¹² Then the whole assembly raised their voices and answered, “Yes, you are right; we must do as you say!”

²³ About the same time I realized that some of the men of Judah had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.

³ Let us now make a covenant with our God to divorce our pagan wives and to send them away with their children. We will follow the advice given by you and by the others who respect the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law of God. ⁴ Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action.”