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Ezra

Ezra 8

Those Returning with Ezra

1 These are the family leaders and the genealogical records of those who returned with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes:

2 Gershom, from Phinehas’s descendants;

Daniel, from Ithamar’s descendants;

Hattush, from David’s descendants,

3 who was of Shecaniah’s descendants;

Zechariah, from Parosh’sdescendants,

and 150 menwith him who were registered by genealogy;

4 Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah

from Pahath-moab’s descendants,

and 200 men with him;

5 Shecaniahson of Jahaziel

from Zattu’s descendants,

and 300 men with him;

6 Ebed son of Jonathan

from Adin’s descendants,

and 50 men with him;

7 Jeshaiah son of Athaliah

from Elam’s descendants,

and 70 men with him;

8 Zebadiah son of Michael

from Shephatiah’s descendants,

and 80 men with him;

9 Obadiah son of Jehiel

from Joab’s descendants,

and 218 men with him;

10 Shelomithson of Josiphiah

from Bani’s descendants,

and 160 men with him;

11 Zechariah son of Bebai

from Bebai’s descendants,

and 28 men with him;

12 Johanan son of Hakkatan

from Azgad’s descendants,

and 110 men with him;

13 these are the last ones, from Adonikam’s descendants,

and their names are:

Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah,

and 60 men with them;

14 Uthai and Zaccur

from Bigvai’s descendants,

and 70 men with them.

15 I gathered them at the riverthat flows to Ahava,and we camped there for three days. I searched among the people and priests, but found no Levitesthere.

16 Then I summoned the leaders: Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam,as well as the teachers Joiarib and Elnathan.

17 I sent them to Iddo, the leader at Casiphia, with a message forhim and his brothers, the temple servantsat Casiphia, that they should bring us ministers for the house of our God.

18 Since the gracious hand of our God was on us,they brought us Sherebiah— a man of insight from the descendants of Mahli, a descendant of Levi son of Israel — along with his sons and brothers, 18 men,

19 plus Hashabiah,along with Jeshaiah, from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and their sons, 20 men.

20 There were also 220 of the temple servants,who had been appointed by David and the leaders for the work of the Levites. All were identified by name.

Preparing to Return

21 I proclaimed a fastby the Ahava River,so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions.

22 I did this because I was ashamed to ask the king for infantry and cavalry to protect us from enemies during the journey, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who abandon Him.”

23 So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and He granted our request.

24 I selected 12 of the leading priests, along with Sherebiah,Hashabiah, and 10 of their brothers.

25 I weighed out to them the silver, the gold, and the articles — the contribution for the house of our God that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites who were present had offered.

26 I weighed out to them 24 tonsof silver, silver articles weighing 7,500 pounds,7,500 poundsof gold,

27 20 gold bowls worth 1,000 gold coins,and two articles of fine gleaming bronze, as valuable as gold.

28 Then I said to them, “You are holy to theLord, and the articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offeringto theLordGod of your fathers.

29 Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of theLord’s house before the leading priests, Levites, and heads of the Israelite families in Jerusalem.”

30 So the priests and Levites took charge of the silver, the gold, and the articles that had been weighed out, to bring them to the house of our God in Jerusalem.

Arrival in Jerusalem

31 We set out from the Ahava Riveron the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. We were strengthened by our God,and He protected us from the power of the enemy and from ambush along the way.

32 So we arrived at Jerusalem and rested there for three days.

33 On the fourth day the silver, the gold, and the articles were weighed out in the house of our God into the care of Meremoth the priest, son of Uriah. Eleazar son of Phinehas was with him. The Levites Jozabadson of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui were also with them.

34 Everything was verified by number and weight, and the total weight was recorded at that time.

35 The exiles who had returned from the captivityoffered burnt offerings to the God of Israel: 12 bulls for all Israel, 96 rams, and 77 lambs, along with 12 male goats as a sin offering. All this was a burnt offering for theLord.

36 They also delivered the king’s edicts to the royal satraps and governors of the region west of the Euphrates,so that they would support the people and the house of God.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/EZR/8-fba25484ed74af1cf3add91b0387f653.mp3?version_id=72—

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Ezra

Ezra 9

Israel’s Intermarriage with Pagans

1 After these things had been done, the leaders approached me and said: “The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites have not separated themselvesfrom the surrounding peoples whose detestable practicesare like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites.

2 Indeed, the Israelite menhave taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seedhas become mixed with the surrounding peoples.The leadersand officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness! ”

3 When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and robe, pulled out some of the hair from my head and beard, and sat down devastated.

Ezra’s Confession

4 Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israelgathered around me, because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles,while I sat devastated until the evening offering.

5 At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation, with my tunic and robe torn. Then I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God.

6 And I said:

My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens.

7 Our guilt has been terrible from the days of our fathers until the present. Because of our iniquities we have been handed over, along with our kings and priests, to the surrounding kings, and to the sword, captivity, plundering, and open shame,as it is today.

8 But now, for a brief moment, grace has come from Yahweh our God to preserve a remnantfor us and give us a stakein His holy place. Even in our slavery, God has given us new life and light to our eyes.

9 Though we are slaves,our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us in the presence of the Persian kings,giving us new life, so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins,to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.

10 Now, our God, what can we say in light ofthis? For we have abandoned the commands

11 You gave through Your servants the prophets, saying: “The land you are entering to possess is an impure land. The surrounding peoples have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness by their impurity and detestable practices.

12 So do not give your daughters to their sons in marriage or take their daughters for your sons.Never seek their peace or prosperity,so that you will be strong, eat the good things of the land, and leave it as an inheritance to your sons forever.”

13 After all that has happened to us because of our evil deeds and terrible guilt — though You, our God, have punished us less than our sins deserve and have allowed us to survive—

14 should we break Your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit these detestable practices?Wouldn’t You become so angry with us that You would destroy us, leaving no survivors?

15 LordGod of Israel, You are righteous, for we survive as a remnanttoday. Here we are before You with our guilt, though no one can stand in Your presence because of this.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/EZR/9-3eab64f353fb02b91f2fc4ffa3b277d5.mp3?version_id=72—

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Ezra

Ezra 10

Sending Away Foreign Wives

1 While Ezra prayed and confessed, weeping and falling facedownbefore the house of God, an extremely large assembly of Israelite men, women, and children gathered around him. The people also wept bitterly.

2 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel,an Elamite, responded to Ezra: “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the surrounding peoples,but there is still hope for Israel in spite of this.

3 Let us therefore make a covenant before our Godto send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God.Let it be done according to the law.

4 Get up, for this matter is your responsibility,and we support you. Be strong and take action! ”

5 Then Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said; so they took the oath.

6 Ezra then went from the house of God and walked to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib, where he spent the night.He did not eat food or drink water, because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.

7 They circulated a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem that all the exiles should gather at Jerusalem.

8 Whoever did not come within three days would forfeit all his possessions,according to the decision of the leaders and elders, and would be excludedfrom the assembly of the exiles.

9 So all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered in Jerusalem within the three days. On the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people sat in the square at the house of God,trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain.

10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful by marrying foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt.

11 Therefore, make a confession to Yahweh the God of your fathers and do His will. Separate yourselves from the surrounding peoples and your foreign wives.”

12 Then all the assembly responded with a loud voice: “Yes, we will do as you say!

13 But there are many people, and it is the rainy season. We don’t have the stamina to stay out in the open. This isn’t something that can be done in a day or two, for we have rebelled terribly in this matter.

14 Let our leaders represent the entire assembly. Then let all those in our towns who have married foreign women come at appointed times, together with the elders and judges of each town, in order to avert the fierce anger of our Godconcerningthis matter.”

15 Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah opposed this, with Meshullamand Shabbethai the Levite supporting them.

16 The exiles did what had been proposed. Ezra the priest selected menwho were family leaders, all identified by name, to representtheir ancestral houses. They convened on the first day of the tenth month to investigate the matter,

17 and by the first day of the first month they had dealt with all the men who had married foreign women.

Those Married to Foreign Wives

18 The following were found to have married foreign women from the descendants of the priests:

from the descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah.

19 They pledgedto send their wives away, and being guilty, they offered a ram from the flock for their guilt;

20 Hanani and Zebadiah from Immer’sdescendants;

21 Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah from Harim’sdescendants;

22 Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah from Pashhur’sdescendants.

23 The Levites:

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

24 The singers:

Eliashib.

The gatekeepers:

Shallum, Telem, and Uri.

25 The Israelites:

Parosh’s descendants:Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malchijah,and Benaiah;

26 Elam’s descendants:Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah;

27 Zattu’s descendants:Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza;

28 Bebai’s descendants:Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai;

29 Bani’s descendants:Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth;

30 Pahath-moab’s descendants:Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh;

31 Harim’s descendants:Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,

32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah;

33 Hashum’s descendants:Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei;

34 Bani’s descendants:Maadai, Amram, Uel,

35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi,

36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,

37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, Jaasu,

38 Bani, Binnui, Shimei,

39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,

40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,

41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah,

42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph;

43 Nebo’s descendants:Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah.

44 All of thesehad married foreign women, and some of the wives had given birth to children.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/EZR/10-55725fc488206543d72f51b310494422.mp3?version_id=72—

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Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1

1 The words of Nehemiahson of Hacaliah:

News from Jerusalem

During the month of Chislevin the twentieth year,when I was in the fortress city of Susa,

2 Hanani,one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah, and I questioned them about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnantthat had survived the exile.

3 They said to me, “The remnant in the province,who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned down.”

Nehemiah’s Prayer

4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and prayingbefore the God of heaven.

5 I said,

Yahweh, the God of heaven, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps His gracious covenant with those who love Himand keep His commands,

6 let Your eyes be open and Your ears be attentiveto hear Your servant’s prayer that I now pray to You day and nightfor Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sinswe have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.

7 We have acted corruptly toward You and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances You gave Your servant Moses.

8 Please remember what You commanded Your servant Moses: “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples.

9 But if you return to Me and carefully observe My commands, even though your exiles were banished to the ends of the earth,I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have My name dwell.”

10 They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and strong hand.

11 Please, Lord, let Your ear be attentiveto the prayer of Your servant and to that of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success today,and have compassion on him in the presence of this man.

At the time, I was the king’s cupbearer.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/NEH/1-a8db3847b631667b897bc98f4874b229.mp3?version_id=72—

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Nehemiah

Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem

1 During the month of Nisanin the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes,when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence,

2 so the king said to me, “Why are yousad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but depression.”

I was overwhelmed with fear

3 and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should Inot be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire? ”

4 Then the king asked me, “What is your request? ”

So I prayed to the God of heaven

5 and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried,so that I may rebuild it.”

6 The king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return? ” So I gave him a definite time,and it pleased the king to send me.

7 I also said to the king: “If it pleases the king, let me have letters written to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River,so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah.

8 And let me have a letter written to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress,the city wall, and the home where I will live.”The king granted my requests, for I was graciously strengthened by my God.

9 I went to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters.The king had also sent officers of the infantry and cavalry with me.

10 When Sanballat the Horoniteand Tobiah the Ammonite official heard that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites, they were greatly displeased.

Preparing to Rebuild the Walls

11 After I arrived in Jerusalem and had been there three days,

12 I got up at night and took a few men with me. I didn’t tell anyone what my God had laid on my heart to do for Jerusalem. The only animal I tookwas the one I was riding.

13 I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Serpent’sWell and the Dung Gate,and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.

14 I went on to the Fountain Gateand the King’s Pool,but farther down it became too narrow for my animal to go through.

15 So I went up at night by way of the valley and inspected the wall. Then heading back, I entered through the Valley Gateand returned.

16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews, priests, nobles, officials, or the rest of those who would be doing the work.

17 So I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down.Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall,so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”

18 I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me,and what the king had said to me.

They said, “Let’s start rebuilding,” and they were encouragedto do this good work.

19 When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official,and Geshem the Arabheard about this, they mocked and despised us, and said, “What is this you’re doing? Are you rebelling against the king? ”

20 I gave them this reply, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start building, but you have no share, right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/NEH/2-1bb57a808dfdaef057e4e6cc326aa1fb.mp3?version_id=72—

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Nehemiah

Nehemiah 3

Rebuilding the Walls

1 Eliashib the high priestand his fellow priests began rebuilding the Sheep Gate.They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building the wall to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel,they dedicated it.

2 The men of Jerichobuilt next to Eliashib,and next to them Zaccur son of Imri built.

Fish Gate

3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate.They built it with beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.

4 Next to them Meremothson of Uriah, son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Beside them Meshullamson of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok son of Baana made repairs.

5 Beside them the Tekoitesmade repairs, but their nobles did not lift a finger to helptheir supervisors.

Old Gate, Broad Wall, and Tower of the Ovens

6 Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the OldGate.They built it with beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.

7 Next to them the repairs were done by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeonand Mizpah, who were under the authorityof the governorof the region west of the Euphrates River.

8 After him Uzziel son of Harhaiah, the goldsmith,made repairs, and next to him Hananiah son of the perfumer made repairs. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.

9 Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler over half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.

10 After them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house.Next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.

11 Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab made repairs to another section, as well as to the Tower of the Ovens.

12 Beside him Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler over half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs — he and his daughters.

Valley Gate, Dung Gate, and Fountain Gate

13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and installed its doors, bolts, and bars, and repaired 500 yardsof the wall to the Dung Gate.

14 Malchijah son of Rechab, ruler over the district of Beth-haccherem,repaired the Dung Gate.He rebuilt it and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.

15 Shallunson of Col-hozeh, ruler over the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate.He rebuilt it and roofed it. Then he installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also made repairs to the wall of the Pool of Shelahnear the king’s garden,as far as the stairs that descend from the city of David.

16 After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler over half the district of Beth-zur,made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David,as far as the artificial pooland the House of the Warriors.

17 Next to him the Levitesmade repairs under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him Hashabiah, ruler over half the district of Keilah,made repairs for his district.

18 After him their fellow Levites made repairs under Binnuison of Henadad, ruler over half the district of Keilah.

19 Next to him Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler over Mizpah, made repairs to another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle.

The Angle, Water Gate, and Tower on the Ophel

20 After him Baruch son of Zabbaidiligently repaired another section, from the Angle to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

21 Beside him Meremothson of Uriah, son of Hakkoz, made repairs to another section, from the door of Eliashib’shouse to the end of his house.

22 And next to him the priests from the surrounding area made repairs.

23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. Beside them Azariah son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house.

24 After him Binnuison of Henadad made repairs to another section, from the house of Azariah to the Angle and the corner.

25 Palal son of Uzai made repairs opposite the Angle and tower that juts out from the upper palaceof the king,by the courtyard of the guard.Beside him Pedaiah son of Parosh,

26 and the temple servantsliving on Ophelmade repairs opposite the Water Gatetoward the east and the tower that juts out.

27 Next to him the Tekoitesmade repairs to another section from a point opposite the great tower that juts out, as far as the wall of Ophel.

Horse Gate, Inspection Gate, and Sheep Gate

28 Each of the priests made repairs above the Horse Gate,each opposite his own house.

29 After them Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. And beside him Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, guard of the East Gate, made repairs.

30 Next to him Hananiah son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph made repairs to another section.

After them Meshullam son of Berechiah made repairs opposite his room.

31 Next to him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths,made repairs to the house of the temple servantsand the merchants, opposite the InspectionGate, and as far as the upper room of the corner.

32 The goldsmithsand merchants made repairs between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/NEH/3-a7da9834c4a0de6048f88f0feea0699a.mp3?version_id=72—

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Nehemiah

Nehemiah 4

Progress in Spite of Opposition

1 When Sanballatheard that we were rebuilding the wall,he became furious. He mocked the Jews

2 before his colleagues and the powerful menof Samaria,and said, “What are these pathetic Jews doing? Can they restore it by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they ever finish it? Can they bring these burnt stonesback to life from the mounds of rubble? ”

3 Then Tobiah the Ammonite,who was beside him, said, “Indeed, even if a foxclimbed up what they are building, he would break down their stone wall! ”

4 Listen, our God, for we are despised. Make their insults return on their own heads and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity.

5 Do not cover their guilt or let their sin be erased from Your sight, because they have provokedthe builders.

6 So we rebuilt the wall until the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had the will to keep working.

7 When Sanballat, Tobiah, and the Arabs,Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed,they became furious.

8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw it into confusion.

9 So we prayed to our God and stationed a guard because of them day and night.

10 In Judah, it was said:

The strength of the laborer fails,

since there is so much rubble.

We will never be able

to rebuild the wall.

11 And our enemies said, “They won’t know or see anything until we’re among them and can kill them and stop the work.”

12 When the Jews who lived nearby arrived, they said to us time and again,“Everywhere you turn, they attackus.”

13 So I stationed people behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows.

14 After I made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people,“Don’t be afraid of them.Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.”

Sword and Trowel

15 When our enemies heard that we knew their scheme and that God had frustrated it, every one of us returned to his own work on the wall.

16 From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor.The officers supported all the people of Judah,

17 who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

18 Each of the builders had his sword strapped around his waist while he was building, and the trumpeter was beside me.

19 Then I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people:“The work is enormous and spread out, and we are separated far from one another along the wall.

20 Wherever you hear the trumpet sound, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us! ”

21 So we continued the work, while half of the men were holding spears from daybreak until the stars came out.

22 At that time, I also said to the people, “Let everyone and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so that they can stand guard by night and work by day.”

23 And I, my brothers, my men, and the guards with me never took off our clothes. Each carried his weapon, even when washing.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/NEH/4-db813e4b58d969f2df9bc4331794fadf.mp3?version_id=72—

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Nehemiah

Nehemiah 5

Social Injustice

1 There was a widespread outcry from the people and their wives against their Jewish countrymen.

2 Some were saying, “We, our sons, and our daughters are numerous. Let us get grain so that we can eat and live.”

3 Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, vineyards, and homes to get grain during the famine.”

4 Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s taxon our fields and vineyards.

5 We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery.Some of our daughters are already enslaved,but we are powerlessbecause our fields and vineyards belong to others.”

6 I became extremely angrywhen I heard their outcry and these complaints.

7 After seriously considering the matter, I accused the nobles and officials, saying to them, “Each of you is charging his countrymen interest.”So I called a large assembly against them

8 and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish countrymen who were sold to foreigners, but now you sell your own countrymen, and we have to buy them back.”They remained silent and could not say a word.

9 Then I said, “What you are doing isn’t right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our Godand not invite the reproach of our foreign enemies?

10 Even I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop charging this interest.

11 Return their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses to them immediately, along with the percentageof the money, grain, new wine, and olive oilthat you have been assessing them.”

12 They responded: “We will return these things and require nothing more from them.We will do as you say.”

So I summoned the priests and made everyone take an oathto do this.

13 I also shook the folds of my robe and said, “May God likewise shake from his house and property everyone who doesn’t keep this promise. May he be shaken outand have nothing! ”

The whole assembly said, “Amen,” and they praised theLord. Then the people did as they had promised.

Good and Bad Governors

14 Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxesappointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah — from the twentieth year until his thirty-second year, 12 years— I and my associates never ate from the food allotted to the governor.

15 The governorswho preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking food and wine from them, as well as a poundof silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but I didn’t do this, because of the fear of God.

16 Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall,and all my subordinates were gathered there for the work. We didn’t buy any land.

17 There were 150 Jews and officials, as well as guests from the surrounding nations at my table.

18 Eachday, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every 10 days.But I didn’t demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

19 Remember me favorably, my God, for all that I have done for this people.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/NEH/5-f68499559b72c74770e4016194d82bff.mp3?version_id=72—

Categories
Nehemiah

Nehemiah 6

Attempts to Discourage the Builders

1 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemiesheard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it— though at that time I had not installed the doors in the gates—

2 Sanballat and Geshemsent me a message: “Come, let’s meet together in the villages ofthe Ono Valley.”But they were planning to harm me.

3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you? ”

4 Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply.

5 Sanballatsent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand.

6 In it was written:

It is reported among the nations — and Geshemagrees — that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king

7 and have even set up the prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: “There is a king in Judah.”These rumors will be heard by the king. So come, let’s confer together.

8 Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”

9 For they were all trying to intimidateus, saying, “They will become discouragedin the work,and it will never be finished.”

But now, my God, strengthen me.

Attempts to Intimidate Nehemiah

10 I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restricted to his house. He said:

Let us meet at the house of God

inside the temple.

Let us shut the temple doors

because they are coming to kill you.

They are coming to kill you tonight!

11 But I said, “Should a man like me run away? How can I enter the temple and live?I will not go.”

12 I realized that God had not sent him, because of the prophecy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballathad hired him.

13 He was hired, so that I would be intimidated,do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me.

14 My God, rememberTobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetessand the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me.

The Wall Completed

15 The wall was completedin 52 days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul.

16 When all our enemiesheard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidatedand lost their confidence,for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

17 During those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah,and Tobiah’s letters came to them.

18 For many in Judah were bound by oathto him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullamson of Berechiah.

19 These nobles kept mentioning Tobiah’s good deeds to me, and they reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidateme.

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/NEH/6-67c1013e151416fe2dae6afb1a8b0210.mp3?version_id=72—

Categories
Nehemiah

Nehemiah 7

The Exiles Return

1 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had the doors installed,the gatekeepers,singers, and Levites were appointed.

2 Then I put my brother Hananiin charge of Jerusalem,along with Hananiah,commander of the fortress,because he was a faithful man who feared Godmore than most.

3 I said to them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot, and let the doors be shut and securely fastened while the guards are on duty. Station the citizens of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their homes.”

4 The city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and no houses had been built yet.

5 Then my God put it into my mindto assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be registered by genealogy. I found the genealogical record of those who came back first, and I found the following written in it:

6 These are the people of the province who went up among the captive exiles deported by King Nebuchadnezzarof Babylon. Each of them returned to Jerusalem and Judah, to his own town.

7 They came with Zerubbabel,Jeshua,Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah.

The number of the Israelite men included:

8 Parosh’s descendants 2,172
9 Shephatiah’s descendants 372
10 Arah’s descendants 652
11 Pahath-moab’s descendants:
Jeshua’s and Joab’s descendants 2,818
12 Elam’s descendants 1,254
13 Zattu’s descendants 845
14 Zaccai’s descendants 760
15 Binnui’s descendants 648
16 Bebai’s descendants 628
17 Azgad’s descendants 2,322
18 Adonikam’s descendants 667
19 Bigvai’s descendants 2,067
20 Adin’s descendants 655
21 Ater’s descendants: of Hezekiah 98
22 Hashum’s descendants 328
23 Bezai’s descendants 324
24 Hariph’s descendants 112
25 Gibeon’sdescendants 95
26 Bethlehem’sand Netophah’smen 188
27 Anathoth’smen 128
28 Beth-azmaveth’s men 42
29 Kiriath-jearim’s, Chephirah’s, and Beeroth’s men 743
30 Ramah’s and Geba’s men 621
31 Michmas’s men 122
32 Bethel’s and Ai’s men 123
33 the other Nebo’s men 52
34 the other Elam’s people 1,254
35 Harim’s people 320
36 Jericho’s people 345
37 Lod’s,Hadid’s, and Ono’s people 721
38 Senaah’s people 3,930.

39 The priests included:

Jedaiah’sdescendants of the house of Jeshua 973
40 Immer’s descendants 1,052
41 Pashhur’s descendants 1,247
42 Harim’s descendants 1,017.

43 The Levitesincluded:

Jeshua’s descendants: of Kadmiel
Hodevah’s descendants 74.

44 The singersincluded:

Asaph’s descendants 148.

45 The gatekeepersincluded:

Shallum’s descendants, Ater’s descendants,
Talmon’s descendants, Akkub’s descendants,
Hatita’s descendants, Shobai’s descendants 138.

46 The temple servantsincluded:

Ziha’s descendants, Hasupha’s descendants,

Tabbaoth’s descendants,

47 Keros’s descendants,

Sia’s descendants, Padon’s descendants,

48 Lebanah’s descendants, Hagabah’s descendants,

Shalmai’s descendants,

49 Hanan’s descendants,

Giddel’s descendants, Gahar’s descendants,

50 Reaiah’s descendants, Rezin’s descendants,

Nekoda’s descendants,

51 Gazzam’s descendants,

Uzza’s descendants, Paseah’s descendants,

52 Besai’s descendants, Meunim’s descendants,

Nephishesim’sdescendants,

53 Bakbuk’s descendants,

Hakupha’s descendants, Harhur’s descendants,

54 Bazlith’s descendants, Mehida’s descendants,

Harsha’s descendants,

55 Barkos’s descendants,

Sisera’s descendants, Temah’s descendants,

56 Neziah’s descendants, Hatipha’s descendants.

57 The descendants of Solomon’s servantsincluded:

Sotai’s descendants, Sophereth’s descendants,

Perida’s descendants,

58 Jaala’s descendants,

Darkon’s descendants, Giddel’s descendants,

59 Shephatiah’s descendants, Hattil’s descendants,

Pochereth-hazzebaim’s descendants, Amon’s descendants.

60 All the temple servants
and the descendants of Solomon’s servants 392.

61 The followingare those who came from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but were unable to prove that their families and ancestors were Israelite:

62 Delaiah’s descendants,
Tobiah’s descendants,
and Nekoda’s descendants 642

63 and from the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai — who had taken a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name.

64 These searched for their entries in the genealogical records, but they could not be found, so they were disqualified from the priesthood.

65 The governorordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest who could consult the Urim and Thummim.

66 The whole combined assembly numbered 42,360
67 not including their 7,337 male and female slaves,
as well as their 245 male and female singers.
68 They had 736 horses, 245 mules,
69 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.

70 Some of the family leaders gave to the project. The governor gave 1,000 gold coins,50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments to the treasury.

71 Some of the family leaders gave 20,000 gold coins and 2,200 silver minasto the treasury for the project.

72 The rest of the people gave 20,000 gold coins, 2,000 silver minas, and 67 priestly garments.

73 So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, temple singers, some of the people, temple servants, and all Israel settled in their towns.

Public Reading of the Law

When the seventh monthcame and the Israelites had settled in their towns,

—https://api-cdn.youversionapi.com/audio-bible-youversionapi/17/32k/NEH/7-c85af56d05984db161ad9dc0ab1701ac.mp3?version_id=72—