𐌰 | 𐌱 | 𐌲 | 𐌳 | 𐌴 | 𐌵 | 𐌶 | 𐌷 | 𐌸 | 𐌹 | 𐌺 | 𐌻 | 𐌼 | 𐌽 | 𐌾 | 𐌿 | 𐍀 | 𐍁 | 𐍂 | 𐍃 | 𐍄 | 𐍅 | 𐍆 | 𐍇 | 𐍈 | 𐍉 | 𐍊 |
a | b | g | d | e | q | z | h | th | i | k | l | m | n | j | u | p | v | r | s | t | w | f | c | y | o | x |
Other rules applied if"th" 𐌸; if"ch" 𐍇; 𐍈 for 1st letter in Yehowah 𐍈𐌴𐌷𐍉𐍅𐌰𐌷 θεός Theos based upon 10 Commandents on stone tablet letters; end rules.
Regarding the Gothic letters' numeric values, most correspond to those of the Greek numerals.
𐌵 takes the place of Ϝ (6),𐌾 takes the place of ξ (60), 𐌿 that of Ο (70), 𐍈 that of ψ (700). While the letter shape Σ continues Phoenician šîn, its name sigma and its position in the alphabet is taken from the letter samekh S, while the shape of samekh but name and position of šîn is continued in the xi
|
| ( | ) | - | ΐ | Α | Β | Γ | Δ | Ε | Ζ | Θ | Κ | Λ | Μ | Ν | Ο | Π | Σ | Τ | Φ | Χ | Ω | ά | έ | ή | ί | ΰ | α | β | γ | δ | ε | ζ | η | θ | ι | κ | λ | μ | ν | ξ | ο | π | ρ | ς | σ | τ | υ | φ | χ | ψ | ω | ϊ | ϋ | ό | ύ | ώ | ϛ | ἀ | ἁ | ἄ | ἅ | ἆ | Ἀ | Ἄ | ἐ | ἑ | ἔ | ἕ | Ἐ | Ἑ | Ἔ | Ἕ | ἠ | ἡ | ἤ | ἥ | ἦ | ἧ | Ἠ | Ἡ | Ἤ | ἰ | ἱ | ἴ | ἵ | ἶ | ἷ | Ἰ | Ἱ | ὀ | ὁ | ὄ | ὅ | Ὀ | ὐ | ὑ | ὔ | ὕ | ὖ | ὗ | Ὑ | ὠ | ὡ | ὢ | ὤ | ὥ | ὦ | ὧ | Ὠ | Ὡ | ὰ | ά | ὲ | έ | ὴ | ή | ὶ | ί | ό | ύ | ώ | ᾄ | ᾅ | ᾠ | ᾳ | ᾴ | ᾶ | ᾷ | ῃ | ῄ | ῆ | ῇ | ΐ | ῖ | ΰ | ῤ | ῥ | ῦ | Ῥ | ῳ | ῴ | ῶ | ῷ | ’ |
| | | | i | a | b | g | d | e | z | th | k | l | m | n | o | p | s | t | ph | ch | o | a | e | e | i | y | a | b | g | d | e | z | e | th | i | k | l | m | n | x | o | p | r | s | s | t | y | ph | ch | ps | o | i | y | o | y | o | ϛ | a | ha | a | ha | a | a | a | e | he | e | he | e | he | e | he | e | he | e | he | e | he | e | he | e | i | hi | i | hi | i | hi | i | hi | o | ho | o | ho | o | y | hy | y | hy | y | hy | hy | o | ho | o | o | ho | o | ho | o | ho | a | a | e | e | e | e | i | i | o | y | o | ai | hai | oi | ai | ai | a | ai | ei | ei | e | ei | i | i | y | r | rh | y | rh | oi | oi | o | oi | |
u++ | u+28 | u+29 | u+- | u+CE90 | u+CE91 | u+CE92 | u+CE93 | u+CE94 | u+CE95 | u+CE96 | u+CE98 | u+CE9A | u+CE9B | u+CE9C | u+CE9D | u+CE9F | u+CEA0 | u+CEA3 | u+CEA4 | u+CEA6 | u+CEA7 | u+CEA9 | u+CEAC | u+CEAD | u+CEAE | u+CEAF | u+CEB0 | u+CEB1 | u+CEB2 | u+CEB3 | u+CEB4 | u+CEB5 | u+CEB6 | u+CEB7 | u+CEB8 | u+CEB9 | u+CEBA | u+CEBB | u+CEBC | u+CEBD | u+CEBE | u+CEBF | u+CF80 | u+CF81 | u+CF82 | u+CF83 | u+CF84 | u+CF85 | u+CF86 | u+CF87 | u+CF88 | u+CF89 | u+CF8A | u+CF8B | u+CF8C | u+CF8D | u+CF8E | u+CF9B | u+E1BC80 | u+E1BC81 | u+E1BC84 | u+E1BC85 | u+E1BC86 | u+E1BC88 | u+E1BC8C | u+E1BC90 | u+E1BC91 | u+E1BC94 | u+E1BC95 | u+E1BC98 | u+E1BC99 | u+E1BC9C | u+E1BC9D | u+E1BCA0 | u+E1BCA1 | u+E1BCA4 | u+E1BCA5 | u+E1BCA6 | u+E1BCA7 | u+E1BCA8 | u+E1BCA9 | u+E1BCAC | u+E1BCB0 | u+E1BCB1 | u+E1BCB4 | u+E1BCB5 | u+E1BCB6 | u+E1BCB7 | u+E1BCB8 | u+E1BCB9 | u+E1BD80 | u+E1BD81 | u+E1BD84 | u+E1BD85 | u+E1BD88 | u+E1BD90 | u+E1BD91 | u+E1BD94 | u+E1BD95 | u+E1BD96 | u+E1BD97 | u+E1BD99 | u+E1BDA0 | u+E1BDA1 | u+E1BDA2 | u+E1BDA4 | u+E1BDA5 | u+E1BDA6 | u+E1BDA7 | u+E1BDA8 | u+E1BDA9 | u+E1BDB0 | u+E1BDB1 | u+E1BDB2 | u+E1BDB3 | u+E1BDB4 | u+E1BDB5 | u+E1BDB6 | u+E1BDB7 | u+E1BDB9 | u+E1BDBB | u+E1BDBD | u+E1BE84 | u+E1BE85 | u+E1BEA0 | u+E1BEB3 | u+E1BEB4 | u+E1BEB6 | u+E1BEB7 | u+E1BF83 | u+E1BF84 | u+E1BF86 | u+E1BF87 | u+E1BF93 | u+E1BF96 | u+E1BFA3 | u+E1BFA4 | u+E1BFA5 | u+E1BFA6 | u+E1BFAC | u+E1BFB3 | u+E1BFB4 | u+E1BFB6 | u+E1BFB7 | u+E28099 |
| ͏ | ְ | ֱ | ֲ | ֳ | ִ | ֵ | ֶ | ַ | ָ | ֹ | ֺ | ֻ | ּ | ֽ | ־ | ׁ | ׂ | ׇ | א | ב | ג | ד | ה | ו | ז | ח | ט | י | ך | כ | ל | ם | מ | ן | נ | ס | ע | ף | פ | ץ | צ | ק | ר | ש | ת |
| | e | e | a | o | i | e | e | a | a | o | | u | | | | | | | ʼ | b | g | d | h | w | z | h | t | y | k | k | l | m | m | n | n | s | ʻ | p | p | z | z | q | r | s | t |
u++ | u+CD8F | u+D6B0 | u+D6B1 | u+D6B2 | u+D6B3 | u+D6B4 | u+D6B5 | u+D6B6 | u+D6B7 | u+D6B8 | u+D6B9 | u+D6BA | u+D6BB | u+D6BC | u+D6BD | u+D6BE | u+D781 | u+D782 | u+D787 | u+D790 | u+D791 | u+D792 | u+D793 | u+D794 | u+D795 | u+D796 | u+D797 | u+D798 | u+D799 | u+D79A | u+D79B | u+D79C | u+D79D | u+D79E | u+D79F | u+D7A0 | u+D7A1 | u+D7A2 | u+D7A3 | u+D7A4 | u+D7A5 | u+D7A6 | u+D7A7 | u+D7A8 | u+D7A9 | u+D7AA |
First Esdras
Chapter 1
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 kings 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 kings 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 fathers 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 uncleanness 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, and 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 kings 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.
Chapter 2
1 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 come 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.
Chapter 3
1 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 kings 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.
Chapter 4
1 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 kings 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 husbandry, 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 kings concubine, the
daughter of the admirable Bartacus, sitting at the right hand of the king, 30 And taking
the crown from the kings 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 calleth 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.
Chapter 5
1 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 Ammidioi, 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 Annaas, 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 Azara, 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
Isdael, 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 Sidon also and Tyre they gave carrs, that they should
bring cedar trees from Libanus, which should be brought by floats to the haven of Joppe,
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.
Chapter 6
1 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 Ecdatana 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.
Chapter 7
1 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.
Chapter 8
1 And after these things, when Artaxerxes
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 Memeroth, 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 Artaxerxes,
in the fifth month, this was the kings 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 counsellers; 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 kings 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, Jeuel, 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 Joribus, 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 Annuus, 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 kings commandments unto the kings
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.
Chapter 9
1 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, Ismael, 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, Azarias, 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.
Index of /Apocrypha
The Septuagint, Byzantine, & KJV Bibles used are in the Public Domain.
Genesis - Exodus - Leviticus - Numbers - Deuteronomy - Joshua - Judges - Ruth - 1 Samuel - 2 Samuel - 1 Kings - 2 Kings - 1 Chronicles - 2 Chronicles - 1 Ezra - 2 Ezra - Esther - Judith - Tobit - 1 Maccabees - 2 Maccabees - 3 Maccabees - 4 Maccabees - Psalms - Odes - Proverbs - Song of Songs - Job - Wisdom of Solomon - Ecclesiastes - Psalms of Solomon - Hosea - Amos - Micah - Joel - Obadiah - Jonas - Nahum - Habakkuk - Zephaniah - Malachi - Isaiah - Jeremiah - Baruch - Lamentations - Letter of Jeremiah - Ezekiel - Susanna - Susanna Theodotionis - Daniel - Daniel Theodotionis - Bel and the Dragon - Bel Dragon Theodotio - Matthew - Mark - Luke - John - Pericopa Adulterae - Acts - Acts24 - Romans - 1 Corinthians - 2 Corinthians - Galatians - Ephesians - Philippians - Colossians - 1 Thessalonians - 2 Thessalonians - 1 Timothy - 2 Timothy - Titus - Philemon - Hebrews - James - 1 Peter - 2 Peter - 1 John - 2 John - 3 John - Jude - Revelation -
Bible News- The Greek Word Pharma in Revelation 18:23, Does it Refer to Big Pharma? - Thu, 07 Apr 2022 13:09:12
- If you are a country club church working out of a country club building who wants to have a Country Club Church Website... - Sat, 26 Feb 2022 20:45:41
- Gematria of the Egyptian Hieroglyphs - Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:26:48
- Oldest Manuscript P47 shows Σ Sigma not Ξ Samekh for 60 in the 666 from Revelation 13:18 - Sun, 20 Feb 2022 09:30:56
- What does biblical “inerrancy” mean? | Richard Ostling - Patheos - Sun, 20 Feb 2022 09:29:08
- DC museum unveils rare 1,000-year-old Hebrew Bible - The Times of Israel - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:54:59
- Ancient Canaanite temple with statues of Baal found in southern Israel - Haaretz - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:53:28
- Inside the Lachish Temple, the Earliest Example of the Letter Samekh - The Daily Beast - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:44:02
- Israeli scholars discover corrections, erasures, revisions in oldest biblical manuscript - Haaretz - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:42:27
- Museum of the Bible returns hand-written gospels looted from Greece during the First World War - Art Newspaper - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:41:24
- Bible study: Ancient Jewish manuscript analysed using state-of-the-art cameras - Daily Mail - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:39:25
- Is a Long-Dismissed Forgery Actually the Oldest Known Biblical Manuscript? - The New York Times - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:32:39
- More Dead Sea Scrolls, second oldest Hebrew Bible manuscript, found after 60 years - ThePrint - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:30:23
- A Biblical Mystery and Reporting Odyssey: 1883 Fragments - The New York Times - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:24:46
- Lost Bible Fragment Recovered Among Dead Sea Scrolls | Lost Bible Fragment Recovered Among Dead Sea Scrolls - Patheos - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:14:35
- African Script Sheds Light on Evolution of Writing - DISCOVER Magazine - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:47:13
- Evidence of ‘biblical giants’ found in northern Israel - The Jerusalem Post - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:39:06
- Oldest precursor to letter S aka Samekhi was found in nine-letter Canaanite text unearthed in Israel - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:39:06
- In Tigray, Christianity May Be Erased - FSSPX.Actualités - FSSPX.News - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 14:12:41
- Rocket Science Confirms Biblical Creation - Answers In Genesis - Fri, 18 Feb 2022 13:28:44
Hosted by
Christ Servers
Christian Web Hosting