37
The priests, the Levites, and the Israelites lived in Jerusalem and in the countryside. On the new moon of the seventh month, after the people of Israel were settled in their homes,
38
the whole crowd gathered together in the courtyard near the east gate of the temple.
39
They told Ezra the chief priest and reader to bring the Law from Moses that had been given by the Lord God of Israel.
40
On the new moon of the seventh month, Ezra the chief priest brought the Law before the whole crowd, both men and women, as well as the priests, to hear the Law.
41
He read from dawn until noon in the courtyard near the temple gate, before men and women. The whole crowd gave full attention to the Law.