² Then Shekaniah son of Jehiel, one of the descendants of Elam,^(A) said to Ezra, “We have been unfaithful^(B) to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel.^(C)

²⁷ Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness and are being unfaithful to our God by marrying^(A) foreign women?”

² They have taken some of their daughters^(A) as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled^(B) the holy race^(C) with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.”^(D)

¹² Go, proclaim this message toward the north:^(A)

¹² Be careful not to make a treaty^(A) with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare^(B) among you.

⁷ But if we walk in the light,^(A) as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all^[a] sin.^(B)

⁸ If we claim to be without sin,^(C) we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.^{(D) 9} If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins^(E) and purify us from all unrighteousness.^(F)

⁹ But if you show favoritism,^(A) you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.^(B)

²⁹ Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. Next to him, Shemaiah son of Shekaniah, the guard at the East Gate, made repairs.