that is, to Zorobabel the governor, for bullocks, and rams, and
> lambs;
> 
> 30
> And also corn, salt, wine, and oil, and that continually
> every year without further question, according as the priests
> that be in Jerusalem shall signify to be daily spent:
> 
> 31
> That offerings may be made to the most high God for the king
> and for his children, and that they may pray for their lives.
> 
> 32
> And he commanded that whosoever should transgress, yea, or
> make light of any thing afore spoken or written, out of his own
> house should a tree be taken, and he thereon be hanged, and all
> his goods seized for the king.
> 
> 33
> The Lord therefore, whose name is there called upon, utterly
> destroy every king and nation, that stretcheth out his hand to
> hinder or endamage that house of the Lord in Jerusalem.
> 
> 34
> I Darius the king have ordained that according unto these
> things it be done with diligence.
> 
> 1Esdr 7
> Then Sisinnes the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, and
> Sathrabuzanes, with their companions following the commandments
> of king Darius,
> 
> 2
> Did very carefully oversee the holy works, assisting the
> ancients of the Jews and governors of the temple.
> 
> 3
> And so the holy works prospered, when Aggeus and Zacharias
> the prophets prophesied.
> 
> 4
> And they finished these things by the commandment of the Lord
> God of Israel, and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius, and
> Artexerxes, kings of Persia.
> 
> 5
> And thus was the holy house finished in the three and
> twentieth day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of Darius
> king of the Persians
> 
> 6
> And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and
> others that were of the captivity, that were added unto them,
> did according to the things written in the book of Moses.
> 
> 7
> And to the dedication of the temple of the Lord they offered
> an hundred bullocks two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;
> 
> 8
> And twelve goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the
> number of the chief of the tribes of Israel.
> 
> 9
> The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in their
> vestments, according to their kindreds, in the service of the
> Lord God of Israel, according to the book of Moses: and the
> porters at every gate.
> 
> 10
> And the children of Israel that were of the captivity held
> the passover the fourteenth day of the first month, after that
> the priests and the Levites were sanctified.
> 
> 11
> They that were of the captivity were not all sanctified
> together: but the Levites were all sanctified together.
> 
> 12
> And so they offered the passover for all them of the
> captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for
> themselves.
> 
> 13
> And the children of Israel that came out of the captivity did
> eat, even all they that had separated themselves from the
> abominations of the people of the land, and sought the Lord.
> 
> 14
> And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days,
> making merry before the Lord,
> 
> 15
> For that he had turned the counsel of the king of Assyria
> toward them, to strengthen their hands in the works of the Lord
> God of Israel.
> 
> 1Esdr 8
> And after these things, when Artexerxes the king of the
> Persians reigned came Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of
> Ezerias, the son of Helchiah, the son of Salum,
> 
> 2
> The son of Sadduc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias,
> the son of Ezias, the son of Meremoth, the son of Zaraias, the
> son of Savias, the son of Boccas, the son of Abisum, the son of
> Phinees, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest.
> 
> 3
> This Esdras went up from Babylon, as a scribe, being very
> ready in the law of Moses, that was given by the God of Israel.
> 
> 4
> And the king did him honour: for he found grace in his sight
> in all his requests.
> 
> 5
> There went up with him also certain of the children of
> Israel, of the priest of the Levites, of the holy singers,
> porters, and ministers of the temple, unto Jerusalem,
> 
> 6
> In the seventh year of the reign of Artexerxes, in the fifth
> month, this was the king's seventh year; for they went from
> Babylon in the first day of the first month, and came to
> Jerusalem, according to the prosperous journey which the Lord
> gave them.
> 
> 7
> For Esdras had very great skill, so that he omitted nothing
> of the law and commandments of the Lord, but taught all Israel
> the ordinances and judgments.
> 
> 8
> Now the copy of the commission, which was written from
> Artexerxes the king, and came to Esdras the priest and reader of
> the law of the Lord, is this that followeth;
> 
> 9
> King Artexerxes unto Esdras the priest and reader of the law
> of the Lord sendeth greeting:
> 
> 10
> Having determined to deal graciously, I have given order,
> that such of the nation of the Jews, and of the priests and
> Levites being within our realm, as are willing and desirous
> should go with thee unto Jerusalem.
> 
> 11
> As many therefore as have a mind thereunto, let them depart
> with thee, as it hath seemed good both to me and my seven
> friends the counsellors;
> 
> 12
> That they may look unto the affairs of Judea and Jerusalem,
> agreeably to that which is in the law of the Lord;
> 
> 13
> And carry the gifts unto the Lord of Israel to Jerusalem,
> which I and my friends have vowed, and all the gold and silver
> that in the country of Babylon can be found, to the Lord in
> Jerusalem,
> 
> 14
> With that also which is given of the people for the temple of
> the Lord their God at Jerusalem: and that silver and gold may be
> collected for bullocks, rams, and lambs, and things thereunto
> appertaining;
> 
> 15
> To the end that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord upon
> the altar of the Lord their God, which is in Jerusalem.
> 
> 16
> And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver
> and gold, that do, according to the will of thy God.
> 
> 17
> And the holy vessels of the Lord, which are given thee for
> the use of the temple of thy God, which is in Jerusalem, thou
> shalt set before thy God in Jerusalem.
> 
> 18
> And whatsoever thing else thou shalt remember for the use of
> the temple of thy God, thou shalt give it out of the king's
> treasury.
> 
> 19
> And I king Artexerxes have also commanded the keepers of the
> treasures in Syria and Phenice, that whatsoever Esdras the
> priest and the reader of the law of the most high God shall send
> for, they should give it him with speed,
> 
> 20
> To the sum of an hundred talents of silver, likewise also of
> wheat even to an hundred cors, and an hundred pieces of wine,
> and other things in abundance.
> 
> 21
> Let all things be performed after the law of God diligently
> unto the most high God, that wrath come not upon the kingdom of
> the king and his sons.
> 
> 22
> I command you also, that ye require no tax, nor any other
> imposition, of any of the priests, or Levites, or holy singers,
> or porters, or ministers of the temple, or of any that have
> doings in this temple, and that no man have authority to impose
> any thing upon them.
> 
> 23
> And thou, Esdras, according to the wisdom of God ordain
> judges and justices, that they may judge in all Syria and
> Phenice all those that know the law of thy God; and those that
> know it not thou shalt teach.
> 
> 24
> And whosoever shall transgress the law of thy God, and of the
> king, shall be punished diligently, whether it be by death, or
> other punishment, by penalty of money, or by imprisonment.
> 
> 25
> Then said Esdras the scribe, Blessed be the only Lord God of
> my fathers, who hath put these things into the heart of the
> king, to glorify his house that is in Jerusalem:
> 
> 26
> And hath honoured me in the sight of the king, and his
> counsellors, and all his friends and nobles.
> 
> 27
> Therefore was I encouraged by the help of the Lord my God,
> and gathered together men of Israel to go up with me.
> 
> 28
> And these are the chief according to their families and several
> dignities, that went up with me from Babylon in the reign of
> king Artexerxes:
> 
> 29
> Of the sons of Phinees, Gerson: of the sons of Ithamar,
> Gamael: of the sons of David, Lettus the son of Sechenias:
> 
> 30
> Of the sons of Pharez, Zacharias; and with him were counted
> an hundred and fifty men:
> 
> 31
> Of the sons of Pahath Moab, Eliaonias, the son of Zaraias,
> and with him two hundred men:
> 
> 32
> Of the sons of Zathoe, Sechenias the son of Jezelus, and with
> him three hundred men: of the sons of Adin, Obeth the son of
> Jonathan, and with him two hundred and fifty men:
> 
> 33
> Of the sons of Elam, Josias son of Gotholias, and with him
> seventy men:
> 
> 34
> Of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son of Michael, and with
> him threescore and ten men:
> 
> 35
> Of the sons of Joab, Abadias son of Jezelus, and with him two
> hundred and twelve men:
> 
> 36
> Of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son of Josaphias, and with
> him an hundred and threescore men:
> 
> 37
> Of the sons of Babi, Zacharias son of Bebai, and with him
> twenty and eight men:
> 
> 38
> Of the sons of Astath, Johannes son of Acatan, and with him
> an hundred and ten men:
> 
> 39
> Of the sons of Adonikam the last, and these are the names of
> them, Eliphalet, Jewel, and Samaias, and with them seventy men:
> 
> 40
> Of the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of Istalcurus, and with him
> seventy men.
> 
> 41
> And these I gathered together to the river called Theras,
> where we pitched our tents three days: and then I surveyed them.
> 
> 42
> But when I had found there none of the priests and Levites,
> 
> 43
> Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Iduel, and Masman,
> 
> 44
> And Alnathan, and Mamaias, and Joribas, and Nathan, Eunatan,
> Zacharias, and Mosollamon, principal men and learned.
> 
> 45
> And I bade them that they should go unto Saddeus the captain,
> who was in the place of the treasury:
> 
> 46
> And commanded them that they should speak unto Daddeus, and
> to his brethren, and to the treasurers in that place, to send us
> such men as might execute the priests' office in the house of
> the Lord.
> 
> 47
> And by the mighty hand of our Lord they brought unto us
> skilful men of the sons of Moli the son of Levi, the son of
> Israel, Asebebia, and his sons, and his brethren, who were
> eighteen.
> 
> 48
> And Asebia, and Annus, and Osaias his brother, of the sons
> of Channuneus, and their sons, were twenty men.
> 
> 49
> And of the servants of the temple whom David had ordained,
> and the principal men for the service of the Levites to wit, the
> servants of the temple two hundred and twenty, the catalogue of
> whose names were shewed.
> 
> 50
> And there I vowed a fast unto the young men before our Lord,
> to desire of him a prosperous journey both for us and them that
> were with us, for our children, and for the cattle:
> 
> 51
> For I was ashamed to ask the king footmen, and horsemen, and
> conduct for safeguard against our adversaries.
> 
> 52
> For we had said unto the king, that the power of the Lord our
> God should be with them that seek him, to support them in all
> ways.
> 
> 53
> And again we besought our Lord as touching these things, and
> found him favourable unto us.
> 
> 54
> Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests,
> Esebrias, and Assanias, and ten men of their brethren with them:
> 
> 55
> And I weighed them the gold, and the silver, and the holy
> vessels of the house of our Lord, which the king, and his
> council, and the princes, and all Israel, had given.
> 
> 56
> And when I had weighed it, I delivered unto them six hundred
> and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels of an hundred
> talents, and an hundred talents of gold,
> 
> 57
> And twenty golden vessels, and twelve vessels of brass, even
> of fine brass, glittering like gold.
> 
> 58
> And I said unto them, Both ye are holy unto the Lord, and the
> vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver is a vow unto the
> Lord, the Lord of our fathers.
> 
> 59
> Watch ye, and keep them till ye deliver them to the chief of
> the priests and Levites, and to the principal men of the
> families of Israel, in Jerusalem, into the chambers of the house
> of our God.
> 
> 60
> So the priests and the Levites, who had received the silver
> and the gold and the vessels, brought them unto Jerusalem, into
> the temple of the Lord.
> 
> 61
> And from the river Theras we departed the twelfth day of the
> first month, and came to Jerusalem by the mighty hand of our
> Lord, which was with us: and from the beginning of our journey
> the Lord delivered us from every enemy, and so we came to
> Jerusalem.
> 
> 62
> And when we had been there three days, the gold and silver
> that was weighed was delivered in the house of our Lord on the
> fourth day unto Marmoth the priest the son of Iri.
> 
> 63
> And with him was Eleazar the son of Phinees, and with them
> were Josabad the son of Jesu and Moeth the son of Sabban,
> Levites: all was delivered them by number and weight.
> 
> 64
> And all the weight of them was written up the same hour.
> 
> 65
> Moreover they that were come out of the captivity offered
> sacrifice unto the Lord God of Israel, even twelve bullocks for
> all Israel, fourscore and sixteen rams,
> 
> 66
> Threescore and twelve lambs, goats for a peace offering,
> twelve; all of them a sacrifice to the Lord.
> 
> 67
> And they delivered the king's commandments unto the king's
> stewards' and to the governors of Celosyria and Phenice; and
> they honoured the people and the temple of God.
> 
> 68
> Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and
> said,
> 
> 69
> The nation of Israel, the princes, the priests and Levites,
> have not put away from them the strange people of the land, nor
> the pollutions of the Gentiles to wit, of the Canaanites,
> Hittites, Pheresites, Jebusites, and the Moabites, Egyptians,
> and Edomites.
> 
> 70
> For both they and their sons have married with their
> daughters, and the holy seed is mixed with the strange people of
> the land; and from the beginning of this matter the rulers and
> the great men have been partakers of this iniquity.
> 
> 71
> And as soon as I had heard these things, I rent my clothes,
> and the holy garment, and pulled off the hair from off my head
> and beard, and sat me down sad and very heavy.
> 
> 72
> So all they that were then moved at the word of the Lord God
> of Israel assembled unto me, whilst I mourned for the iniquity:
> but I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice.
> 
> 73
> Then rising up from the fast with my clothes and the holy
> garment rent, and bowing my knees, and stretching forth my hands
> unto the Lord,
> 
> 74
> I said, O Lord, I am confounded and ashamed before thy face;
> 
> 75
> For our sins are multiplied above our heads, and our
> ignorances have reached up unto heaven.
> 
> 76
> For ever since the time of our fathers we have been and are
> in great sin, even unto this day.
> 
> 77
> And for our sins and our fathers' we with our brethren and
> our kings and our priests were given up unto the kings of the
> earth, to the sword, and to captivity, and for a prey with
> shame, unto this day.
> 
> 78
> And now in some measure hath mercy been shewed unto us from
> thee, O Lord, that there should be left us a root and a name in
> the place of thy sanctuary;
> 
> 79
> And to discover unto us a light in the house of the Lord our
> God, and to give us food in the time of our servitude.
> 
> 80
> Yea, when we were in bondage, we were not forsaken of our
> Lord; but he made us gracious before the kings of Persia, so
> that they gave us food;
> 
> 81
> Yea, and honoured the temple of our Lord, and raised up the
> desolate Sion, that they have given us a sure abiding in Jewry
> and Jerusalem.
> 
> 82
> And now, O Lord, what shall we say, having these things? for
> we have transgressed thy commandments, which thou gavest by the
> hand of thy servants the prophets, saying,
> 
> 83
> That the land, which ye enter into to possess as an heritage,
> is a land polluted with the pollutions of the strangers of the
> land, and they have filled it with their uncleanness.
> 
> 84
> Therefore now shall ye not join your daughters unto their
> sons, neither shall ye take their daughters unto your sons.
> 
> 85
> Moreover ye shall never seek to have peace with them, that ye
> may be strong, and eat the good things of the land, and that ye
> may leave the inheritance of the land unto your children for
> evermore.
> 
> 86
> And all that is befallen is done unto us for our wicked works
> and great sins; for thou, O Lord, didst make our sins light,
> 
> 87
> And didst give unto us such a root: but we have turned back
> again to transgress thy law, and to mingle ourselves with the
> uncleanness of the nations of the land.
> 
> 88
> Mightest not thou be angry with us to destroy us, till thou
> hadst left us neither root, seed, nor name?
> 
> 89
> O Lord of Israel, thou art true: for we are left a root this
> day.
> 
> 90
> Behold, now are we before thee in our iniquities, for we
> cannot stand any longer by reason of these things before thee.
> 
> 91
> And as Esdras in his prayer made his confession, weeping, and
> lying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered
> unto him from Jerusalem a very great multitude of men and women
> and children: for there was great weeping among the multitude.
> 
> 92
> Then Jechonias the son of Jeelus, one of the sons of Israel,
> called out, and said, O Esdras, we have sinned against the Lord
> God, we have married strange women of the nations of the land,
> and now is all Israel aloft.
> 
> 93
> Let us make an oath to the Lord, that we will put away all
> our wives, which we have taken of the heathen, with their
> children,
> 
> 94
> Like as thou hast decreed, and as many as do obey the law of
> the Lord.
> 
> 95
> Arise and put in execution: for to thee doth this matter
> appertain, and we will be with thee: do valiantly.
> 
> 96
> So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the chief of the priests
> and Levites of all Israel to do after these things; and so they
> sware.
> 
> 1Esdr 9
> Then Esdras rising from the court of the temple went to the
> chamber of Joanan the son of Eliasib,
> 
> 2
> And remained there, and did eat no meat nor drink water,
> mourning for the great iniquities of the multitude.
> 
> 3
> And there was a proclamation in all Jewry and Jerusalem to
> all them that were of the captivity, that they should be
> gathered together at Jerusalem:
> 
> 4
> And that whosoever met not there within two or three days
> according as the elders that bare rule appointed, their cattle
> should be seized to the use of the temple, and himself cast out
> from them that were of the captivity.
> 
> 5
> And in three days were all they of the tribe of Judah and
> Benjamin gathered together at Jerusalem the twentieth day of the
> ninth month.
> 
> 6
> And all the multitude sat trembling in the broad court of the
> temple because of the present foul weather.
> 
> 7
> So Esdras arose up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed
> the law in marrying strange wives, thereby to increase the sins
> of Israel.
> 
> 8
> And now by confessing give glory unto the Lord God of our
> fathers,
> 
> 9
> And do his will, and separate yourselves from the heathen of
> the land, and from the strange women.
> 
> 10
> Then cried the whole multitude, and said with a loud voice,
> Like as thou hast spoken, so will we do.
> 
> 11
> But forasmuch as the people are many, and it is foul weather,
> so that we cannot stand without, and this is not a work of a day
> or two, seeing our sin in these things is spread far:
> 
> 12
> Therefore let the rulers of the multitude stay, and let all
> them of our habitations that have strange wives come at the time
> appointed,
> 
> 13
> And with them the rulers and judges of every place, till we
> turn away the wrath of the Lord from us for this matter.
> 
> 14
> Then Jonathan the son of Azael and Ezechias the son of
> Theocanus accordingly took this matter upon them: and Mosollam
> and Levis and Sabbatheus helped them.
> 
> 15
> And they that were of the captivity did according to all
> these things.
> 
> 16
> And Esdras the priest chose unto him the principal men of
> their families, all by name: and in the first day of the tenth
> month they sat together to examine the matter.
> 
> 17
> So their cause that held strange wives was brought to an end
> in the first day of the first month.
> 
> 18
> And of the priests that were come together, and had strange
> wives, there were found:
> 
> 19
> Of the sons of Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren;
> Matthelas and Eleazar, and Joribus and Joadanus.
> 
> 20
> And they gave their hands to put away their wives and to
> offer rams to make reconcilement for their errors.
> 
> 21
> And of the sons of Emmer; Ananias, and Zabdeus, and Eanes,
> and Sameius, and Hiereel, and Azarias.
> 
> 22
> And of the sons of Phaisur; Elionas, Massias Israel, and
> Nathanael, and Ocidelus and Talsas.
> 
> 23
> And of the Levites; Jozabad, and Semis, and Colius, who was
> called Calitas, and Patheus, and Judas, and Jonas.
> 
> 24
> Of the holy singers; Eleazurus, Bacchurus.
> 
> 25
> Of the porters; Sallumus, and Tolbanes.
> 
> 26
> Of them of Israel, of the sons of Phoros; Hiermas, and
> Eddias, and Melchias, and Maelus, and Eleazar, and Asibias, and
> Baanias.
> 
> 27
> Of the sons of Ela; Matthanias, Zacharias, and Hierielus, and
> Hieremoth, and Aedias.
> 
> 28
> And of the sons of Zamoth; Eliadas, Elisimus, Othonias,
> Jarimoth, and Sabatus, and Sardeus.
> 
> 29
> Of the sons of Babai; Johannes, and Ananias and Josabad, and
> Amatheis.
> 
> 30
> Of the sons of Mani; Olamus, Mamuchus, Jedeus, Jasubus,
> Jasael, and Hieremoth.
> 
> 31
> And of the sons of Addi; Naathus, and Moosias, Lacunus, and
> Naidus, and Mathanias, and Sesthel, Balnuus, and Manasseas.
> 
> 32
> And of the sons of Annas; Elionas and Aseas, and Melchias,
> and Sabbeus, and Simon Chosameus.
> 
> 33
> And of the sons of Asom; Altaneus, and Matthias, and Baanaia,
> Eliphalet, and Manasses, and Semei.
> 
> 34
> And of the sons of Maani; Jeremias, Momdis, Omaerus, Juel,
> Mabdai, and Pelias, and Anos, Carabasion, and Enasibus, and
> Mamnitanaimus, Eliasis, Bannus, Eliali, Samis, Selemias,
> Nathanias: and of the sons of Ozora; Sesis, Esril, Azaelus,
> Samatus, Zambis, Josephus.
> 
> 35
> And of the sons of Ethma; Mazitias, Zabadaias, Edes, Juel,
> Banaias.
> 
> 36
> All these had taken strange wives, and they put them away
> with their children.
> 
> 37
> And the priests and Levites, and they that were of Israel,
> dwelt in Jerusalem, and in the country, in the first day of the
> seventh month: so the children of Israel were in their
> habitations.
> 
> 38
> And the whole multitude came together with one accord into
> the broad place of the holy porch toward the east:
> 
> 39
> And they spake unto Esdras the priest and reader, that he
> would bring the law of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of
> Israel.
> 
> 40
> So Esdras the chief priest brought the law unto the whole
> multitude from man to woman, and to all the priests, to hear law
> in the first day of the seventh month.
> 
> 41
> And he read in the broad court before the holy porch from
> morning unto midday, before both men and women; and the
> multitude gave heed unto the law.
> 
> 42
> And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon a
> pulpit of wood, which was made for that purpose.
> 
> 43
> And there stood up by him Mattathias, Sammus, Ananias,
> Azarias, Urias, Ezecias, Balasamus, upon the right hand:
> 
> 44
> And upon his left hand stood Phaldaius, Misael, Melchias,
> Lothasubus, and Nabarias.
> 
> 45
> Then took Esdras the book of the law before the multitude:
> for he sat honourably in the first place in the sight of them
> all.
> 
> 46
> And when he opened the law, they stood all straight up. So
> Esdras blessed the Lord God most High, the God of hosts,
> Almighty.
> 
> 47
> And all the people answered, Amen; and lifting up their hands
> they fell to the ground, and worshipped the Lord.
> 
> 48
> Also Jesus, Anus, Sarabias, Adinus, Jacubus, Sabateas,
> Auteas, Maianeas, and Calitas, Asrias, and Joazabdus, and
> Ananias, Biatas, the Levites, taught the law of the Lord, making
> them withal to understand it.
> 
> 49
> Then spake Attharates unto Esdras the chief priest. and
> reader, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, even to
> all, saying,
> 
> 50
> This day is holy unto the Lord; (for they all wept when they
> heard the law:)
> 
> 51
> Go then, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part
> to them that have nothing;
> 
> 52
> For this day is holy unto the Lord: and be not sorrowful; for
> the Lord will bring you to honour.
> 
> 53
> So the Levites published all things to the people, saying,
> This day is holy to the Lord; be not sorrowful.
> 
> 54
> Then went they their way, every one to eat and drink, and
> make merry, and to give part to them that had nothing, and to
> make great cheer;
> 
> 55
> Because they understood the words wherein they were
> instructed, and for the which they had been assembled.
>
> — *Esdras 1*