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Census of First Returned Exiles

Now it happened when (A)the wall was rebuilt and I had made the doors to stand, and the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed, that I commanded (B)Hanani my brother and (C)Hananiah the commander of (D)the fortress, to be over Jerusalem, for he was (E)a faithful man and feared God more than many. Then I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem must not be opened until the sun is hot; and until they are there standing guard, they must shut and bolt the doors. Also have guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem stand, each at his post, and each in front of his own house.”

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After the wall was finished and I had set up the doors in the gates, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed. I gave the responsibility of governing Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah, the commander of the fortress, for he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. I said to them, “Do not leave the gates open during the hottest part of the day.[a] And even while the gatekeepers are on duty, have them shut and bar the doors. Appoint the residents of Jerusalem to act as guards, everyone on a regular watch. Some will serve at sentry posts and some in front of their own homes.”

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Footnotes

  1. 7:3 Or Keep the gates of Jerusalem closed until the sun is hot.