6
And all the multitude sat trembling in the broad court of the temple because of the present foul weather.
7
So Esdras arose up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed the law in marrying strange wives, thereby to increase the sins of Israel.
8
And now by confessing give glory unto the Lord God of our fathers,
9
And do his will, and separate yourselves from the heathen of the land, and from the strange women.
10
Then cried the whole multitude, and said with a loud voice, Like as thou hast spoken, so will we do.
11
But forasmuch as the people are many, and it is foul weather, so that we cannot stand without, and this is not a work of a day or two, seeing our sin in these things is spread far:
12
Therefore let the rulers of the multitude stay, and let all them of our habitations that have strange wives come at the time appointed,
13
And with them the rulers and judges of every place, till we turn away the wrath of the Lord from us for this matter.
14
Then Jonathan the son of Azael and Ezechias the son of Theocanus accordingly took this matter upon them: and Mosollam and Levis and Sabbatheus helped them.
15
And they that were of the captivity did according to all these things.
16
And Esdras the priest chose unto him the principal men of their families, all by name: and in the first day of the tenth month they sat together to examine the matter.