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There in the square by the gate he read the Law to them from dawn until noon, and they all listened attentively.
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Ezra was standing on a wooden platform that had been built for the occasion.
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The following men stood at his right: Mattathiah, Shema, Ananiah, Azariah, Uriah, Hezekiah, and Baalsamos;
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and the following stood at his left: Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Lothasubus, Nabariah, and Zechariah.
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Ezra took his seat on the platform in a prominent place where everyone could see him. As soon as he took the book of the Law
46
and opened it, all the people stood up. Ezra said, "Praise the Lord, God Most High, God Almighty, Ruler of all."
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All the people raised their arms in the air and answered, "Amen!" They knelt down in worship, with their faces to the ground.
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The following Levites taught the Law of the Lord to the people: Jeshua, Anniuth, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maiannas, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Peliah. They read the Law to the people and explained what was read.
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When the people heard what the Law required, they were so moved that they began to weep. The governor said to Ezra, the priest and scholar of the Law, and to all the Levites who were teaching the people, "This day is holy to the Lord;
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go home and have a feast. Share your food and wine with those who don't have any.