Scripture in Poetry,
Books with the Everlasting Covanent.
Copyright © 1997, revised 2000, michael eashoo - editor
EZRA
Chapter 1
1. in the 1st year of cyrus king of persia,
2. in order to fulfill the Word from YHVH by the mouth of Jeremiah.
3. YHVH stirred the spirit of cyrus king of persia,
4. so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom.
5. he also put this in writing,
6. saying thus says cyrus king of persia.
7. YHVH the CREATOR of the heavens has Given me all the kingdoms of earth,
8. HE has Appointed me to rebuild HIS House in Jerusalem which is in Judah.
9. whoever there is among you of all HIS People may the CREATOR be with him,
10. let him go to Jerusalem which is in Judah.
11. to rebuild the House for YHVH the CREATOR of Israel,
12. whos' CREATOR is WHO is for Jerusalem.
13. every survivor in whatever place he may live,
14. let the men of that place support him with silver and gold.
15. with goods and cattle,
16. together with a Freewill Offering for the House for the CREATOR
which is in Jerusalem.
17. the Head Fathers' of Judah and Benjamin,
18. with the Priests and the Levites arose.
19. even everyone whose spirit the CREATOR had stirred went,
20. to rebuilt the House for YHVH which is in Jerusalem.
21. all those about them encouraged them,
22. with articles of silver and gold.
23. with goods and with cattle and valuables,
24. aside from all that was given as the Freewill Offerings.
25. king cyrus brought-out the Utensils {{ Articles} for the House for YHVH,
26. which nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and put Them
in the house for his creator.
27. cyrus king of persia had Them brought out by the hand of
mithredath the treasurer,
28. he counted Them to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.
29. {{ now this was their number 30 gold Dishes 1,000 silver Dishes,
30. 29 Duplicates 30 Gold Bowls 410 Silver Bowls of a 2nd kind
1,000 other Articles}
31. all the Articles of Gold and Silver numbered 5,400. ]
32. Sheshbazzar brought Them all,
33. with the exiles who went from babylon to Jerusalem.
Chapter 2 2:1
1. now these are the people in the province,
2. who came out of captivity.
3. the exiles whom nebuchadnezzar the king of babylon had carried away to babylon,
4. they returned to Jerusalem in Judah.
5. each to his city,
6. for these came with Zerubbabel.
7. Jeshua Nehemiah Seraiah Reelaiah Mordecai Bilshan Mispar
Bigvai Rehum Baanah,
8. they numbered the men from the people of Israel.
9. the sons of Parosh 2,172.
10. the sons of Shephatiah 372.
11. the sons of Arah 775.
12. {{ the sons of pahath-moab}
13. the sons of Jeshua and Joab 2,812.
14. the sons of Elam 1,254.
15. the sons of Zattu 945.
16. the sons of Zaccai 760.
17. the sons of Bani 642.
18. the sons of Bebai 623.
19. the sons of Azgad 1,222.
20. the sons of Adonikam 666.
21. the sons of Bigvai 2,056.
22. the sons of Adin 454.
23. the sons of Ater of Hezekiah 98.
24. the sons of Bezai 323.
25. the sons of Jorah 112.
26. the sons of Hashum 223.
27. the sons of Gibbar 95.
28. the men of Bethlehem 123.
29. the men of Netophah 56.
30. the men of Anathoth 128.
31. the sons of Azmaveth 42.
32. the sons of Kiriath-arim Chephirah and Beeroth 743.
33. the sons of Ramah and Geba 621.
34. the men of Michmas 122.
35. the men of Bethel and Ai 223.
36. the sons of Nebo 52.
37. the sons of Magbish 156.
38. the sons of the other Elam 1,254.
39. the sons of Harim 320.
40. the sons of Lod Hadid Ono 725.
41. the men of Jericho 345.
42. the sons of Senaah 3,630.
43. the Priests the sons of Jedaiah of the house of Jeshua 973.
44. the sons of Immer 1,052.
45. the sons of Pashhur 1,247.
46. the sons of Harim 1,017.
47. the Levites the sons of Jeshua.
48. Kadmiel of the sons of Hodaviah 74.
49. the singers the sons of Asaph 128.
50. the sons of the gatekeepers the sons of Shallum.
51. the sons of Ater the sons of Talmon the sons of Akkub the sons of Hatita.
52. the sons of Shobai in all 139.
53. {{ the temple servants,
54. the sons of Ziha the sons of Hasupha the sons of Tabbaoth the sons of Keros
the sons of Siaha the sons of Padon the sons of Lebanah the sons of Hagabah
the sons of Akkub the sons of Hagab the sons of Shalmai the sons of Hanan
the sons of Giddel the sons of Gahar the sons of Reaiah the sons of Rezin
the sons of Nekoda the sons of Gazzam the sons of Uzza the sons of Paseah
the sons of Besai the sons of Asnah the sons of Meunim the sons of Nephisim
the sons of Bakbuk the sons of Hakupha the sons of Harhur the sons of Bazluth
the sons of Mehida the sons of Harsha the sons of Barkos the sons of Sisera
the sons of Temah the sons of Neziah the sons of Hatipha.
55. the sons of Solomon's servants he sons of Sotai the sons of Hassophereth
the sons of Peruda the sons of Jaalah the sons of Darkon the sons of Giddel
the sons of Shephatiah the sons of Hattil the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim
the sons of Ami,
56. all the temple servants and the sons of Solomon's servants were 392.}
57. now these are those who came from tel-melah,
58. Tel-harsha Cherub Addan and Immer.
59. they were not able to give evidence of their fathers' households,
60. their descendants whether they were from Israel's sons.
{{ of delaiah and the sons of tobiah.}
61. for the sons of Nekoda were 652,
62. sons of the Priests the sons of Habaiah the sons of Hakkoz
the sons of Barzillai.
63. who took a wife from the daughters of barzillai the gileadite,
64. he was called by their name.
65. these searched their ancestral registration but they could not be located,
66. therefore they were considered unclean to be Priests.
67. the governor said to them that they should not eat from the Most Holy Things,
68. until a Priest stood with the Urim and Thummim.
69. the whole assembly numbered 42,360,
70. besides their male and female servants who numbered 7,337.
71. they had 200 singing men and women,
72. their horses were 736 their mules 245 their camels 435 their donkeys 6,720.
73. some of the Head Fathers when they arrived at the House for YHVH
which is in Jerusalem,
74. Offered willingly for the House for the CREATOR to restore the foundation.
75. according to their ability they gave to the treasury,
76. for the work 61,000 gold {{ drachmas,} and 5,000 silver
{{ minas for a 100 Priest Garments.}
Chapter 3 2:70
1. now the Priests the Levites with some of the people the singers
the gatekeepers {{ the temple servants} lived in their cities,
2. all Israel were in their cities.
3. now when the 7th month came the sons of Israel were in their cities,
4. the people gathered together as 1 male to Jerusalem.
5. Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers the Priests,
6. with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brothers arose.
7. they built an Altar for the CREATOR Israel to Offer Burnt Offerings on, ]
8. as is written in the Law thru Moses a Male for the CREATOR.
9. they set the Altar by the Foundation, ]
10. {{ they were terrified because of the peoples in the Lands.}
11. they Offered Burnt Offerings to YHVH,
12. Burnt Offerings in the morning and evening.
13. they celebrated the Feast of Booths as is written,
14. and were Offering the fixed number of Burnt Offerings daily.
15. according to the Ordinance as each day required,
16. again was the Continual Burnt Offerings.
17. {{ also on the New Moons,
18. and all the fixed Feasts by YHVH.
19. to consecrate everyones Offering,
20. their Freewill Offerings to YHVH.}
21. from the 1st day of the 7th month,
22. they began to Offer the Burnt Offerings to YHVH.
23. for the Foundation for the House for YHVH {{ laid}
24. they gave money to the masons and carpenters.
25. {{ food drink and oil to the sidonians and tyrians,
26. to bring cedar wood from lebanon by the sea to joppa,
27. according to permission from cyrus king of persia.}
Chapter 4 3:8
1. now in the 2nd year of their coming to the House for the CREATOR in Jerusalem,
2. in the 2nd month Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak
with the rest of their brothers the Priests the Levites.
3. all who came from captivity to Jerusalem began to appoint the Levites,
4. from 20 years and older to oversee the work on the House for YHVH.
5. Jeshua with his sons and brothers stood united,
6. with Kadmiel and his sons the sons of Judah and the sons of Henadad.
7. the sons and brothers of the Levites,
8. to oversee the workmen on the House for the CREATOR.
9. as the builders laid the Foundation for the House for YHVH,
10. the Priests stood in their apparel with trumpets.
11. the Levites and the sons of Asaph with cymbals,
12. praising YHVH according to the directions of king David for Israel.
13. they sang praises and gave thanks to YHVH.
14. saying HE is Good for HIS Lovingkindness is with Israel forever.
15. all the people shouted with a great shout to praise YHVH,
16. because the Foundation for the House for YHVH was laid.
17. many of the Priests Levites and Head Fathers,
18. the old men who had seen the 1st House.
19. wept with a loud voice,
20. for the Foundation for this House was laid before their eyes.
21. while many shouted aloud for joy,
22. the people could not distinguish the sounds the shouts of joy from
the sound of the weeping of the people.
23. for the people shouted with a loud shout,
24. and the sound was heard far away.
Chapter 5 ( part 1 ) 4:1
1. as the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard,
2. that the people of the exile were building a House for YHVH the CREATOR of Israel.
3. they approached Zerubbabel and the Head Fathers,
4. saying let us build with you for we like you seek the CREATOR.
5. we have been sacrificing to HIM since the days of esarhaddon,
6. and for the king of assyria who brought us here.
7. Zerubbabel and Jeshua with the rest of the Head Fathers of Israel said,
8. you have nothing in common with us in building the House for the CREATOR.
9. we ourselves will together build for YHVH the CREATOR of Israel,
10. as king cyrus the king of persia has commanded us.
11. the people of the Land discouraged the people of Judah,
12. frightened them from building.
13. they hired counselors against them,
14. to frustrate their counsel all the days of cyrus king of persia.
15. {{ until the reign of darius king of persia}
16. in the reign of ahasuerus at the beginning of his reign,
17. they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
18. in the days of artaxerxes,
19. bishlam mithredath tabeel with the rest of their colleagues wrote
to artaxerxes king of persia.
20. the text of the letter was written in aramaic and translated from aramaic,
21. rehum the commander and shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against
Jerusalem to king artaxerxes.
22. {{ the following then wrote to the rest of their colleagues judges
lesser governors officials and secretaries,
23. to men of erech and the babylonians and the men of susa.
24. that is the elamites and the rest of the nations which the great and
honorable osnappar deported,
25. settling them in the city of samaria and in the rest of the
region beyond the river.}
26. now this is the copy of the letter which they sent to king artaxerxes,
27. from your servants the men in the region beyond the river.
28. now let this be known to the king,
29. the Jews who came from you have come to us at Jerusalem.
30. they are rebuilding a rebellious and evil City,
31. they are finishing the Walls and repairing the Foundations.
32. now let this be known to the king,
33. that if that City is rebuilt and the Walls are finished.
34. they will not pay tribute custom or toll,
35. this will damage the revenue for the king.
36. now because we are in the service of the palace,
37. this is not fitting for us to see the king's dishonored.
38. therefore we have sent informing the king,
39. so that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers.
40. you will discover in the record books,
41. learning that City is a rebellious City and a detriment to the
king and his provinces.
42. they have incited revolt in the past days,
43. therefore that City was laid waste.
44. we inform the king that if that City is rebuilt and the Walls finished,
45. the result you will have no possession beyond the river.
46. the king sent an answer,
47. to rehum the commander and shimshai the scribe.
48. to the rest of their colleagues who live in samaria,
49. and to the rest of the provinces beyond the river peace.
50. now the document which you sent to me has been translated and read before me,
51. a decree has been issued by me.
52. a search has been made and this has been discovered,
53. that the City has risen against kings in past days.
54. rebellion and revolt have been started from there,
55. mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem.
56. and governed all beyond the river,
57. and tribute custom and toll were paid to them.
58. now he issue a decree to make these men stop,
59. that the City may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me.
60. beware of being negligent in carrying out this,
61. why should damage increase to the detriment of the king?
62. as soon as the copy of king artaxerxes' document was read,
63. before rehum and shimshai the scribe and their colleagues.
64. they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews,
65. stopping them by force of arms.
Chapter 5 ( part 2 ) 4:24
66. work on the House of God in Jerusalem ceased,
67. stopped until the 2nd year in the reign of darius king of persia. ]
68. the Prophets Haggai and the Prophet Zechariah the son of Iddo
Prophesied to the Jews,
69. to those who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the Name of God of
Israel WHO was over them.
70. Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose,
71. they began to rebuild the House for God which is in Jerusalem.
72. the Prophets for God were with them supporting them,
73. at that time tattenai was governor beyond the river.
74. shethar-bozenai and their colleagues came to us,
75. spoke thus who issued you a decree?
76. to rebuild this House?
77. to finish this Structure?
78. then we told them accordingly whom the names of the men are,
79. who were reconstructing this Building and City.
80. for the Eyes of God were on the Elders of the Jews,
81. they did not stop them until a report should come to darius.
82. then a written reply returned concerning this,
83. the copy of the letter which came from tattenai the governor beyond the river.
84. to shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials,
85. who were beyond the river sent to darius the king.
86. they sent a report to him in which this was written,
87. thus to darius the king.
88. all peace,
89. let this be known to the king we have gone to the province of Judah.
90. to the House of a Great God which is being built with huge stones,
91. beams are being laid on the Walls.
92. this work is going on with great care,
93. and is succeeding by their hands.
94. we asked those Elders saying,
95. thus who issued you a decree?
96. to rebuild this House?
97. and to finish this Structure?
98. we also asked them their names so as to inform you,
99. that we might write down the names of the men who were their Head Leaders.
100. thus they answered us saying,
101. we are the Servants of the God of Heaven and Earth.
102. we are rebuilding the House that was built many years ago,
103. which a great king of Israel built and finished.
104. because our fathers had provoked God in Heaven to Wrath,
105. HE Gave them into the hand of nebuchadnezzar king of babylon.
106. for the chaldean are who destroyed this House,
107. and deported the people to babylon.
108. however in the 1st year of cyrus king of babylon,
109. king cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this House for God.
110. also the Gold and Silver Utensils from the House for God,
111. which nebuchadnezzar had taken from the House in Jerusalem were
brought to the temple of babylon.
112. These king cyrus took from the temple of babylon,
113. and were given to 1 whose name was Sheshbazzar whom he had a
ppointed governor.
114. he said to him take These Utensils and go deposit them in the
House in Jerusalem,
115. let the House for God be rebuilt in that Place.
116. then that Sheshbazzar came laid the Foundations for the House
for God in Jerusalem,
117. from then until now this has been under construction and is not
yet completed.
118. now if this pleases the king.
119. let a search be conducted in the king's treasure house
which is there in babylon.
120. that a decree was issued by king cyrus to rebuild this
House for God in Jerusalem,
121. let the king send to us his decision concerning this.
Chapter 5 ( part 3 ) 6:1
122. king darius issued a decree,
123. a search was made in the archives.
124. where the treasures were stored,
125. in babylon in ecbatana.
126. in a fortress which is in the province of media,
127. a scroll was found there.
128. written was the following memorandum,
129. in the 1st year of king cyrus.
130. cyrus the king issued a decree,
131. concerning the House for God in Jerusalem.
132. let the House and that Place where sacrifices are Offered be rebuilt,
133. let the Foundations be retained.
134. the height being 60 cubits and the width 60 cubits,
135. 3 layers of huge stones and 1 layer of timber.
136. let the cost be paid from the royal treasury,
137. also the Gold and Silver Utensils for the House for God.
138. which nebuchadnezzar took from the House in Jerusalem,
139. Those brought to babylon are to be returned.
140. let Them be brought to their place in the House,
141. in Jerusalem you shall put Them in the House for God.
142. now tattenai governor beyond the river,
143. shethar-bozenai and your colleagues.
144. the officials beyond the river keep away from there,
145. leave this work on the House for God alone.
146. let the governor for the Jews with the Elders of the Jews,
147. rebuild this House for God on that Site.
148. moreover i issue a decree concerning what you are to do,
149. for these Elders of Judah in the rebuilding of this House for God.
150. the full cost is to be paid to these people from the royal treasury,
151. out of the taxes from beyond the river without delay.
152. whatever is needed both of young bulls rams and lambs,
153. for the Burnt Offerings to God in Heaven.
154. wheat salt wine Anointing Oil as the Priests in Jerusalem request,
155. this is to be given to them daily without fail.
156. that they may Offer acceptable sacrifices to God in Heaven,
157. and to pray for the life of the king and his sons.
158. i issued a decree that any male who violates this edict,
159. {{ a timber shall be drawn from his house he shall be impaled on.}
160. his house shall be made a refuse heap on account of this.
161. may God WHO has caused HIS Name to Dwell there overthrow any king or people,
162. those who attempt to change or to destroy this House for God in Jerusalem.
163. i darius have issued a decree,
164. let this be carried out with all diligence.
165. tattenai the governor for beyond the river,
166. with shethar-bozenai and their colleagues carried out the decree.
167. with all diligence just as king darius had sent,
168. the Elders of the Jews are to be successful in building.
169. through the Prophesying of Haggai the Prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo,
170. they finished building according to the Command from God for Israel.
171. by the decree of cyrus darius,
172. with artaxerxes the kings of persia.
173. this House was completed on the 3rd day of the month adar.
174. this was the 6th year of the reign of king darius.
175. the sons of Israel the Priests the Levites and the rest of the exiles,
176. celebrated the dedication to this House for God with joy.
177. they Offered for the dedication of this House for God,
178. 100 bulls 200 rams 400 lambs.
179. for the Sin Offering for all Israel,
180. 12 male goats corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel.
181. then they appointed the Priests to their divisions and the Levites
to their orders,
182. for the service to God in Jerusalem as is written in the Book thru Moses.
183. the exiles observed the Passover on the 14th of the 1st month,
184. for the Priests and the Levites had purified themselves.
185. together all of them were pure,
186. then they slaughtered the Passover for all the exiles. ]
187. both for their brothers and the Priests,
188. for themselves and the sons of Israel who returned from exile.
189. all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations
in the lands,
190. those who seek YHVH the CREATOR of Israel.
191. they ate and observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for 7 days with joy,
192. for YHVH had caused them to rejoice.
193. for HE turned the hearts of the kings of assyria toward them,
194. by encouraging the work on the House for the CREATOR the CREATOR for Israel.
Chapter 6 ezra starts here 7:1
1. now after these things in the reign of artaxerxes king of persia,
2. Ezra son of Seraiah the son of Azariah.
3. son of Hilkiah son of Shallum son of Zadok son of Ahitub
son of Amariah son of Azariah,
4. son of Meraioth son of Zerahiah son of Uzzi son of Bukki
son of Abishua son of Phinehas.
5. son of Eleazar the son of Aaron the Chief Priest,
6. this Ezra went from babylon was a scribe.
7. skilled in the Law thru Moses which YHVH the CREATOR of Israel had Given,
8. the king granted him all he requested because the Hand of YHVH.
9. the CREATOR was with him and some of the sons of Israel,
10. some of the Priests and the Levites.
11. the singers and gatekeepers,
12. with the House servants went to Jerusalem.
13. in the 7th year of king artaxerxes they came to Jerusalem,
14. in the 5th month which is in the 7th year of the king.
15. for on the 1st of the 1st month he began to go from babylon,
16. on the 1st of the 5th month he came to Jerusalem.
17. for the Good Hand of the CREATOR was with him,
18. for Ezra had set his heart to study the Laws from YHVH.
19. to practice and to teach,
20. HIS Statutes and Ordinances in Israel.
21. this is the copy of the decree,
22. which king artaxerxes gave to Ezra the Priest and Scribe.
23. to learn the Words and the Commandments from YHVH,
24. HIS Statutes for Israel.
25. artaxerxes king of kings,
26. to Ezra the Priest and Scribe of the Laws for God in Heaven the PERFECT. ]
27. now i have issued a decree,
28. that any of the people from Israel.
29. their Priests and Levites in my kingdom,
30. who are willing to go to Jerusalem may go with you.
31. forasmuch as you are sent by the king and his 7 counselors to
inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem,
32. according to the Laws from God which are in your hand.
33. bring the silver and gold which the king and his counselors
have freely offered,
34. to God of Israel Whose Dwelling is in Jerusalem.
35. with all the silver and gold which you shall find in the
whole province of babylon,
36. along with the Freewill Offerings from the people.
37. thus give to the Priests to Offer willingly,
38. in the House for God which is in Jerusalem.
39. with this money therefore you shall diligently buy,
40. bulls rams and lambs.
41. their Grain Offerings with their Libations,
42. Offerings for on the Altar by the House for God which is in Jerusalem.
43. whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do,
44. the rest the silver and gold you may do according to the Will of God.
45. also the Utensils which were given to you for the service
in the House for God,
46. deliver Them in full before God in Jerusalem.
47. for the rest of the needs of the House for God,
48. which you may have occasional need.
49. provide this from the royal treasury,
50. even i king artaxerxes issue this decree.
51. to all the treasurers who are beyond the river,
52. whatever Ezra the Priest and Scribe for the Law from God
in Heaven may require.
53. {{ this shall be done diligently,
54. 100 talents of silver.
55. 100 kors of wheat and 100 baths of wine,
56. 100 baths of oil and salt as needed.}
57. whatever is Commanded by God in Heaven,
58. let this be done with zeal.
59. for the House for God in Heaven,
60. lest there be Wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons.
61. we also inform you that this is not allowed,
62. to impose tax tribute toll.
63. on any of the Priests or Levites singers doorkeepers,
64. {{ nethinim} the Servants of this House for God.
65. you Ezra according to the Wisdom from God which is in your hands,
66. appoint magistrates and judges.
67. that they may judge all the people who are beyond the river,
68. all those who know the Laws from God may teach anyone who is ignorant of Them.
69. whoever will not observe the Laws from God,
70. the law from the king is let judgment be executed upon him.
71. strictly whether for death or for banishment,
72. or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment.
Chapter 7 7:27
1. Blessed by YHVH the CREATOR our fathers WHO put this in the king's heart,
2. to honor the House for YHVH which is in Jerusalem.
3. HE has extended HIS Lovingkindness to me before the kings' counselors,
4. and before all the king's mighty princes.
5. thus i was strengthened according by the Hand of YHVH the CREATOR,
6. i gathered Leading men from Israel to go with me.
7. these are the Head Fathers,
8. the genealogical enrollment of those who went with me from babylon
in the reign of king artaxerxes.
9. of the sons of Phinehas and Gershom,
10. of the sons of Ithamar and Daniel.
11. of the sons of David and Hattush,
12. of the sons of Shecaniah who was of the sons of Parosh.
13. Zechariah and with him 150 men,
14. who were in the genealogical list.
15. of the sons of {{ pahath-moab} Eliehoenai,
16. the son of Zerahiah and 200 men with him.
17. of the sons of Shecaniah,
18. the son of Jahaziel and 300 men with him.
19. of the sons of Adin and Ebed,
20. the son of Jonathan and 50 men with him.
21. of the sons of Elam and Jeshaiah,
22. the son of athaliah and 70 men with him.
23. of the sons of Shephatiah and Zebadiah,
24. the son of Michael and 80 men with him.
25. of the sons of Joab and Obadiah,
26. the son of Jehiel and 218 men with him.
27. of the sons of Shelomith,
28. the son of Josiphiah and 160 men with him.
29. of the sons of Bebai and Zechariah,
30. the son of Bebai and 28 men with him.
31. of the sons of Azgad Johanan,
32. the son of Hakkatan and 110 men with him.
33. of the sons of Adonikam were the last ones,
34. these being their names Eliphelet Jeuel Shemaiah and 60 men with them.
35. of the sons of Bigvai and Uthai,
36. Zabbud and 70 men with them.
37. {{ i gathered them by the river that runs to ahava,
38. where we camped for 3 days.
39. when i observed the people and the Priests,
40. i did not find any Levites there.
41. i sent for Eliezer Ariel Shemaiah Elnathan Jarib Elnathan
Nathan Zechariah Meshullam,
42. Leading men and for Joiarib and Elnathan as teachers.
43. i sent them to Iddo the leading male at the place casiphia,
44. i told them what to say to Iddo and his brothers the House servants
at the place of casiphia.
45. bring ministers to us for the House of the CREATOR,
46. according to the Good Hand of the CREATOR.
47. they brought us men with insight from the sons of Mahli the son
of Levi of the son of Israel,
48. namely Sherebiah and his sons and brothers 18 men.
49. Hashabiah and Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari,
50. with his brothers and their sons 20 men.
51. 220 of the House servants whom David and the princes had given
for the service of the Levites,
52. all of them designated by name.}
53. then i proclaimed a fast there by the river ahava, ]
54. that we might humble ourselves before the CREATOR.
55. to seek from HIM a safe journey,
56. for us for our little ones and all our possessions.
57. i was ashamed to request the king troops,
58. his horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way.
59. because we had said to the king,
60. the Hand of the CREATOR is Favorably in giving-good to all
those who seek HIM.
61. {{ but HIS Power and HIS Anger are against all those who forsake HIM.}
62. so we fasted and sought the CREATOR concerning this,
63. HE Listened to our entreaty.
64. then i set apart 12 of the Leading Priests,
65. Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them 10 of their brothers.
66. i weighed out to them the silver gold and the Utensils,
67. for the Offerings for the House for the CREATOR.
68. for the king his counselors his princes,
69. and all Israel present there had offered.
70. thus i weighed into their hands 650 talents of silver,
71. {{ silver utensils worth 100 talents and a 100 gold talents.
72. 20 Gold Bowls worth 1000 darics,
73. 2 utensils of fine shiny bronze precious as gold.}
74. i said you are Holy to YHVH for the Utensils is Holy.
75. the silver and gold they are a Freewill Offering to YHVH the
CREATOR of our fathers,
76. watch and keep them until you weigh them before the Leading Priests.
77. the Levites and the Head Fathers for Israel,
78. at Jerusalem in the chambers by the House for YHVH.
79. the Priests and Levites accepted the weighed out silver gold and Utensils.
80. bringing them to Jerusalem to the House for the CREATOR.
81. we journeyed from the river ahava on the 12th of the 1st month,
82. going to Jerusalem the Hand of the CREATOR was over us.
83. for HE Delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes by the way,
84. thus we came to Jerusalem and remained there 3 days.
85. on the 4th day the silver gold and Utensils were weighed out,
86. in the House for the CREATOR.
87. into the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah for the Priests,
88. and Eleazar the son of Phinehas for the Levites.
89. by Jozabad the son of Jeshua,
90. and Noadiah the son of Binnui.
91. everything was numbered and weighed,
92. all the weight was recorded at that time.
93. the exiles who had come from the captivity,
94. Offered Burnt Offerings to the CREATOR of Israel.
95. 12 bulls for all Israel as a ....
96. {{ 96 rams 77 lambs 12 male goats}
97. .... Sin Offering,
98. and for all Burnt Offerings to YHVH.
99. then delivered the king's edicts,
100. to the king's satraps and to the governors.
101. so beyond the river,
102. they supported our people and the House for the CREATOR.
Chapter 8 ( part 1 ) 9:1
1. these things had been completed the princes approached me saying,
2. the people of Israel Priests and Levites have not separated themselves
from the peoples of the lands.
3. but are according to their abominations of the canaanites hittites
perizzites jebusites ammonites moabites egyptians amorites,
4. they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves
and for their sons.
5. the Holy Race has intermingled with the peoples of the lands,
6. indeed the hands of the princes and rulers have been foremost
in this unfaithfulness.
7. as i heard about this matter i tore my garment, {{ my robe}
8. {{ i pulled some hair from my head and beard}
9. i sat down appalled.
10. then everyone trembled at the Words from the CREATOR of Israel,
11. on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles that gathered to me.
12. we sat appalled until the Evening Offering,
13. at the Evening Offering i arose from my mourning.
14. even with my garment {{ my robe} torn,
15. i fell on my knees and stretched out my hands to YHVH the CREATOR. ]
16. saying CREATOR i am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to YOU,
17. CREATOR our iniquities have risen above our heads.
18. our guilt has grown even to the heavens,
19. since the days of our fathers to this day.
20. we are in great guilt and on account of our iniquities,
21. our kings and our Priests have been given into the hand of the
kings of the lands.
22. for the sword and captivity,
23. as plunder and as open shame as is this day.
24. now for a brief moment YOUR Grace has come to us,
25. YHVH our CREATOR YOU have left us as an escaped remnant.
26. Giving us a peg by YOUR Holy Place,
27. that YOU CREATOR may open our eyes.
28. YOU Granted us a little reviving from our bondage for we were slaves,
29. yet in our bondage YOU CREATOR have not forsaken but extended YOUR
Lovingkindness to us.
30. in the sight of the kings of persia YOU have Given us a reviving to
raise up YOUR House CREATOR,
31. to restore the Ruins and to give us a Wall in Judah in Jerusalem.
32. now CREATOR what shall i say after this,
33. for we have forsaken YOUR Commandments which YOU have Commanded by
YOUR Servants the Prophets.
34. saying the Land which you are entering to possess is an unclean land,
35. by the uncleanness of the peoples of the lands with their abominations.
36. {{ which have filled from end to end with their impurity.}
37. now do not give your daughters to their sons,
38. nor take their daughters for your sons.
39. never seek their peace or their prosperity that you may be strong,
40. eat the good of the Land and leave this as an Inheritance to your sons forever.
41. after all that has come upon us,
42. for our evil deeds and our great guilt.
43. since YOU CREATOR have requited us less than our iniquities deserve,
44. YOU have Given us an escaped remnant as this.
45. shall we again break YOUR Commandments?
46. intermarry with the peoples who commit these abominations?
47. would YOU not be angry with us to the point of destruction?
48. until there is no remnant nor any who escape?
49. YHVH the CREATOR of Israel YOU are Righteous,
50. for we have been left as an escaped remnant as is this day.
51. behold we are before YOU with our guilt,
52. for no one can stand before YOU because of this.
53. as Ezra was praying and making confession,
54. weeping and prostrating himself before the House for the CREATOR.
55. a very large assembly of men women children gathered to him from Israel,
56. for the people wept bitterly.
57. Shecaniah the son of Jehiel 1 of the sons of Elam spoke,
58. saying Ezra we have been unfaithful to the CREATOR.
59. we have married foreign women from the peoples in the land,
60. yet now there is hope for Israel in spite of this.
61. so now let us make a Covenant with the CREATOR,
62. to put away all these wives and their children.
63. according to the Counsel of the LORD,
64. with those who tremble at the Commandments from the CREATOR.
65. let this be done,
66. according to the Law.
67. arise for this matter is your responsibility,
68. be courageous and act.
69. Ezra rose,
70. made the Leading Priests Levites and all Israel take an Oath,
71. that they would do according to this proposal,
72. so they took the Oath.
73. Ezra rose from before the House for the CREATOR,
74. he went to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib.
75. although he went there he did not eat bread nor drink water,
76. for he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.
Chapter 8 ( part 2 ) 10:7
77. they made a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem,
78. that all the exiles should gather at Jerusalem.
79. that whoever would not come within 3 days according to the counsel of
the Leaders and the Elders,
80. all his possessions should be forfeited and he himself excluded from
the assembly from the exiles.
81. so all the men of Judah and Benjamin gahtered at Jerusalem within 3 days,
82. this was the 9th month on the 20th of the month.
83. all the people sat in the open square before the House for the CREATOR,
84. trembling because of this matter.
85. in the heavy rain Ezra the Priest stood up and said,
86. you have been unfaithful marrying foreign wives so adding to the
guilt of Israel.
87. now make a confession to YHVH the CREATOR of your fathers,
88. do HIS Will and separate yourselves from the peoples of the land
and from the foreign wives.
89. then all the assembly answered,
90. saying with a loud voice.
91. this is right as you have said,
92. this is our duty to do this.
93. for there are many people and this is the rainy season,
94. we are not able to stand in the open.
95. nor can the task be done in 1 or 2 days,
96. for we have transgressed greatly in this matter.
97. let our Leaders represent the whole assembly,
98. let all those in our cities who have married foreign wives come
at appointed times.
99. altogether with the Elders and Judges from each city,
100. until the Fierce Anger from the CREATOR has accounted for this
matter and turns away.
101. only jonathan the son of asahel and jahzeiah the son of tikvah
opposed this,
102. with meshullam and shabbethai the Levite supporting them.
103. but the exiles did so and Ezra the Priest selected men who were
from the Head Fathers.
104. each for their Father's households by name.
105. so they convened on the 1st day of the 10th month,
106. to investigate the matter. ]
107. they finished with all the men who had married foreign wives,
108. by the 1st of the 1st month.
109. among the sons from the Priests,
110. who had married foreign wives were found.
111. from the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers,
112. Maaseiah Eliezer Jarib and Gedaliah.
113. they pledged to put away their wives,
114. being guilty they Offered a ram from the flock for their offense.
115. from the sons of Immer,
116. Hanani and Zebadiah.
117. from the sons of Harim,
118. Maaseiah Elijah Shemaiah Jehiel and Uzziah.
119. from the sons of Pashhur,
120. Elioenai Maaseiah Ishmael Nethanel Jozabad and Elasah.
121. from the sons of Levites,
122. Jozabad Shimei and Kelaiah. {( that is kelita )}
123. Pethahiah Judah and Eliezer,
124. from the singers there was Eliashib.
125. from the gatekeepers,
126. Shallum Telem and Uri of Israel.
127. from the sons of Parosh,
128. were Ramiah Izziah Malchijah Mijamin Eleazar Malchijah and Benaiah.
129. from the sons of Elam,
130. Mattaniah Zechariah Jehiel Abdi Jeremoth and Elijah.
131. from the sons of Zattu,
132. Elioenai Eliashib Mattaniah Jeremoth Zabad and Aziza.
133. from the sons of Bebai,
134. Jehohanan Hananiah Zabbai and Athlai.
135. from the sons of Bani,
136. Meshullam Malluch Adaiah Jashub Sheal and Jeremoth.
137. from the sons of Pahath-moab,
138. Adna Chelal Benaiah Maaseiah Mattaniah Bezalel Binnui
and Manasseh.
139. from the sons of Harim,
140. Eliezer Isshijah Malchijah Shemaiah Shimeon Benjamin
Malluch and Shemariah.
141. from the sons of Hashum,
142. Mattenai Mattattah Zabad Eliphelet Jeremai Manasseh and Shimei.
143. from the sons of Bani,
144. Maadai Amram Uel benaiah Bedeiah Cheluhi Vaniah Meremoth
Eliashib Mattaniah Mattenai Jaasu Bani Binnui Shimei Shelemiah
Nathan Adaiah Machnadebai Shashai Sharai Azarel Shelemiah
Shemariah Shallum Amariah and Joseph.
145. from the sons of Nebo,
146. Jeiel Mattithiah Zabad Zebina Jaddai Joel and Benaiah.
147. all these had married foreign wives,
148. some of them had wives by whom they had children.
MALACHI
1. the oracle of the Word from YHVH,
2. to Israel through Malachi.
3. I have Loved you Says YHVH,
4. you say how have I Loved you?
5. was not esau Jacob's brother Declares YHVH,
6. yet I have Loved Jacob.
7. I have Hated esau and made his mountains a desolation,
8. appointed his inheritance for the jackals in the wilderness.
9. though edom says we have been beaten down,
10. we will return and build up the ruins.
11. thus Says YHVH of Hosts,
12. they may build but I will tear down.
13. they are called the wicked territory,
14. a people toward WHOM YHVH is Indignant forever.
15. your eyes will see this and you will say,
16. YHVH is magnified beyond the border of Israel.
17. a son honors his father and a servant his master,
18. if I AM a FATHER where is MY Honor?
19. if I AM a MASTER,
20. where is MY Respect Says YHVH of Hosts.
21. you priests despise MY Name,
22. you say how have we despised YOUR Name?
23. you are presenting defiled food upon MY Altar,
24. you say how have we defiled YOU in that YOU say the Table for YHVH is despised.
25. when you present the blind for sacrifice is this not evil?
26. when you present the lame and sick is this not evil?
27. why not offer this to your governor?
28. would he be pleased with you or would he receive you kindly
Says YHVH of Hosts?
29. now will you not entreat GOD as before?
30. that I may be Gracious to you.
31. such should be the Offering on your part.
32. will I receive anything of you kindly Says YHVH of Hosts?
33. {{ oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates,
34. that you might not uselessly put-fire on MY Altar.
35. I AM not pleased with you Says YHVH of Hosts,
36. nor will I accept an Offering from you.
37. from the rising of the sun even to the setting,
38. MY Name will be Great among the nations.
39. in every place Incense is going to be Offered to MY Name with a
Grain Offering that is pure,
40. for MY Name will be Great among the nations Says YHVH of Hosts.
41. you are profaning speaking of the Table of the LORD,
42. defiled by saying this fruit and food is despised.
43. you also say my how wearisome this is,
44. you sniffed at Them Says YHVH of Hosts.
45. you bring what was taken by robbery or lame or sick,
46. thus you bring the Offering and should I receive that from your
hand Says YHVH.
47. cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock and Vows,
48. yet sacrifices a blemished animal to the LORD.
49. I AM a Great KING Says YHVH of Hosts,
50. MY Name is to be feared among the nations.
51. now this Commandment is for you priests,
52. if you do not listen you will not take this to heart.
53. give honor to MY Name Says YHVH of Hosts,
54. or I will send a curse upon you.
55. I will curse your blessings,
56. indeed I have cursed you already because you are not taking this to heart.
57. behold I AM going to rebuke your offspring,
58. I will spread refuse on their faces and refuse on their feasts.
59. they will be taken away and you will know I sent this Commandment to you,
60. that MY Covenant may continue with Levi Says YHVH of Hosts.}
61. MY Covenant to Him is life and peace,
62. I Gave to Him as Who is to be feared.
63. so He revered ME and stood in awe of MY Name,
64. true instruction is in His Mouth and unrighteousness is not found on His Lips.
65. He walks with ME in peace and uprightness,
66. He turns many back from iniquity.
67. for the Lips of a Priest should preserve knowledge,
68. men should seek instruction from His Mouth.
69. He is the Messenger from YHVH of Hosts,
70. you have turned aside from the Way.
71. you have caused many to stumble by your instruction,
72. you have corrupted the Covenant Levi Says YHVH of Hosts.
73. so I also have made you despised,
74. abased you before all people.
75. just as you are not keeping MY Ways,
76. showing partiality in the Instructions.
77. {{ do we not all have One FATHER,
78. has not One GOD created us?
79. why do we deal treacherously each against his brother,
80. profaning the Covenant of our fathers?
81. Judah has dealt treacherously,
82. an abomination has been committed in Israel and Jerusalem.
83. Judah has profaned the Sanctuary for YHVH which HE Loves,
84. he has married the daughter of a foreign god.
85. for the male who does this,
86. YHVH cuts off from the tents of Jacob.
87. who awaken with answers,
88. than present an Offering to YHVH of Hosts.
89. this is another thing you do,
90. you cover the Altar for YHVH with tears and weeping.
91. groanings because I no longer regard the Offerings,
92. or Accept them with Favor from your hand.
93. yet you say for what reason,
94. because YHVH has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth.
95. against whom you have dealt treacherously,
96. though she is your companion and your wife by Covenant.
97. not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit,
98. what did one do while he was seeking a creatorly offspring?
99. take heed then to your spirit,
100. let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth.
101. I Hate divorce Says YHVH the CREATOR of Israel,
102. he who covers his garment is wrong Says YHVH of Hosts.
103. so take heed to your spirit,
104. that you do not deal treacherously.}
105. you have wearied YHVH with your words,
106. you say how have we wearied YOU?
107. you say everyone who does evil is good in the Sight for YHVH?
108. {{ or HE Delights in them}
109. or where is the CREATOR of Judgment?
110. behold I AM going to send MY Messenger,
111. He will clear a Way before ME.
112. LORD-of-all Whom you seek will suddenly come to His House,
113. the Messenger of the Covenant in Whom you delight.
114. behold He is Coming Says YHVH of Hosts,
115. who can endure the Day of His Coming?
116. who can stand when He Appears,
117. {{ He is like a refiner's fire like fullers' soap.
118. He will Sit as a Smelter a Purifier of Silver,
119. He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver.
120. presenting to YHVH Offerings of Righteousness,
121. the Offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to YHVH as in
the days of old in former years.}
122. I will draw near to you for Judgment,
123. I will be a Swift Witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers.
124. against those who swear falsely,
125. against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages and the widow and orphan.
126. who turn aside the alien,
127. and does not fear ME Says YHVH of Hosts.
128. I YHVH do not change,
129. therefore you sons of Jacob will be consumed.
130. from the days of your fathers you have turned aside,
131. MY Statutes you have not kept.
132. return to ME and I will return to you Says YHVH of Hosts,
133. you say how shall we return?
134. will a male rob the CREATOR yet you are robbing ME,
135. you say how have we robbed YOU?
136. in Tithes and Offerings you are cursed with a curse,
137. for you are robbing ME as is the whole nation.
138. bring the whole Tithe into the MY Storehouse,
139. so that there may be food in MY House.
140. test ME now in this Says YHVH of Hosts,
141. if I will not open for you the windows of heaven.
142. {{ I will pour out for you a blessing until overflown,
143. I will rebuke the devourer.
144. I will not to destroy the fruits of the ground,
145. nor will your vine in the field be cast-down Says YHVH of Hosts.
146. all the nations will call you blessed,
147. you shall be a Delightful Land Says YHVH of Hosts.}
148. your words have been arrogant against ME Says YHVH,
149. you say what have we spoken against YOU?
150. you have said this is vain to serve the CREATOR,
151. what profit is in that we have kept HIS Charge?
152. you have walked in mourning before YHVH of Hosts,
153. now you call the arrogant blessed.
154. not only are the doers of wickedness built up,
155. they also test the CREATOR to escape.
156. then those who fear YHVH spoke to one another,
157. will YHVH give attention and hear?
158. a Book of Remembrance is written before ME,
159. those who fear YHVH.
160. those who regarded MY Name,
161. they will be MINE Says YHVH of Hosts.
162. that Day I Make them for MY Possession,
163. I will Spare them as a male spares his own son who serves him.
164. so you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked,
165. between one who serves the CREATOR and one who does not serve ME.
166. for behold the Day is coming burning like a furnace,
167. all the arrogant and every evildoer will be like chaff.
168. the Day is coming to set you ablaze Says YHVH of Hosts,
169. so as leaving them neither root nor branch.
170. {{ you who fear MY Name the Son of Righteousness will rise with healing wings,
171. you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.
172. you will tread down the wicked,
173. they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet.}
174. a Day which I AM preparing Says YHVH of Hosts,
175. remember the Law thru Moses MY Servant.
176. the Statutes and Ordinances,
177. that which I Commanded him at Sinai {{ Horeb} for all Israel.
178. behold I AM going to send you Elijah,
179. a Prophet before the coming of the Great and Terrible Day for YHVH.
180. will he restore the hearts of the fathers to their children,
181. and the hearts of the children to their fathers?
182. {{ no I come to smite the Land with a curse.}