Third Book of Esdras

Chapter 1

      And Josias held the feast of Easter in Jerusalem unto the Lord, and slew the Passover the fourteenth day of the first month. He set the Priests also in order ( according to their daily courses ) being arrayed in long garments in the temple of the Lord. 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 builded, and said: Ye shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders. Now serve your Lord, and take the charge of his people of Israel, after your villages and tribes: according as King David the King of Israel hath ordained, and according as Solomon his son hath honorably prepared: yee look that ye all do service in the temple, according to the ordering and distribution of the principal men which are appointed out of the tribes, to do service for the children of Israel. Kill the Passover, and prepare offerings for your brethren, and do according to the commandment of the Lord, which he gave unto Moses. And unto the people that was found Josias gave thirty thousand of sheep, lambs, kids, and goats, and three thousand oxen. These the King ( of his kingly liberality ) gave unto the people, according as he had promised: and to the Priests for the Passover, he gave two thousand sheep, and a hundred oxen. Moreover, Jechonias and Semeias, and Nathanael brethren, and Hasabias, Jehiel, and Josabad gave them to the Passover, five thousand sheep and five hundred bullocks.
      And when these things were brought to pass, the Priests and the Levites stood goodly in their order, and had the unleavened bread throughout the tribes. And after the ordering of the principal men in the tribes, they offered unto the Lord in the sight of the people, according as it is written in the book of Moses, and so they roasted the Easter lamb as according was. As for the thankofferings and the other, they *dight them in kettles and pots, and set them before the people with good will, and afterward before themselves, and the Priests. For the Priests offered the fat, until the time was expired, but the Levites prepared for themselves and for their brethren the children of Aaron. The singers also the children of Asaph stood in their order, according as David had devised. So did Asaph, Zachary and Jduthun, which were appointed by the king. Moreover the porters and door keepers stood by the doors and diligently, so that none went out of his standing and service: for their brethren ( the Levites ) prepared for them. Thus were all things performed, that belonged to the offering of the Lord. In that day they held the Passover, and offered thanksgivings beside the sacrifice of the Lord, according to the commandment of king Josias.
      So the children of Israel which were then present held an honorable Passover, and the feast of sweet bread seven days long. Yee such a Passover was not kept in Israel from the time of the Prophet Samuel. And all the kings of Israel held not such an Easter, as this which king Josias held, and the priests and the Levites, the Jews and all Israel, of aliens that were at Jerusalem. And in the eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept. And with a perfect heart did king Josias order all his works, before the Lord, and the things that were written of him in times past, concerning those that sinned and were ungodly against the Lord before all people, and that sought not the word of the Lord upon Israel. After all these acts of king Josias, Pharao the king of Egypt went up and came toward Carcamis by Euphrates, and Josias went to meet him. Then sent the king of Egypt unto Josias saying: What have I to do with thee, O king of Juda? I am not sent of the Lord to fight against thee, for my war is upon Euphrates, go thou thy way home again in all hast. And Josias would not turn again upon his chariot, but undertook to fight against him, and hearkened not unto the word of the prophet, which he told him out of the mouth of God, But pitched a battle against him in the field of Mageddo. And the princes pressed to king Josias. Then said the king unto his servants: Carry me away out of the battle, for I am sore wounded. And immediately his servants took him away out of the front of the battle. Then sat he up upon the second chariot, came to Jerusalem, died, and was buried in his fathers sepulchre. And in all Jewry they mourned for Josias, yea the rulers also with their wives made lamentation for him unto this day: And this was done ever still in Israel.
      These things are written in the book of the stories of the kings of Judah, namely, all the acts and works of king Josias, his kingly power and majesty, his understanding in the law of God, and what he did, yee things which are not written in the book of the kings of Israel and Juda. And the people took Jechonias the son of Josias and made him King instead of Josias his father, when he was thirty three years old. And he reigned over Israel three months. And the king of Egypt put him down, that he should not reign in Jerusalem, and raised up a tax of the people: namely, an hundred talents of silver and one talent of gold. The king of Egypt also made Joachim his brother king of Juda and Jerusalem. As for them of the kings counsel with the king himself and Zaraceles his brother, he took them, and carried them away prisoners into Egypt. Five and twenty years old was Joachim, when he was made king in the land of Juda and Jerusalem, and he did evil before the Lord. After this, Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon came up, bound him with bands of iron, and carried him unto Babylon. Nabuchodonosor also took all the vessels that were hallowed in the temple of the Lord, and all the jewels, and carried them unto Babylon. Of his uncleanness and ungodliness, it is written in the book of the acts of the kings. And Joachim his son reigned in his stead: He was made king being eighteen years old, and reigned but three months and ten days in Jerusalem, and did evil before the Lord. So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought unto Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord, and made Sedechias his brother king of Juda and Jerusalem, when he was twenty one years old: and he reigned eleven years.
      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 at the mouth of the Lord. And where as he made an oath unto king Nabuchodonosor, he manswore himself, and fell from him having a stiff neck and a heart, and transgressed all the statutes and ordinances of the Lord God of Israel. The rulers also and heads of the people of the Lord did much evil, and became ungodly more than the Heathen, being defiled in all manner of abominations: Yee and defiled the holy temple of the Lord at Jerusalem. And the God of their fathers sent his messengers unto them, to turn them back and call then again from their sins: for he would faine (obligated / willing, happily) spared them for his holy tabernacles sake Nevertheless, they had his messengers in derision (contempt): and look what God spake unto them by his prophets, they made but sport of it. This drew on so long till the lord was wroth with his people for their ungodliness, and till he caused the kings of the Caldees to come up, which slew their young men with the sword, yee even in the compass of their holy temple, and spared nobody, neither young ner old, neither maiden ner young man: but they were all deliver into the power of the kings of the Caldees, and all the holy vessels of the Lord and the kings treasures took they, and carried them away unto Babylon. As for the house of the Lord, they burnt it, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem, set fire upon her towers, destroyed all her noble buildings and brought them to nought, and the people that were not slain with the sword, they carried unto Babylon.
      Thus became they prisoners and bondmen of the king of Babylon, till they were delivered and reigned for themselves, when the words of the Lord were fulfilled, which he promised them by the mouth of the prophet Jeremy, and till the land had her rest: namely, all the time that it lay waste: had it rest and quietness seventy seven years.

*dight (boiled)

Chapter 2

      Now when king Cyrus king reigned over the Persians, and when the Lord would perform the word that he had promised by the mouth of the prophet Jeremy: the Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus, the king of the Persians, so that he caused this writing to be proclamation throughout his whole realm, saying: Thus saith the king of Persians: The Lord of Israel, that high Lord, hath made me king of the land, and commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry. If there be any now of your people, the Lord be with him, and go up with him to Jerusalem. And all they that dwell round about the place, shall help them, whether it be with gold, with silver, with gifts, with horses and necessary cattle, and all other things that are brought with a free will to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem.
      Then the principal men out of the tribes and villages Juda and Ben Jamin stood up: so did the priests also and the Levites ( whom the Lord had moved ) to go up, and to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. And they that were about them, and helped them with all manner of gold, and silver, and cattle also and with many liberal gifts, and this did many one, whose mind was stirred up thereto. King Cyrus also brought forth the vessels and ornaments, that were hallowed unto the Lord ( which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away from Jerusalem, and consecrated them to his Idol and image ) and delivered them to Mithridatus his treasurer, and by him they were delivered to Salmanasar the deputy in Jewry. And this was the number of them: Two thousand and four hundred silver bowls. thirty silver basins. thirty basins of gold. two thousand and four hundred vessels of silver, and a thousand beside. All the vessels of gold and silver were five thousand eight hundred and sixty. These were numbered unto Salmanasar, and them that were come again with him to Jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon. Now in the time of King Artaxerses the king of Persia, these men: Belemus, and Mithridatus, Sabellius, Rathim, Balthemus, Semelius the Scribe, and other that dwelt in Samaria and in other places under the dominion thereof, wrote a letter unto King Artaxerses, wherein they complained unto the King of them in Jewry and Jerusalem. The letter was after this manner:
      Sir, thy servants, Rathimus the story writer, Sabellius the Scribe, and other judges of the court in Celosyria and Phenices. Be it known and manifest to our Lord the king, that the Jews which are come up from you unto us into the rebellious and wicked city, begin to build it again, and the walls about it, and to set up the temple of the new. Now if this city and the walls thereof be set up again, they shall not only refuse to give tributes and taxes, but also rebel utterly against the King. And forasmuch as they take this in hand now about the temple, we thought it reason, to think no scorn of it, but to show it unto our Lord the King, and to certify him thereof: to the intent that if it please the King, he may cause it to be sought in the books of old: and thou shalt find such warning written, and shall understand, that this city hath all ways been rebellious and disobedient, that it hath subdued Kings and cities, and that the Jews that dwell therein, have ever been a rebellious, obstinate, unfaithful, and fighting people, for the which cause this city is wasted. Wherefore now we certify our Lord the King, that if this city be builded and occupied again, and the walls thereof set up anew, thou canst have no passage into Celosyria and Phenices.
      Then wrote the king to Rathimus the story writer, to Beelthenius, to Sabellius the Scribe, and to the other officers and dwellers in Syria and Phenices, after this manner: I have read the epistle which thou have sent unto me, and have commanded to make diligent search, and have found, that the city hath ever resisted Kings, that the same people are disobedient, and have caused much war, and that mighty kings reigned in Jerusalem, which also have raised up taxes of Syria and Phenices. Wherefore I have commanded those people, that they shall not build the city, that they make no more in it, and that they proceed no further with the building: for so much as it might be the cause of war, and displeasure unto Kings.
      Now when Rathimus and Sabellius the Scribe, and the rulers in the land had read the writing of King Artarerses, they get them together, and came in all hast to Jerusalem with an host of horsemen, and with much people of foot, and forbade them to build. And so they left from the building of the temple, unto the second year of King Darius.

Chapter 3

      King Darius made a great feast unto his servants, unto all his court, and to all the officers of Medea and Persia, yee to all the deputies and rulers that were under him, from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty seven countries. So when they had eaten and drunken being satisfied, and were gone home again. Darius the King went into his chamber, layed him down to sleep, and so awaked.
      Then three young men, that kept the Kings person, and watched his body communed among themselves, and spake one to another: Let every one of us say something, and look whos sentence is wiser and more excellent then the other unto him shall King Darius give great gifts, and cloth him in purple. He shall give him vessels of gold to drink in, clothes of gold and coverings: he shall make him a costly chariot and a bridle of gold, he shall give him a bonnet of white silk, and a chain of gold about his neck: yee he shall be the second and principal next unto King Darius and that because of his wisdom, and shall be called the Kings kinsman.
      So every one wrote his meaning sealed it, and laid it under the Kings pillow, and said: when the king ariseth, we will give him our writings: and look whose word the King and his chief Lords judge to be the most wisely spoken, the same shall the victory. One wrote: Wine is a strong thing. The second wrote: The king is stronger. The third wrote: Women have yet more strength, but above all things the truth beareth away the victory. Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings and delivered them unto him, and so he read them. Then sent he forth and called all his chief lords, all the deputies and rulers of the countries of Medea and Persia. And when they were set down in the counsel, the writings were read before them. And he commanded to call for the young men that they might declare their meanings themselves by mouth. So when they were sent for, and came in, the King said unto them: show us and make us to understand, what the things are that ye have written.
      Then began the first, ( which had spoken of the strength of wine ) and said: O ye men, wine is marvelous strong, and over cometh them that drink it: it decieveth the mind, and bringeth both the poor man and the King to *dotage and vanity. Thus doth it also the bondman and with the free, with the poor and rich: it taketh away then understanding, and make them careless and merry, so that none of them remembereth any heaviness, debt or duty: It causeth a man to think also that the thing which he doeth, is honest and good: and remembereth not that he is a King, nor that he is in authority, and that he ought not to do such things. Moreover, when men are drinking, they forget all friendship, all brotherly faithfulness and love: but as soon as they are drunken, they draw out the sword and will fight: and when they are layed down from the wine, and so risen up again, they can not tell what they did: judge ye now, is not wine the wine the strongest? For who would else take in hand to do such things? And when he had spoken this he held his tongue.

*dotage (unfamiliar affection)

Chapter 4

      Then the second which had said, that the king was stronger, began to speak, saying: O ye men, are not they the strongest and most excellent, that conquer the land and the sea, and all that is in the sea and in the earth? Now is the King lord of all these things, and hath dominion of them all: and look what he commandeth is done. If he send his men forth a warfare, they go, and break down hills, walls and towns. They are slain, and slay ( other men ) themselves, and overpass not the Kings word. If they get the victory they bring the King all the spoil. Like wise the other that meddle not with wars and fighting, but till the ground: when they reap, they bring tribute unto the King. And if the King alone do but command to kill, they kill: if he command to forgive, they forgive: If he command to smite, they smite: if he command to drive away, they drive away: if he command to build, they build: If he command to break down, they break down: if he command to plant, they plant. The common people and the rulers are obedient unto him. And the King in the mean season sitteth him down, eateth, and drinketh, and taketh his rest: Then keep they watch round about the King, and not one of them dare get him out of the way, to do his own business, but must be obedient unto the King at a word. Judge ye now, O ye men, how should not he go far above, unto whom men are this obedient? And when he had spoken this, he held his tongue. The third whose name was Zorobabel, which had spoken of women and of truth, began to say after this manner: O ye men, it is not the great king, it is not the multitude of men, neither is it wine that excelleth: Who is it then that hath the lordship over them? Have not women borne the king, and all the people that rule those things? Have not women born them, and brought them up, that plant the vines, where out the wine cometh? They make the garments for all men, they give honor unto all men, and without women can not men live. If they gather gold and silver and all precious things, and see a fair well favored woman, they leave all together, and turn their eyes only unto the woman, and gape upon her, and have more desire unto her, then unto the silver and gold, or any manner of precious thing. A man leaveth his father that brought him up, he leaveth his own natural country, and cleaveth unto the woman: yee he jeopardizeth his life with the woman, and remembereth neither father, ner mother, ner country. By this then yee must needs know, that women have the dominion over you. Doth it grieve you? A man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to steal, to kill, to murder to sail upon the sea, and seeth a lion, and goeth in the darkness: and when he hath stolen, deceived and robbed, he bringeth it unto his love. Again, a man loveth his wife better then father and mother: yee many one there be, that run out of their wits, and become bondmen for their wives sakes: many one also have perished, and have been slain, and have sinned because of women.
      And now believe me, I know a King which is great in his power, and all lands stand in awe of him, and no man dare lay hand upon him: yet did I see, that Apame (the daughter of the great King Bartacus ) the Kings concubine, sat beside the King upon the right hand, and took off his crown from his head, and set it upon her own head, and smote the King with her left hand. Moreover, the King looked upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if she took any displeasure with him, the King was *faine to flatter her, and to give her good words, till he had gotten her favor again.
      O ye men, are not women then stronger? Great is the earth, and high is the heaven that do these things. Then the King and the Princes looked one upon another. So he began to speak of the truth: O ye men, are not women stronger? Great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the course of the sun, he compasses the heaven round about, and fetcheth his course again to his own place in one day. Is he not excellent that doeth this? Yee great is the truth, and stronger than all things. All the earth calleth upon the truth, the heaven praiseth it, all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no unrighteous thing. Wine is unrighteous: the King is unrighteous: women are unrighteous: all the children of men are unrighteous, yee all their works are unrighteous, and there is no truth in them, in their unrighteousness also shall they be destroyed and perish. As for the truth, it endureth, and is all way strong: it liveth and conquereth for evermore world with out end.
      The truth accepteth no persons, it putteth no difference between rich or poor, between the mighty or simple, but doeth right unto every man, whether they be evil or good, and all men are lovingly dealt with all in the works of it. In the judgement of it there is no unrighteous thing, but strength, Kingdom and power and majesty for evermore. Blessed be the God of truth.
      And with that he held his tongue, and all the people cried and said: Great is truth, and above all. Then said the king unto him: Ask what thou wilt, more than is appointed in the writing, and I shall give it thee, for thou art found wiser than thy companions: thou shalt sit next me, and be my kinsman. Then said he unto the king: Remember thy promise and vow, which thou hast vowed and promised ( in the day when thou camest to the Kingdom ) to build up Jerusalem, and to send again all the vessels and Jewels, that were taken away out of Jerusalem: which Cyrus separated, when he offered in Babylon, and would send them again. And thy mind was to build up the temple, which the Edomites burnt, when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Caldees. This only ( O King ) is the thing that I require, this is the majesty, which I desire and ask of thee: that thou perform the vow, which thou with thine own mouth hast made unto the King of heaven.
      Then Darius the King stood up, and kissed him, and wrote a letter unto all the deputies and *Shreves, to all the Lords and nobles, that they should convey him forth, and all them that would go up with him. He wrote a letter also unto the Shreves that were in Celosyria and Phenices, and unto Libanus, that they should draw cedar trees from Libanus unto Jerusalem, to build the city with all. Moreover he wrote unto all the Jews that were gone out of his realm into Jewry, because of the freedom, that no officer, no ruler, nor Shreve, **should come to their doors: and that all their land which they had conquered, should be free and not tributary: And that the Edomites should give over the cities and villages of the Jews, which they had taken in: yee and that they should yearly give twenty talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were finished: and to the daily hallowing of the burntofferings, as it is commanded, ten talents yearly also: And that all they which come from Babylon to build the city, should have free liberty, they and their children, and all the Priests.
      He wrote the greatness also, and commanded that the holy garment should be given them, wherein they ministered: and wrote that commandments should be given to the Levites, until the day, that the house were finished and Jerusalem builded up: and commanded that all they that watched the city, should have their portions and wages.
      He gave over also all the vessels that Cyrus had separated from Babylon: and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same charged he also, that it should be done, and sent unto Jerusalem. Now when this young man was gone forth, he turned his face toward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven, and said: Of thee cometh the victory, of thee cometh wisdom and clearness, and I am thy servant. Blessed art thou, which hast given me wisdom: thee will I praise, O' Lord, thou God of our fathers.
      And so he took the letters, and went unto Babylon: And when he came there, he told this to all his brethren that were at Babylon, and they praised the God of their fathers, that he had given them refreshing and liberty to go up, and to build Jerusalem and the temple ( which is called after the name of the Lord ) and they rejoiced with instruments and gladness seven days long.

*faine (obliged / willing happy)
**should come to their doors: (kjv and other bibles of men =forcibly enter)
*Shreve; governmental authority to forgive civil offenses, like unto a governor.

Chapter 5

      After this were the principal men of all the villages chosen in the tribes and kindreds, that they should go up with their wives and children, with their servants and maidens, with all their cattle and substance. And Darius the king sent with them a thousand horsemen, to convey them safely unto Jerusalem: and their brethren were glad, playing upon instruments, and singing. And these are the names of the men, which went up out of the villages, according to the tribes. Of the Priests, the son of Phinches, the son of Aaron: Jesus the son of Josedec, Joachim the son of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, ( of the kindred of David, out of the kindred of Phares, of the tribe of Judah ) Which spake wonderful things under Darius the King of Persia, in the second year of his reign, in the first month of Nisan.
      These also are they of Jewry, which came up, and turned again unto Jerusalem, out of the captivity that Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon had brought unto Babylon. And every man sought his portion again in Jewry, his city, they that came with Zorobabel, and with Jesus, Nehemias, Saraias, Raelaias, Elimeus, Emmanius, Mardocheus, Beelserus, Mechpsa, Rochor, Olior, Emonias, one of their princes.
      And the number of them according to their kindreds and rulers were.
The children of Phares, two thousand, an hundred and seventy two.
The children of Ares, three thousand an hundred and fifty seven.
The children of Feno, an hundred and forty two.
In the sons of Jesus and Joabes, an thousand three hundred and two.
The sons of Beniu, two thousand four hundred and seventy.
The sons of Choroba two hundred and five.
The sons of Banica, an hundred and sixty eight.
The sons of Rebech, four hundred and three.
The sons of Archad, four hundred and twenty seven.
The sons of Cham thirty seven
The sons of Zoroar two thousand and sixty seven
The sons of Adinu four thousand and sixty one
The sons of Adarectis an hundred and eight
The sons of Ciaso and Zelas an hundred and seven
The sons of Azorec four hundred and thirty nine
The sons of Jedarbone an hundred and thirty two
The sons of Hananias an hundred and thirty
The sons of Asoni ninety
The sons of Marsar four hundred and twenty two
The sons of Zabar ninety five
The sons of Sepholemon one hundred and twenty three
The sons of Nepopas fifty five
The sons of Nechanatus one hundred and fifty three
The sons of Zebethanus an hundred and thirty two
The sons of Crearpatros which is also called Enohadies and Modias four hundred and       twenty three
Of them of Gramos and Gabea one hundred and twenty one
Of them of Besselon and Ceagge sixty five
Of them of Bastarus an hundred and twenty two
Of them of Bechenobes fifty five
Of the sons of Liptis, there were one hundred and fifty five
Of the sons of Labonnus three hundred and fifty seven
Of the sons of Sichem three hundred and seventy
Of the sons of Suadon and Elimon three hundred and seventy eight
Of the sons of Ericus two thousand an hundred and fourty five
The sons of Anaas three hundred and seventy.
      The Priests:
The sons of Jeddus: The sons of Euther: the sons of ElJasib three hundred and seventy two.
The sons of Emerus two hundred and fifty two
The sons of Fasurius three hundred and fifty seven
The sons of Carea two hundred and twenty seven
      The Levites:
The sons of Jesus in Caduhel and Banus, and Serebias, and Edeas, seventy and four

      The whole number of these from twelve years was three thousand four hundred and sixty two. Of the sons, daughters and wives, the whole sum was one thousand six hundred and forty two. The sons of the Priests that praised God in the temple: The sons of Asaph, of whom there were an hundred and twenty eight. But the door keepers were: The children of Elmenus: the children of Aser: the children of Amon: the children of Acub, Topa: the children of Tobi: and hundred and thirty nine in all.
      The Priests that served in the temple:
The sons of Sel,
the sons of Gaspha,      
the sons of Tobioch
the sons of Caria
the sons of Sub
the sons of Heliu
the sons of Labana
the sons of Armacha
the sons of Acub
the sons of Utha
the sons of Cetha
the sons of Aggab
the sons of Obay
the sons of Anani
the sons of Canna
the sons of Geddu
the sons of An
the sons of Radin
the sons of Desanon
the sons of Nechoba
the sons of Caseba
the sons of Goza
the sons of Ozul
the sons of Sinona
the sons of Atra
the sons of Hastem
the sons of Asiana
the sons of Manei
the sons of Nasisin
the sons of Accufa
the sons of Agista
the sons of Azui
the sons of Favon
the sons of Phasalon
the sons of Meeda
the sons of Susa
the sons of Cared
the sons of Barcus
the sons of Sarea
the sons of Coesi
the sons of Nasit
the sons of Agista
the sons of Pedon
Salomon his sons:
the sons of Asophot
the sons of Phazida
the sons of Celi
the sons of Dedon
the sons of Gaddahel
the sons of Zapheus
the sons of Aggia
the sons of Sacharet
the sons of Sabathem
the sons of Saroneth
the sons of Malsit
the sons of Ania
the sons of Sasus
the sons of Addus
the sons of Suba
the sons of Enra
the sons of Rabotis
the sons of Phasphat
the sons of Malmon
      All these ministered in the Sanctuary, and were servants of Salomon: even four hundred and eighty two.
      These following are they, that went up from Chelmellat Thelarsa ( whose Princes were Carmelam and Careth ) and might not show forth their cities and kindreds, how they were of Israel:
The sons of Dalarus
the sons of Tuben
the sons of Nechodaicus.
Of the Priests that executeth the office of the Priesthood, and were not found:
The sons of Obia
the sons of Achises
the sons of Addin
which married one of the daughters of Phargelen, and were named after him. The writing of the same kindred was sought in the register of their generation, but was not found: And therefore were they forbidden to execute the office of the Priesthood. Unto the said Nehemias and Astharas, that they should have no portion in the Sanctuary, till there rose up an high Priest, that were well instructed in the plain clearness of the truth. Of all Israel ( beside servants and maidens ) there were forty two thousand three hundred and forty. Now were there of servants and maidens seven thousand three hundred and thirty six. Of singing men and singing women there were two hundred and fifty four. Four hundred and thirty five Camels. Seven thousand, and thirty six horses. Two hundred thousand and forty five Mules. Five thousand and thirty five asses.
      Their heads also and rulers in the tribes, when they came to Jerusalem, and would build and set up the temple of God again in his place, they gave ( after their ability ), unto the temple, to the treasure and to the service of the Sanctuary twelve thousand pounds of Gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred Priests garments. And so dwelt the Priests and the Levites, and the people that went out to Jerusalem, and in the country there about, the singers also and the porters, every one of Israel in his own land.
      So when the seventh month came and when the children of Israel were every man at his business, they came all with one consent into the court, which was before the East door. And there stood Jesua the son of Josedec and his brethren the Priests, one Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and his brethren, setting up an alter, to offer burnt sacrifices upon it, as it is written in the Law of Moses.
      There came people also of other countries, and the Heathen out of all the lands to set up the alter in his place, and offered sacrifices and burnt offerings unto the Lord in the morning. And so they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law. And daily offered they as according was, and made the sacrifices appointed, the offerings also of the Sabbaths and of the new Moons, and of all holy feasts. And all they that vowed offerings unto the Lord, began at the new Moon of the seventh month to offer unto God, for the temple of the Lord was not yet builded. And they gave unto the Masons and Carpenters money, meat, and drink, with cheerfulness. Unto them of Sidon also and Tyre they gave carres, that they should carry Cedar trees from Libanus to *beiastes and beams, and that they should make ships in the haven of Joppa, according as it was appointed by Cyrus King of the persians.
      And in the second year they came into the temple of God at Jerusalem. In the second month began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesua the son of Josedec, and their brethren the Priests and Levites and all they that were come unto Jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon, and laid the foundation of the temple in the new Moon of the second month in the second year that they were come into Jewry and Jerusalem. And they appointed the Levites that were above twenty years old, unto the service of the Lord. So Jesua, and his sons and his brethren all the Levites stood together, and performed the law and ordinance in the house of the Lord.
      And the priests stood, and had their garments and trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph had Cymbals, giving thanks and praises unto the Lord, and ordaining as David the King of Israel had ordained. And the song that they did sing unto the Lord, was after this manner: O' sing unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his goodness upon Israel endureth for ever. And all the people blew out with trumpets, and song with loud voice, praising the Lord together in the rearing up of the house of the Lord. There also came from among the Priests and Levites the rulers and elders, according to the tribes and kindreds, ( such as had seen the house afore ) to the building of this temple with great cry and great mourning, many also with trumpets and great joy: Insomuch that the trumpets might not well be heard for the weeping and mourning. For the common people blew goodly upon the trumpets.
      Then came the enemies of the tribes of Judah and BenJamin, to know what that trumpeting and noise of the *shawmes might be. And they perceived that it was they which were of the captivity, and would build the temple up anew unto the Lord God of Israel. So they went to Zorobabel and Jesua, and to the rulers of the villages, and said unto them: Shall we will build with you also? For we likewise have heard your Lord, and we walk after the same manner, from the days of Asbazareth the King of Assyria, which brought us hither. Then Zorobabel and Jesua and the Rulers of the villages of Israel said unto them: It is not *mete that you should build the temple of our God with us: We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord, like as Cyrus the King of the Persians hath commanded us.
      But the Heathen in the land laid themselves against those that were in Jewry, held up the building from them, laid wait upon them privately, stopped such as brought any thing to them, forbade them to build, and hindered those that made them passage, that the building should not be finished: and this continued so long as King Cyrus lived: and so they put off the building for the space of two years, until the reign of King Darius.

*beiastes (supports, posts?) *shawmes (reed instrument maybe: oboe like)
*mete (worthy)

Chapter 6

      Not withstanding in the second year of the reign of Darius, Aggeus and Zachary the son of Addo prophesied upon them in Jewry and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel. Then Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and Jesua the son of Josedec stood up, and began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, when the Prophets of the Lord helped them. At the same time came Sysennes the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, with the landLords and his companions, and said unto them: Who hath bidden and commanded you to build the house, to make the roof and all the other things again? And who are these workmen, that build them? Nevertheless the elders of the Jews had such grace of the Lord, that they would not be let ( though they were provoked thereto ) but builded on still, until the time that King were certified thereof, and an answer received from him received. The letter that these men sent unto King Darius, was after this manner.
      Sisennes the under Shreve, in Syria and Phenices, and the landlords with their companions, which are headrulers in Syria and Phenices, send their salutation unto Darius the King. We certify our Lord the King, that we came into the land of Jewry, and went into Jerusalem: were we found them building the great house of God and the temple, with great costly stone and goodly timber for the walls: yee they make great hast with the work, and help one another, and it goeth forth prosperously in their hands, and with great diligence and worship is it made. Then asked we the elders, who had commanded them to make up the house and the building, and this we did to the intent that we might certify thee perfectly, and write unto the, the names of those that were the rulers of the work. So they gave us this answer: We are the servants of the Lord, which made heaven and earth: and as for this house, it hath been builded and set up afore time by the great and mighty King of Israel. But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against the God of Israel, he gave them over into the power of Nabuchodonosor King of Babylon the King of the Caldees, which break down the house, and burnt it, and carried away the people prisoners unto Babylon. Nevertheless, in the first year that King Cyrus reigned at Babylon, Cyrus the King wrote and commanded to build up this house again: and all the ornaments that Nabuchodonosor carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon, and appropriated unto his own temple: these brought Cyrus forth again, and delivered them to Zorobabel and to Salmanasar the under Shreve, commanding them that they should bring those same ornaments again to Jerusalem into the temple, and to begin from the time forth, to build the temple again in his own place. Then Salmanasar laid the foundation of the Lords house at Jerusalem, and ever since have they builded, and yet it is not ended. And therefore, O King, if thou thinkest it good, let it be sought in the Libraries and rolls of King Cyrus: if it be found then, that it is done with the counsel and consent of king Cyrus, and if our lord the King be so minded, let him write unto us thereof.
      Then commanded king Darius, to seek in the Libraries: and so at Egbathanus in a little city in Medea there was found such a writing: In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, the same King Cyrus commanded that the house of the Lord at Jerusalem should be builded again ( and *odors ) to be made there continually unto the Lord ) whose height shall be ten cubits, and the breadth forty cubits, and four square with three hewn stones, with a loft of timber of the same country, yee with a new loft, and the expenses thereof to be given of the house of King Cyrus. And ornaments of gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at Jerusalem, shall be set again in the temple at Jerusalem, where they were afore. Sisennes also the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, the Princes and their companions, and the others that be head rulers in Syria and Phenices, shall not meddle nor have anything to do with that place.
      I Cyrus have commanded also, that they shall build the house of the Lord whole up, and have ordained them, to help those that be come out of captivity: till the house of the Lord be finished: and out of the tribute and taxing that is yearly raised up in Syria and Phenices, diligently to give them a certain sum to the offering of the Lord: and the same to be delivered unto Zorobabel the officer: that he therewithal may ordain oxen, rams, lambs, and corn, salt, wine and oil, and that continually every year: after the expenses which the Priests that be at Jerusalem, show to be made daily: this shall be given unto them without delay that they may offer sacrifices daily to the highest God, for the king and for his servants, and to pray for their lives. Let it be proclaimed also on every side, that whosoever breaketh or despiseth this commandment of the King, shall be hanged upon a gallow ( made of his own good ) and all his goods shall be seasoned unto the King. The Lord therefore ( whose name is there called upon ) root out and destroy all the Kings and people, that undertake by violence to hinder the same, or to deal uncourteously with the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. I Darius the king have ordained, that these things shall be done with all diligence.

*odors (honor)

Chapter 7

      Then Sisennes the undershreve in Celosyria, and Phenices, and the other Landlords with their companions, obeyed the things that King Darius had ordened, were diligent in the holy works, and were fellow helpers with the old rulers of the Jews. And so the work of the Sanctuary went forth and prospered, when Aggeus and Zachary prophesied. And they performed all things through the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, and after the devise of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerses, kings of Persia.
      And thus was our house finished unto the twenty third day of the month Adder in the sixth year of King Darius. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and other that were come out of captivity, and such as were joined unto them, did according as it is written in the book of Moses. And in the dedication of the temple they offered an hundred oxen, an hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and twelve goats for the sins of all the people of Israel, after the number of the tribes of Israel. The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in the priestly garments, after the tribes, over all the works of the Lord God of Israel according to the book of Moses, and the porters by all the doors.
      And the children of Israel ( with those that were come out of captivity ) held the passover the fourteenth day of the first month, when the priests and the Levites were sanctified. They that came out of captivity, were not all sanctified together: but the Levites were all sanctified together. And so all they that came out of captivity, killed the Easter lamb, for their brethren, for the priests and for themselves. And the children of Israel that came out of captivity, and escaped from all the abominations of the Heathen, sought the Lord, and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days long, eating and drinking and were merry before the Lord: that the lord had turned the devise of the king of Assyria, and comforted their hands to the works of the Lord God of Israel.

Chapter 8

      And after him, when Artaxerses the king of the Persians reigned, there went unto him Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the son of Helchiah, the son of Sallum, the son of Sadoc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias, the son of Azarias, the son of Boccus, the son of Abisu, the son of Phineas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the first priest. This Esdras went up from Babylon, for he had good understanding in the law of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of Israel, to be taught and done and deed. And the king favored him, and did him great worship and honour, after all his devises. There went up with him also certain of the children of
Israel, of the priests, of the Levites, of the singers, porters and ministers of the temple at Jerusalem.
      In the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerses, in the fifth month, this is in the seventh year of the reign, they went from Babylon in the new moon of the fifth month, and came the high way to Jerusalem after his commandment, like as the Lord had prospered their journey. For in these Esdras got instruction that he should leave none of the things behind, which are in the law and commandments of God. And he taught whole Israel all righteousness and judgment.
      Then came the Secretaries of king Artaxerses, and deliver the writings that were come from Artaxerses the king, to Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord: And this is the copy of the letter. King Artaxerses sendeth his greeting unto Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord: Of friendship and good will I have ordained and charged, if there be any of the Jews, of the priests and Levites in my realm, which desireth and is content to go with thee unto Jerusalem, that he may do it. Therefore if any be minded to bear the company, let them come together, and go with thee ( like as I am content and my seven friends my counselors: ) to see what they do in Jerusalem and in Jewry, and keep the things according as thou hast in the law of the Lord and to bring the gifts unto God the Lord of Israel, that I and my friends have promised to Jerusalem, and all the gold and silver that in the country of Babylon, unto the Lord to Jerusalem, with the thing that is given for the people in the Lords temple at Jerusalem: Yee that the same silver and gold may be gathered, and oxen, rams, sheep and goats and other that belong to these things: and that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord, upon the altar of their Lord, which is at Jerusalem.
      And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver and gold, that do, after thy mind, and after the commandment of the Lord thy God: and like wise with all the holy vessels, that are given thee for the service of the house of the Lord thy God: and other things whatsoever is necessary for thee to do the work of the temple, that shall be given thee of the kings treasure: and look what thou with thy brethren wilt do with the gold and silver, that do after the will of the Lord. And I king Artaxerses have commanded the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phenices, that whatsoever Esdras the priest and the reader of the law of the Lord doth write, it shall be given him: till an hundred talents of silver, and of gold in like manner: Of corn also an hundred measures, and till an hundred vessels of wine, and other plenteous things without number. Let all things be done after the law of the highest God, that the wrath of God arise not in the realm of the king and of his sons. I command you also, that ye require no tax, ner tribute of the priests, Levites, singers, and ministers of the temple, ner of the writers: and that no man have authority to meddle anything against them. As for thee ( O' Esdras ) set thou judges and arbitrators in the whole land of Syria and Phenices, after the wisdom of God: and learn all such as are ignorant in the Law of God thy Lord, and let all them that offend against the law, be punished: whether it be with death, with pain, to be condemned in money, or to be banished.
      Then said Esdras the writer. Blessed be the God of our fathers, that hath given so good a mind and will in to the heart of the king, to magnify his house that is at Jerusalem, and hath made me to be accepted in the sight of the king, of his counsel, of his friends and of his nobles. And so I was steadfast in my mind, according as the Lord my God helped me, and I choose out men of Israel to go up with me. And these are the heads ( after their kindreds and houses of their fathers ) that went up with me from Babylon, out of the kingdom of Artaxerses:
Of the sons of Phares, Gersonius.
Of the sons of Siemarith, Amenus.
Of the sons of David, Accus, the son of Cecilia.
Of the sons of Phares, Zachary:
      and with him there turned again an hundred and fifty men.
Of the sons of the captain of Moabilon, Zaraei,
      and with him two hundred men and fifty men.
Of the sons of Zachnes, Jechonias Zecholy,
      and with him two hundred and fifty men.
Of the sons of Salamaasias, Gotholie,
       and seventy with him.
Of the sons of Zaphacia. Zarias Miheli,
      and with him eighty.
Of the sons of Job, Abdias Jeheli,
      and with him two hundred and twelve men
Of the sons of Bania, Salimoth the son of Josaphia,
      and with him an hundred and sixty men.
Of the sons of Beer, Zachari Bebei,
      and with him two hundred and eight men.
Of the sons of Esead, Johannes Ezechan, and with him one hundred and ten men.
Of the sons of Adonicam those that were the last, and these are their names: Eliphalam the son of Gebel and Semeias, and with him seventy men, all these I called together by the water of Thia, where we pitched our tents three days, and there I mustered them.
      As for the sons of the priests and Levites, I found none there. Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Eccelom, and Masman, and Malobam, and Enaathan, and Samea, and Joribimathan, Eunagan, Zachary, Mosollamun, ( these were the leaders and men of experience ) and I sent them word, that they should come unto Loddeus, which was by the place of the treasury, and commanded them that they should speak unto Loddeus, and to his brethren and to those that were in the treasury, to send us such men, as might execute the priests office in the house of the Lord our God. And with the mighty hand of our Lord God, they brought unto us men of good experience, from among the sons of Molius, the son of Levi, the son of Israel, Sebebeiam and the sons and his brethren Asbin and Anin, of whom there were eighteen. From among the children and sons of Cananeus, and their sons were twenty men. And of them that served in the temple, whom David had ordained, and the principal men that ministered for the work unto the Levites in the temple, two hundred and twenty men, whose names are all tokened up in writing.
      Then commanded I a fasting unto the young men before our Lord, that i might desire of him a prosperous journey and a good way for us, yee for us, for our children and for the cattle, because of the layings in wait, and I durst not require of the king men of horse and foot, to convey us safely against our enemies, for we had said unto the king, that the power of the lord our God should be with them, that seek him with their whole heart. And therefore we besought God our Lord earnestly because of these things, and he was merciful unto us, and heard our prayer. And I separated from among the rulers of the people, and from the Priests of the temple, twelve men, and Sebeia and Asania, and ten men of their brethren with them. And I weighed them the gold and the silver and all the Priestly ornaments of the house of our God, which the king, and his council, and his Princes, and whole Israel had given. And when I had weighed it, I gave them an hundred and fifty talents in silver, an hundred talents of silver vessel, an hundred talents of gold, and of golden vessel seven times twenty, and vessels of other metal ( yee of good metal ) twelve *glistering as the gold, and I said unto them: ye also are holy unto the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver is promised unto the Lord God of our fathers. Be diligent now and keep it, until the time that ye deliver it to the rulers of the people, to the Priests, to the Levites, and to the principal men of the cities of Israel in Jerusalem, and in the chamber of the house of our God.
      So the Priests and the Levites which received of me the gold, the silver and the vessel, brought it to Jerusalem into the temple of the Lord. And from Thia we break up the twelfth day of the first month, till we came to Jerusalem. And when the third day was past, the weighed gold and silver was delivered in the house of the Lord the fourth day unto Marimoth the son of Jor the Priest, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phineas, and with them were Josabdus the son of Jesnet, Medias and the son of Banus, and certain of the Levites to the number and to the weight: and the weight of them was written up the same time. As for those that were come out of the captivity, they offered sacrifice unto the Lord the God of Israel: even twelve oxen for all Israel eighty six rams, seventy two sheep, twelve goats, for sin. Twelve *kine for a thanksoffering, all to the sacrifice of the Lord. And the Kings commission delivered they unto the stewards and *deites of the King, and to the undershreves in Celosyria and Phenices.
      Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and said: The generation of Israel, the Princes, the Priests and Levites, the strange people and indwellers of the land, have not put away their uncleanness, from the Canaanites, Hethites, Pheresites, from the Moabites, Egyptians, and Edomites. For both they and their sons have mingled themselves with the daughters of them, and the holy seed is mixed with the outlandish Heathen, and since the beginning of their reign have the rulers and heads been partakers of their wickedness,
      And as soon as I had heard these things, immediately I rent my holy garments, and pulled out the hair of my head and beard, and sat me down sorrowful and heavy. So all they that were moved through the word of the God of Israel, came unto me: and I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice. Then stood I up from fasting, having rent clothes and the holy garment, kneeled down upon my knees, held out my hands unto the Lord, and said: O' Lord, I am confounded and ashamed before thy face, for our sins are become many upon our heads, and our wickednesses are exalted unto heaven: For since the time of our fathers, we with our brethren and with our Priests have been delivered unto the Kings of the earth, in to the sword, and into captivity, and become a spoil with confusion and shame unto this day. And now O' Lord God how great is the mercy that we have gotten of thee in that thou hast left us a root and name in the place of thy Sanctuary, to discover our light in the house of the Lord our God, and given us meat at all times of our ministration. And when we were in captivity , we were not forsaken of the Lord our God: but he made the kings of Persia gracious and favorable unto us, so that they gave us vitals and meat, yee and leave to build up the temple of our Lord God again, to repair the wasted places of Sion, and to dwell in Jewry and Jerusalem. And now O' Lord what shall we say having all these things in possession? For we have broken thy commandments which thou gavest unto us by the hands of thy servants the prophets, saying: The land that ye go to unto, and that is given you for an heritage to have in possession, is defiled with the uncleanness and filthiness of Heathen, and with their abominations have they polluted it all together. Therefore shall ye not join your daughters unto their sons, ner marry your sons unto their daughters: Moreover, ye shall never seek to make peace with them that ye may increase and eat the best in the land, and that ye may divide the inheritance of the land unto your children for evermore. As for the thing that now happeneth unto us, it cometh all for our wicked works, and great sins, yet hast thou given us such a root, that we are come again into our own land: and we are so wicked that we have broken thy statutes and commandments again, and mingled our selves with the uncleanness of the outlandish Heathen. O' Lord art thou angry with us? wilt thou root us clean out that our root and name remain no more? O' Lord God of Israel thou art true, for our root endureth yet unto this present day, And behold, now are we before thee in our sins, now can we not stand before thee in them.
      And when Esdras with this prayer had knowledged the sin, weeping, and laying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered unto him from Jerusalem a great multitude of men and women, of young men and maidens, for there was a very great weeping and mourning in the congregation. So when Jechonias the son of Jehelt one of the children of Israel cried, he said unto Esdras: we have sinned against the Lord, because we have married outlandish women of the Heathen. Now art thou over all Israel. We will swear an oath therefore unto the Lord, that we shall put away all our wives, which we have taken of the Heathen, with their children: like as it is appointed thee by our fore elders. Stand up then, open thou it, and declare it plainly unto us, according to the law of the Lord: for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we will help thee, quiet thyself manly. So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the rulers, of the Priests, and of the Levites, and of Israel, to do after these things: and they sware.

*glistering (glittering) *kine (cow or deer) *deites (deities or deputies)

Chapter 9

      Then Esdras stood up from the court of the temple without, and went in to the chamber of Jonathas the son of Nasabus, and remained there, and ate no meat, nor dronk drink, for the multitude of the wickedness of the people. And there was a proclamation in all Jewry and at Jerusalem, for all such as were gathered at Jerusalem out of the captivity, that whosoever came not to Jerusalem within two or three days (a according to the judgement of the old lords of counsel ) his goods should be taken from him, and be excluded from the congregation of the captivity. 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. And the whole multitude sat trembling in the court of the temple, for it was winter. So Esdras arose up, and said unto them: Ye have done unrighteously, in that ye have taken outlandish wives to marriage, and so to increase the sins of Israel. And know knowledge the same, and give praise unto the Lord God of our fathers, and perform his will, departing from the Heathen of the land, and from the outlandish wives. Then cried the whole multitude with a loud voice, and said: Like as thou hast spoken, so will we do: But forasmuch as the people are many, and the winter here, we may not stand without the house: again, this work is not a thing, that can be finished in a day or two, for we be many that have sinned in these things: Ordain therefore, the rulers of the multitude and all that dwell with us, and as many as have outlandish wives, the Priests also and judges of every place may stand in the time appointed, till they loose up the wrath of the Lord in his business.
      Then Jonathas the son of Ezeli, and Ozias and Thecam received charge of this matter, and Bozoramus, and Leivs, and Sabbatheus helped them thereto. After this, all they stood up that were come out of captivity. And Esdras the Priest chose unto him the principal men from among the fathers according to their names, and in the new moon of the tenth month they sat together, to examine this matter. And so the matter was a determining ( concerning the men that had outlandish wives ) until the new moon of the first month. And of the Priests that mixte themselves with outlandish wives, there were found: Of the sons of Jesu the son of Josedec and his brethren, Mazeas, Eleazar, Joribus and Joadeus, which offered themselves to put away their wives, and to offer a ram for their ignorance. And of the sons of Semmeri, Masseas, and Esses, and Jeelech Azarias. Of the sons of Fosera, Limosias, Hismaen, Nathanea, Jussio, Jeddus, and Talsas. And of the Levites Josabdus, Semeis, and Colnis, Caletas, Facteas, Colnas, and Elionas. Of the singers of the Sanctuary, Eliarib, Zackarus. Of the porters, Sallumus and Tolbanes. And of Israel, of the children of Foro, Osi, and Remias, and Geddias, and Melchias, Michelus, Eleazarus, Jemmebias, and Bannas. And of the children of Jolaman, Chanias, Zachari, Jeizrelus, Joddius, Erimoth and Elias. And the sons of Jathoim, Eliadas, Liasamus, and Zochias, Larimoth, Sabdis and Tebedias. And of the sons of Zebes, Johannes, Amanias, Zabdias, and Emmeus. And of the sons of Bannus, Olammus, Maluchus, Jeddus, Jasub, Asabus and Jerimoth. And of the sons Adin, Naatus, and Moosias, and Caleus, and Rannas, Maasuas, Mathathias, Besel, Bannus and Manasses.
      And of the sons of Nave, Nones, Afeas, Melchias, Sameas, Simon, BenJamin, Malthus and Marras. And of the sons of Asom, Carianeus, Mathathias, Bannus, Eliphalach, Manasses, Semei. Of the sons of Bannus, Jeremy, Moodias, Abramas, Johel, Baneas, Peliaas, Jona, Marimoth, Eliasib, Mathaneus, Eliasis, Ozias Dielus, Semedius, Zambris and Joseph. Of the sons of Nobeus, Jdelus, Mathathias Sabadus, Zecheda, Sedmi, Jesseus, and Baneas. All these had taken outlandish women to marriage, and they put them away with their children. The Priests and Levites, and all they that were of Israel, dwelt at Jerusalem and throughout all the land, in the new moon of the seventh month, and the children of Israel were in their dwellings. And the whole multitude came together upon the floor at the East side of the holy port of the temple. And they spake unto Esdras the high Priest and reader, that he would bring the law of Moses, which was given of the Lord God of Israel. So Esdras the high Priest brought the law unto the whole multitude, to man and woman, and to all Priests, that they might hear the law, in the new moon of the seventh month. And he read in the floor that is before the holy port of the temple, from the morning early unto the evening, before men and women. And they applied their mind all to the law.
      And Esdras the Priest and reader of the law stood up upon a scaffold of wood, which was made therefore: and upon his right hand there stood by him Mathathias, Samus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias, Ozechias, and Balsam: Upon his left hand stood Faldeus, Misael, Malachias, Abuschas, Sabus, Nabadias and Zachary. Then took Esdras the book before the whole multitude, for he was the principal, and had most honor of them all. And when he had read out the law, they all stood straight upon their feet, So Esdras praised the Lord the most high God, the Almighty God of Hosts. And all the people answered: Amen: and held up their hands, fell down flat upon the earth, and praised the Lord. And Jesus, Beneas, Sarebias, Jaddimus, Accubus, Sabbatheus, Calithes, Azarias, Joradus, Ananias, and Philias the Levites lift their hands upward, and bowed their faces to the ground, and praised the Lord: Those were they which taught the law of the Lord, and read the law of the Lord in the congregation: and every man set those before that understood the law. Then spake Atharates unto Esdras the high Priest and reader, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, saying: This day is holy unto the Lord: and all they that had heard the law, wept. So Esdras said: Depart your way then, and eat the best, and drink the sweetest, and send gifts unto them that have nothing: for this day is holy unto the Lord, and be not sorry. Then went they their way every each one, ate and dronke, and were merry, and sent rewards unto them that had nothing, that they also might eat with gladness: for they were exceedingly rejoiced, through the words that were read unto them in the law: And so they were gathered together at Jerusalem to hold the feast, according to the covenant of the Lord God of Israel.

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