1 Esdras 9:37-55

Common English Bible

³⁷ The priests, the Levites, and the Israelites lived in Jerusalem and in the countryside. On the new moon of the seventh month,^[a] after the people of Israel were settled in their homes, ³⁸ the whole crowd gathered together in the courtyard near the east gate of the temple. ³⁹ They told Ezra the chief priest and reader to bring the Law from Moses that had been given by the Lord God of Israel. ⁴⁰ On the new moon of the seventh month, Ezra the chief priest brought the Law before the whole crowd, both men and women, as well as the priests, to hear the Law. ⁴¹ He read from dawn until noon in the courtyard near the temple gate, before men and women. The whole crowd gave full attention to the Law. ⁴² Ezra the priest and reader of the Law stood on the wooden podium that had been prepared. ⁴³ Next to him stood Mattathiah, Shema, Ananias, Azariah, Uriah, Hezekiah, and Baalsamus at his right; ⁴⁴ and at his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Lothasubus, Nabariah, and Zechariah. ⁴⁵ Ezra took up the Law scroll in front of the large crowd (for he was in charge in the place of honor before everyone). ⁴⁶ When he opened the Law, everyone stood up. Ezra blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of heavenly forces, the almighty, ⁴⁷ and the whole crowd responded, “Amen.” They lifted up their hands. They fell to the ground and worshipped the Lord. ⁴⁸ The Levites (Jeshua, Anniuth, Sherebiah, Jadinus, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maiannas, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah) taught and read the Law from the Lord to the crowd, explaining the meaning.

⁴⁹ Then Attharates said to Ezra the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites who were teaching the people, and to everyone, who were all weeping as they listened to the Law: ⁵⁰ “This day is holy to the Lord. ⁵¹ Go your way, eat the rich food and drink the sweet wine, and send some of it to those who have nothing, ⁵² because the day is holy to the Lord. Don’t be sad, because the Lord will honor you.” ⁵³ The Levites ordered all the people, “This day is holy; don’t be sad.” ⁵⁴ They all went their way, to eat and drink and to rejoice, and to share with those who had none, and to enjoy themselves. ⁵⁵ They were excited by the words that they had been taught. And they came together.