37
The priests and the Levites and the Israelites settled in Jerusalem and in the country. On the new moon of the seventh month, when the people of Israel were in their settlements,
38
the whole multitude gathered with one accord in the open square before the east gate of the temple;
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they told Ezra the chief priest and reader to bring the law of Moses that had been given by the Lord God of Israel.
40
So Ezra the chief priest brought the law, for all the multitude, men and women, and all the priests to hear the law, on the new moon of the seventh month.
41
He read aloud in the open square before the gate of the temple from early morning until midday, in the presence of both men and women; and all the multitude gave attention to the law.
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Ezra the priest and reader of the law stood on the wooden platform that had been prepared;
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and beside him stood Mattathiah, Shema, Ananias, Azariah, Uriah, Hezekiah, and Baalsamus on his right,
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and on his left Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Lothasubus, Nabariah, and Zechariah.
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Then Ezra took up the book of the law in the sight of the multitude, for he had the place of honor in the presence of all.
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When he opened the law, they all stood erect. And Ezra blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of hosts, the Almighty,
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and the multitude answered, "Amen." They lifted up their hands, and fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord.