Cyrus' proclamation, Chap. i. Who returned from Babylon. himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking | and of his princes; all these he brought to from the mouth of the LORD. 13 And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel. 14 T Moreover all the chief of the priests and the people transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Load which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. Babylon. 19 And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burat all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. 20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons, until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: 21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had en15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent joyed her sabbaths for as long as she lay deto them by his messengers, rising up betimes,solate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescoreand sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling-place: 16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused bis pro phets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. and ten years. 22 T Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia,(that the word of the LORD, spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished,) the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a procla mation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 17 Therefore be brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctu- 23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the ary, and had no compassion upon young man kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for heaven given me; and he hath charged me to age he gave them all into his hand. build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in 13 And all the vessels of the house of God, Judah. Who is there among you of all his great and small, and the treasures of the house people? the LORD his God be with him, and of the Loap, and the treasures of the king, 'let him go up. CHAP. I. T EZRA. The proclamation of Cyrus for the building of the temple. 5 The people provide for their retura. 7 Cyrus restoreth the vessels of the temple to Sheshbazzar. lem, and had put them in the house of his gods; 8 Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. 9 And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives, OW in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Loan by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD red up the spirit of Cyrus king of 10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a Persia, that he made a proclamation through-second sort four hundred and ten, and other out all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, vessels a thousand. saying, 11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD five thousand and four hundred. All these did God of heaven hath given me all the king-Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captidoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to vity, that were brought up from Babylon unto build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Jerusalem. Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the СНАР.ІЇ. The number that returned. 62 Of the priests which could not shew their pedigree. house of the LORD God of Israel (he is the NOW these are the children of the pro God,) which is in Jerusalem. vince that went up out of the captivity. of those which had been carried away, whom 4 And whosoever remaineth in any place Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carwhere he sojourneth, let the men of his place ried away unto Babylon, and came again unto help him with silver, and with gold, and with Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his goods, and with beasts, besides the free-will-city; offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. 5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. 6 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered. 2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai. Rebum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 3 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two. 4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundre seventy and two. 5 The children of Arab, seven hundred seventy and five. 6 The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve. 7 Also Cyrus the-king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Ne-, 7 The children of Elam, a thousand two buchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusa-hundred fifty and four. The number and oblations of those EZRA. 8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five. 9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. 10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two. 11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three. 12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two bundred twenty and two. 13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six. 14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six. 15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four. 16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. 17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three. 18 The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve. 19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three. 20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five. 21 The children of Beth-lebem, an hundred twenty and three. 22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six. 23 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight. 24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two. 25 The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three. 26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one. 27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two. 23 The men of Beth-el and Ai, two hundred twenty and three. 29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two. 30 The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six. who returned from Babylon. 44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon, 45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, 46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan, 47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, 48 The children of R zin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai, 50 The children of Aspah, the children of Mehrnim, the children of Nephusim, 51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Barsha, 53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah, 54 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 55 The children of Solomon's servants the children of Sotai, the children of Sophe reth, the children of l'eruda, 56 The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami. 58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred nine[ty and two. 59 And these were they which went up from Tel-metah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel. The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two. 61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the 31 The children of the other Elam, a thou-children of Barzillai: which took a wife of the sand two hundred fifty and four. 32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. 33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five. 34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. 35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty. 36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. 37 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. 38 The children of Pashur, a thousand two bundred forty and seven. 39 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. 40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four. 41 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight. 42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine. 43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaotb. daughters, of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: 62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. 63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and sh Thummim. 64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, 65 Besides their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women. 66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five; 67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. 68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the honse of God to set it up in his place: 69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pounds The altar is set up. Chap. iii, iv. of silver, and one hundred priests' garments. The building is hindered. 13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar O.T. CHAP. IV. 1 The altar is set up. 4 Offerings frequented. 1 The building hindered. 7 The letter to AT8 The foundation of the temple laid. taxerxes: 17 his decree. AND when the seventh mouth was come. Now when the adversaries of Judah and and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt-offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries; and they offered burnt-offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt-offerings morning and evening. Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Loan God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath com 4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as #t is written, and offered the daily burnt-offer-manded us. ings by number, according to the custom, as 4 Thea the people of the land weakened the the duty of every day required; bands of the people of Judah, and troubled 5 And afterward offered the continual burnt-them in building, offering, both of the new moons, and of all the 5 And hired counsellors against them, to set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus and of every one that willingly offered a free-king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius will-offering unto the LORD. king of Persia. 6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt-offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yel laid. 7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar-trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia. 8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshia the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD. 6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlamo, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia, and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue. 8 Kebum the chancellor and Shimsbai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king, in this sort: 9 Then wrote Rehum the chanceller, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathehites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Debavites, and the Elamites, 10 And the rest of the nations whom the 9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his great and noble Asnapper brought over, and brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Ju-set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that dab, together, to set forward the workmen in are on this side the river, and at such a time. the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with 11 This is the copy of the letter that they their sons and their brethren the Levites. sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; 10 And when the builders laid the founda-Thy servants, the men on this side the river, tion of the temple of the LORD, they set the and at such a time. priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations. 13 Be it known now unto the king, that if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. 14 Now because we have maintenance from 12 But many of the priests and Levites and the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, see the king's dishonour, therefore have we that had seen the first house, when the founda-sent and certified the king; tion of this house was laid before their eyes, 15 That search may be made in the book of wept with a loud voice; and many shouted the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and burtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. 16 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river. 17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rebum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. 18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. Darius' decret. 8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, aud prospereth in their hands. 9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up there walls? 10 We asked their names also, te certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. 11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up. 12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Baby 19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time bath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and cus-lon. tom, was paid unto them. 21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. 22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? 23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. 24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. CHAP. V. 13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. 14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; 15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place. 16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is Zerubbabel and Jeshua set forward the build-not finished. ing of the temple. T 17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, HEN the prophets, Haggai the prophet, let there be search made in the king's treasureand Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied house, which is there at Babylon, whether it unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusa-be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the lem in the name of the God of Israel, even un-king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, to them. and let the king send his pleasure to us con2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Sheal-cerning this matter. tiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusa-1 Jem and with them were the prophets of God helping them. 3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall! 4 Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building! 5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter. CHAP. VI. Darius advanceth the buildings. 13 The THEN Darius the king made a decree, and search was made the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Baby. 2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the 3 In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid the height thereof threescore 6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore governor on this side the river, and Shethar-cubits; boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, 4 With three rows of great stones, and a which were on this side the river, sent unto row of new timber: and let the expenses be Darius the king: given out of the king's house : 7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace 5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple, which is at Je 1 The temple finished. Chap. vii. rusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God. Now therefore, Tatual, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: 7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. 8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. Arlazerzos' commission to Esra. 21 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat, 22 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy for the Loan had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. CHAP. VII. 1 Ezra goeth up to Jerusalem. 11 The commission of Artaxerxes. 27 God praised. NOW after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra, the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, 2 The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, 9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt-offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appoint-the ment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: 10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. 12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. 1 Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed. 13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily. 3 The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, 4 The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5 The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest: 6 This Ezra went up from Babylon and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. 7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. 8 And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth. month, which was in the seventh year of the king. 9 For upon the first day of the first month began be to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God 14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah e son of Iddo. And they builded and finished it, ac-upon him. cording to the commandment of the God of 10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek -Israel, and according to the commandment of the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of in Israel statutes and judgments. Persia. 15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this bouse of God with joy, 11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. 12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, Unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. 17 And offered at the dedication of this 13 I make a decree; that all they of the house of God an hundred bullocks, two hun- people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, dred rams, four hundred lambs: and for an my realm, which are minded of their sin-offering for all Israel, twelve be-goats, ac-own free will to go up to Jerusalem, go with cording to the number of the tribes of Is-thee. rael. 18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses. 19 And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month. 20 For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. 14 Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king and of his seven counsellors, to inquire con cerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand; 15 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, 16 And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, which the free-will-offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the |