15
In those days saw I in Yehudah some men treading wine-presses on the Shabbat, and bringing in sheaves, and lading donkeys [therewith]; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Yerushalayim on the day of Shabbat: and I testified [against them] in the day in which they sold victuals.
16
There lived men of Tzor also therein, who brought in fish, and all manner of wares, and sold on the Shabbat to the children of Yehudah, and in Yerushalayim.
17
Then I contended with the nobles of Yehudah, and said to them, What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the day of Shabbat?
18
Didn't your fathers do thus, and did not our God bring all this evil on us, and on this city? yet you bring more wrath on Yisra'el by profaning the Shabbat.
19
It came to pass that, when the gates of Yerushalayim began to be dark before the Shabbat, I commanded that the doors should be shut, and commanded that they should not be opened until after the Shabbat: and some of my servants set I over the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the day of Shabbat.
20
So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged outside of Yerushalayim once or twice.
21
Then I testified against them, and said to them, Why lodge you about the wall? if you do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the Shabbat.
22
I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the day of Shabbat. Remember to me, my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of your lovingkindness.