him was Eleazar the son of Phinees, and with them were Josabdus the son of Jesus and 1Moeth the son of Sabannus, the 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 sacrifices unto the Lord, the God of Israel, even twelve bullocks for all Israel, four score and sixteen rams, 66t threescore and twelve lambs, goats for a peace offering, twelve; all of them a sacrifice to the Lord. 67 And they delivered the king's commandments unto the king's stewards, and to the governors of "Colesyria and Phoenicia; and they honoured the people and the temple of the Lord.

68 Now when these things were done, the principal men came unto me, and said, 69 The nation of Israel, and the princes, and the priests and the Levites, have not put away from them the strange people of the land, nor the uncleannesses of the Gentiles, to wit, of the Canaanites, Hittites, Pherezites, 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 nobles have been partakers of this iniquity. 71 And as soon as I had heard these things, I rent my clothes, and my holy garment, and plucked the hair from off my head and beard, and sat me down sad and full of heaviness. 72 So all they that were moved at the word of the Lord, the 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 my holy garment rent, and bowing my knees, and stretching forth my hands unto the Lord, 74I said, O Lord, I am ashamed and confounded before thy face; 75 for our sins are multiplied above our heads, and our errors have reached up unto heaven, 76 ever since the time of our fathers; and we 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 and glorified the temple of our Lord, and raised up the desolate Sion, to give 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 a 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 Neither shall ye seek to have peace with them for ever, that ye may be strong, and eat the good things of the land, and that ye may leave it for an inheritance 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, in mingling ourselves with the uncleanness of the heathen of the land. 888 Thou wast not angry with us to destroy us, till thou a hadst left us nei- Cp. Mal. 4. ther root, seed, nor name. 89 O Lord of Israel, thou art true: for we are left va root this day. 90 Behold, now are we before thee in our iniquities, for we cannot stand any longer before thee by reason of these things.

1.

91-96, see Ezra 10. 1-5.

91b And as Esdras in his prayer made For ver. his confession, weeping, and lying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered unto him from Jerusalem a very great throng 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 heathen of the land, and now is all Israel aloft. 93 Let us make an oath unto the Lord herein, that we will put away all our wives, which we have taken of the strangers, with their children, 94 like as seemeth good unto thee, and to 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 to 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.

1-4,

Ic Then Esdras rising from the For ver. court of the temple went to the chamber of Jonas the son of Eliasib, and lodged there, and did eat no bread

3 Or, Wast thou not &c.

see Ezra 10. 6-3.

nor drink water, mourning for the great iniquities of the multitude. 3 And there was made 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 the multitude of them that were of the captivity.

5d And in three days were all they of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin gathered together at Jerusalem: this was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. 6 And all the multitude sat together trembling in the broad place before the temple because of the present foul weather. 7 So Esdras arose up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed the law and married strange wives, thereby to increase the sins of Israel. 8 And now make confession and give glory unto the Lord, the 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. II But forasmuch as the multitude is great, and it is foul weather, so that we cannot stand without, and this is not a work of one 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 1Ezekias the son of Thocanus accordingly took the matter upon them: and Mosollamus and Levis and Sabbateus were assessors to them. 15 And they that were of the captivity did according to all these things.

cilement for their error. 21 And of the sons of Emmer; Ananias, and Zabdeus, and 5 Manes, and 6 Sameus, and 'Hiereel, and 8Azarias. 22 And of the sons of 9 Phaisur; Elionas, Massias, Ismael, and Nathanael, and 10 Ocidelus, and 11 Saloas. 23 And of the Levites; Jozabdus, and Semeis, and 12 Colius, who was called 13 Calitas, and 14 Patheus, and Judas, and Jonas. 24 Of the holy singers; 15 Eliasibus, Bacchurus. 25 Of the porters; Sallumus, and 16 Tolbanes. 26 Of Israel, of the sons of 17 Phoros; 18 Hiermas, and 19 Ieddias, and Melchias, and 20 Maelus, and Eleazar, and 21 Asibias, and Banneas. 27 Of the sons of Ela; Matthanias, Zacharias, and 22 Jezrielus, and Oabdius, and Hieremoth, and 23 Aedias. 28 And of the sons of 24 Zamoth; 5 Eliadas, 26 Eliasimus, 27 Othonias, Jarimoth, and 28 Sabathus, and 29 Zardeus. 29 Of the sons of Bebai; Joannes, and Ananias, and 30 Jozabdus, and 81 Ematheis. 30 Of the sons of 82 Mani; 83 Olamus, 84 Mamuchus, 5 Jedeus, Jasubus, and 36 Jasaelus, and Hieremoth. 31 And of the sons of Addi; Naathus, and Moossias, Laccunus, and Naidus, and Matthanias, 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; 37 Maltanneus, and 88 Mattathias, and 39 Sabanneus, Eliphalat, and Manasses, and Semei. 34 And of the sons of Baani; Jeremias, Momdis, Ismaerus, Juel, Mamdai, and Pedias, and Anos, Carabasion, and Enasibus, and Mamnitanemus, Eliasis, Bannus, Eliali, Someis, Selemias, Nathanias: and of the sons of Ezora; Sesis, Ezril, Azaelus, Samatus, Zambri, Josephus. 35 And of the sons of Nooma; Mazitias, Zabadeas, Edos, Juel, Banaias. 36 All these had taken strange wives, and they put them away with their children. 37And the priests ch. 5. 46, and Levites, and they that were of Israel, dwelt in Jerusalem, and in the country, Jon the new moon of the ver. 17. seventh month, and the children of Israel in their habitations.

16 And Esdras the priest chose unto him principal men of their families, all by name: and on the new moon of the tenth month they were shut in together to examine the matter. 17 So their cause that held strange wives was brought to an end by the new moon 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 Josedek, and his brethren; 2 Mathelas, and Eleazar, and 8 Joribus, and Joadanus. 20 And they gave their hands to put away their wives, and to offer rams to make recon

47.

Neh. 7. 73.

k For ver. 38-55, see Neh. 8. 1-12.

ch. 5. 47. Cp. Neh. 8. 1, 3. ch. 8. 8. "ch. 7. 9 & 8. 65.

38 And the whole multitude were gathered together with one accord into the broad place before the porch of the temple toward the east: 39 and they said ver. 6. unto Esdras the priest and reader, Bring the law of Moses, that was given of the Lord, the God of Israel. 40 So Esdras othe chief priest brought the law unto the whole multitude both of ver. 49. men and women, and to all the priests, to hear the law on the new moon of the seventh month. 41 And he read in the broad place before the porch of

4 Gedaliah. 12 Kelaiah. 19 Izziah.

24 Zattu

31 Athlai. 38 Mattattah.

5 Harim. 6 Maaseiah. 13 Kelita. 14 Pethahiah. Another reading is, lesias. 25 Elioenai. Eliashib. 32 Bani. 33 Meshullam 39 Zabad.

P See ch. 6. 31.

42 Sam. 5. 10.

Amos 4. 13.

the temple from morning unto midday, before both men and women; and 1all the multitude gave heed unto the law. 42 And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon the pulpit of wood, which was made for that purpose. 43 And there stood up by him Mattathias, Sammus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias, Ezekias, Baalsamus, upon the right hand: 44 and upon his left hand, 4 Phaldeus, Misael, Melchias, Lothasubus, Nabarias, Zacharias. 45 Then took Esdras the book of the law before the multitude, and sat honourably in the first place before all. 46 And when he opened the law, they stood all straight up. So Esdras blessed the Lord God P 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, Annus, Sarabias, Iadinus, Jacubus, Sabateus, Auteas, Maiannas, and Calitas, Azarias, and Jozabdus, and

Cp. ver. 5. | See ch. 5.

40.

t ver. 10.

1 Cor. 11. 23 mg.).

Ananias, Phalias, the Levites, taught the law of the Lord, and read to the multitude the law of the Lord, making them withal to understand it. 49 Then said Attharates unto Esdras the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, even to all, 50 This day is holy unto the Lord; (now they all wept when they heard the law :) 51 go then, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them that have nothing; 52 for the 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; be not sorrowful. 54 Then went they their way, every one to eat and drink, and make merry, and to give portions to them that had nothing, and to make great cheer; 55 because they understood the words wherein "Cp. ver. 48. they were instructed, and for the which they had been assembled.

❝ For ver. 1-3, see 1 Chr. 6.4-14 & Ezra 7. 1-5 & 1 Esd. 8. 1,2.

Isai. 58. 1.

Jer. 5. 19 & 7. 9, 18. Hos. 3. 1.

d Mic. 6. 4.

THE second book of the prophet I aEsdras, the son of Saraias, the son of Azaraias, the son of Helkias, the son of Salemas, the son of Sadoc, the son of Ahitob, 2 the son of Achias, the son of Phinees, the son of Heli, the son of Amarias, the son of Aziei, the son of Marimoth, the son of Arna, the son of Ozias, the son of Borith, the son of Abissei, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar, 3 the son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of the Persians.

4 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Go thy way, and shew my people their sinful deeds, and their children their wickedness which they have done against me; that they may tell their children's children: 6 because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for they have forgotten me, and chave done sacrifice unto strange gods. See Ex. 20. 7 Did not I dbring them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage? Cp. Ezra but they have provoked me unto wrath, and despised my counsels. 8e Shake thou then the hair of thy head, and cast all evils upon them, for they have not been obedient unto my law, but it is a rebellious people. 97 How long shall I forbear them, unto whom I have done so much good? 10h Many kings have I overthrown for their sakes; Pharaoh

2.

9. 3. f Ezek. 2. 3, 5,7

('p. Matt.

17. 17.

4 Ps. 68. 12, 14

& 135, 10

& 136. 17,

18.

4 See Ex. 14. 27, 28.

ch. 12.

with his servants and all his host have I smitten down. 1J All the nations See Josh. have I destroyed before them, and in the east I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyre and Sidon, and have slain all their adversaries. 12 Speak thou therefore unto them, saying,

Thus saith the Lord, 13 Of a truth I brought you through the sea, and m where there was no path I made for you highways; I gave you "Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest. 141 Pgave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have I done among you; yet have ye forgotten me, saith the Lord.

* See Ezek. 2. 128. 19. ! See Ezek 23.4-24

1 See Ex. 14. 21, 22

Ex. 3 10.

Ex. 4. 14
See Ex. 13.

21.

Cp. Jer. 2

32

15 Thus saith the Lord Almighty, "The quails were for a token to you; I gave you a camp for your safeguard, nevertheless tye murmured there: 16 and ye triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies, but ever to this day do ye yet murmur. 17 Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me, 18 saying, "Why hast thou brought us into this wilderness to kill us? vit had been better for us to have served Ps. 78. 25. the Egyptians, than to die in this wilderness. 19 I had pity upon your mournings, and gave you manna for food; ye did eat angels' bread. 20 When ye

See Ex. 17.

6.

Cp. Baruch 5. 8.

❝ Cp. Gen. 13. 7 & 34. 30 & Judg. 1. 4, 5. See Jer. ch. 47

& Ezek. 25.

15-17. e Isai. 5. 4.

4 Ex. 15. 23.

Ex. 15. 25. Ecclus. 38. 5.

f Cp. Ps. 81.

11.

Cp. Matt.

21.43

were thirsty, did I not vcleave the rock, and waters flowed out to your fill? for the heat I covered you with the leaves of the trees. 21 I divided among you fruitful lands; I cast out the a Canaanites, the Pherezites, and the Philistines, before you what shall I yet do more for you? saith the Lord.

22 Thus saith the Lord Almighty, When ye were in the wilderness, at d the bitter river, being athirst, and blaspheming my name, 23I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water, and made the river sweet. 24 What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob? thou, Judah, wouldest not obey me: I will turn me to other nations, and unto them will I give my name, that they may keep my statutes. 25 Seeing 2 Chr. 15. 2 ye have forsaken me, I also will forsake you; when ye ask me to be merciful unto you, I will have no mercy upon Prov. 1. 28. you. 26 Whensoever ye shall call upon me, I will not hear you: for ye have defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit manslaughter. 27 Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but your own selves, saith the Lord.

& Acts 13. 46.

& 24. 20.

Isai. 1. 15. Mic. 3. 4. Cp. Prov.

1. 16

& Rom. 3. 15.

* Cp. Acts

13. 18 (mg.)

& 1 Thess.
2.7.

Cp. Jer. 24.

7.

37.

Matt. 23.

Luke 13. 34.

28 Thus saith the Lord Almighty, Have I not prayed you as a father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and ka nurse her young babes, 29 that 'ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that ye would be my children, and I should be your father? 30 m I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast "Isai. 1. 13, you out from my presence. 31 n When ye offer oblations unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemn feast days, your new moons, and your circumcisions of the flesh, have I reCp. ch. 21 jected. 320I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, P whose blood I will require of your hands, saith the Lord.

14.

& 7. 60
& Acts 7.
52.

See 2 Chr. 36. 15, 16. ? Matt. 23. 35, 36. Luke 11.

50, 51.

7 Matt. 23.

38.
Luke 13. 35.

Ps. 1. 4

& 35. 5

& 3. 13.

Isai. 40. 24. 'ch. 2. 6. (p. Deut. 28. 18.

33 Thus saith the Lord Almighty, Your house is desolate, I will cast you out ras the wind doth stubble. 34 And $ your children shall not be fruitful; for Job 21. 18. they have neglected my commandment 1unto you, and done that which is evil before me. 35 Your houses will I give to a people that shall come; which not having heard of me yet believe me; they to whom I have shewed no signs Isai. 52 15 shall do that which I have commanded. 36 They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their former estate to remembrance. 37 I take to witness the grace of the people that shall come, whose little ones rejoice with gladness: "and though they see me not with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they shall believe the thing that I say.

& 55. 5. Rom. 15. 21.

"Cp. John 20. 29

& 1 Pet. 1.

8.

gave them my commandments by my servants the prophets; a whom they would not hear, but set my counsels at nought. ab The mother that bare them saith unto them, Go your way, O my children; dfor I am a widow and forsaken. 3I brought you up with glad-Baruch 4. ness, and with sorrow and heaviness & Baruch 4. have I lost you: for ye have sinned before the Lord God, and done that which is evil before me. 4 But what Cp. Bashall I now do unto you? dfor I am a widow and forsaken: go your way, 0 my children, and ask mercy of the Lord. Baruch 4. 5 As for me, O father, I call upon thee for a witness over the mother of these children, because they would not keep my covenant, 6 that thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a spoil, that there may be no offspring of them. 7 Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen, let their names be blotted out of the earth: for they have despised my covenant. 8 Woe unto thee, Assur,

thou that hidest the unrighteous with thee! O thou wicked nation, remember what I did unto Sodom and Gomorrah; 9 whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes: even so also will I do unto them that have not hearkened unto me, saith the Lord Almighty.

10 Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras, Tell my people that I will give them the kingdom of Jerusalem, which I would have given unto Israel. 11 Their glory also will I take unto me, and give these m the everlasting tabernacles, which I had prepared for them. 12 They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of ch. 8. 52. sweet savour; they shall neither labour, nor be weary. 1380 Ask, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, Pthat they may be shortened: the Matt. 24. kingdom is already prepared for you: watch. 148 Take heaven and earth to witness, take them to witness; for I have given up the evil, and created the good: for I live, saith the Lord.