24
Prepare a large number of writing tablets, and take with you these five men who can write fast: Seraiah, Dabriah, Shelemiah, Ethan, and Asiel.
25
Then come here, and I will light the lamp of understanding in your heart, and it will not go out until you have finished what you are supposed to write.
26
When you have finished your work, you will make some of it public, and you will give the rest to some wise people, who will keep it secret. Tomorrow at this time you will begin to write."
27
I did as I was commanded and called all the people together. I said,
28
"Listen to what I have to say, people of Israel.
29
At first our ancestors lived as foreigners in Egypt, but then they were set free
30
and received from God the life-giving Law. But they did not keep it, and when your turn came, you did not keep it either.
31
God gave you the holy land as your own possession, but you were as sinful as your ancestors and did not follow the ways that God Most High had commanded.
32
God is a just judge, so after a while he took away what he had given you.
33
Now you are in exile here, but you are closer to Jerusalem than some of your own people.
34
But if you will discipline your thoughts and be willing to learn, you will be kept safe in this life and will be granted mercy after death,