10
Then all the multitude shouted and said with a loud voice, "We will do as you have said.
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 the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah undertook the matter on these terms, and Meshullam and Levi and Shabbethai served with them as judges.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.