11
But the multitude is great and it is winter, and we are not able to stand in the open air. This is not a work we can do in one day or two, for we have sinned too much in these things.
12
So let the leaders of the multitude stay, and let all those in our settlements who have foreign wives come at the time appointed,
13
with the elders and judges of each place, until we are freed from the wrath of the Lord over this matter."
14
Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah undertook the matter on these terms, and Meshullam and Levi and Shabbethai served with them as judges.
15
And those who had returned from exile acted in accordance with all this.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.