41
And 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.
42
Ezra the priest and reader of the law stood on the wooden platform which had been prepared;
43
and beside him stood Mattathiah, Shema, Anaiah, Azariah, Uriah, Hezekiah, and Baalsamus on his right hand,
44
and on his left Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Lothasubus, Nabariah, and Zechariah.
45
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.
46
And when he opened the law, they all stood erect. And Ezra blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of hosts, the Almighty;
47
and all the multitude answered, "Amen." And they lifted up their hands, and fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord.
48
Jeshua and Anniuth and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah and Kelita, Azariah and Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, taught the law of the Lord, at the same time explaining what was read.
49
Then Attharates said to Ezra the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites who were teaching the multitude, and to all,
50
"This day is holy to the Lord" -- now they were all weeping as they heard the law --
51
"so go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to those who have none;