1 Esdras 9:37-55

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Ezra Reads the Law to the People

³⁷ The priests and the Levites and the Israelites settled in Jerusalem and in the region. On the new moon of the seventh month, when the people of Israel were in their settlements,^{(A) 38} the whole multitude gathered with one accord in the open square before the east gate of the temple;^{(B) 39} they told Ezra the chief priest and reader to bring the law of Moses that had been given by the Lord God of Israel.^{(C) 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.^{(D) 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.^{(E) 42} Ezra the priest and reader of the law stood on the wooden platform that had been prepared,^{(F) 43} and beside him stood Mattathiah, Shema, Ananias, Azariah, Uriah, Hezekiah, and Baalsamus on his right, 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 When he opened the law, they all stood erect. And Ezra blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of hosts, the Almighty,^{(G) 47} and the multitude answered, “Amen.” They lifted up their hands and fell to the ground and worshiped God.^{[a] 48} Jeshua and Anniuth and Sherebiah, Jadinus, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maiannas and Kelita, Azariah and Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, taught the law of the Lord,^[b] at the same time explaining what was read.^(H)

⁴⁹ Then Attharates^[c] said to Ezra the chief priest^[d] and reader and to the Levites who were teaching the multitude and to all,^{(I) 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,^{(J) 52} for the day is holy to the Lord, and do not be sorrowful, for the Lord will exalt you.” ⁵³ The Levites commanded all the people, saying, “This day is holy; do not be sorrowful.” ⁵⁴ Then they all went their way, to eat and drink and enjoy themselves and to give portions to those who had none and to make great rejoicing, ⁵⁵ because they were inspired by the words which they had been taught. And they came together.^[e](K)