Ezra 4:12

4:12 Now ¹  let the king be aware that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and odious city. ²  They are completing its walls and repairing its foundations.

Ezra 7:13

7:13 I have now issued a decree ³  that anyone in my kingdom from the people of Israel – even the priests and Levites – who wishes to do so may go up with you to Jerusalem. ⁴ 

Ezra 7:24

7:24 Furthermore, be aware of the fact ⁵  that you have no authority to impose tax, tribute, or toll on any of the priests, the Levites, the musicians, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or the attendants at the temple of this God.

Ezra 9:6

9:6 I prayed, ⁶ 

“O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God! For our iniquities have climbed higher than our heads, and our guilt extends to the heavens.

Ezra 10:2

10:2 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, from the descendants of Elam, ⁷  addressed Ezra:

“We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying ⁸  foreign women from the local peoples. ⁹  Nonetheless, there is still hope for Israel in this regard. ¹⁰ 

Ezra 10:10

10:10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have behaved in an unfaithful manner by taking foreign wives! This has contributed to the guilt of Israel.

Ezra 10:13

10:13 However, the people are numerous and it is the rainy season. ¹¹  We are unable to stand here outside. Furthermore, this business cannot be resolved in a day or two, for we have sinned greatly in this matter.

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¹ tn The MT takes this word with the latter part of v. 11, but in English style it fits better with v. 12.

² sn Management of the provinces that were distantly removed from the capital was difficult, and insurrection in such places was a perennial problem. The language used in this report about Jerusalem (i.e., “rebellious,” “odious”) is intentionally inflammatory. It is calculated to draw immediate attention to the perceived problem.

³ tn Heb “from me is placed a decree.” So also in v. 21.

⁴ map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.

⁵ tn Aram “we are making known to you.”

⁶ tn Heb “I said.”

⁷ tc The translation reads with the Qere, many medieval Hebrew MSS, the LXX, the Syriac Peshitta, and Vulgate עֵילָם (’elam, “Elam”) rather than the reading עוֹלָם (’olam, “eternity”) found in the MT.

⁸ tn Heb “in that we have given a dwelling to.” So also in vv. 14, 17, 18.

⁹ tn Heb “the peoples of the lands.”

¹⁰ tn Heb “upon this.”

¹¹ tn Heb “the time [is] rain showers.”