¹⁶ So this was the plan they followed. Ezra selected leaders to represent their families, designating each of the representatives by name. On December 29,^[a] the leaders sat down to investigate the matter.

⁵¹ “Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” he asked.

¹⁴ In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find that the report is true and such a detestable act has been committed among you,