He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate(A) in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform(B) built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing(C) above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands(D) and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends