WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.920 Emily: Welcome To Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. 00:00:03.020 --> 00:00:04.540 Day 300 and 51. 00:00:04.990 --> 00:00:08.740 When these things had been done, the Jewish leaders came to me and said, 00:00:09.550 --> 00:00:13.930 many of the people of Israel and even some of the priests and Levites have 00:00:13.930 --> 00:00:17.410 not kept themselves separate from the other people's living in the land. 00:00:17.890 --> 00:00:22.210 They have taken up the detestable practices of the Canaanites, Hittites 00:00:22.420 --> 00:00:27.640 parasites, Jebusites Ammonites, Moabites Egyptians, and the Amorites. 00:00:29.215 --> 00:00:33.175 For the men of Israel have married women from these people and have taken them as 00:00:33.175 --> 00:00:39.205 wives for their sons, so the holy race has become polluted by these mixed marriages. 00:00:39.985 --> 00:00:44.065 Worse yet, the leaders and officials have led the way in this outrage. 00:00:45.055 --> 00:00:50.215 When I heard this, I tore my cloak and my shirt, pulled hair from my head and 00:00:50.215 --> 00:00:52.945 beard, and sat down utterly shocked. 00:00:53.740 --> 00:00:58.720 Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel came and sat with me because 00:00:58.720 --> 00:01:04.150 of this outrage committed by the returned exiles that I sat there utterly appalled 00:01:04.540 --> 00:01:06.760 until the time of the evening sacrifice. 00:01:08.110 --> 00:01:11.710 At the time of the sacrifice, I stood up from where I had sat in 00:01:11.710 --> 00:01:13.840 mourning with my clothes torn. 00:01:14.560 --> 00:01:17.620 I fell to my knees and lifted my hands to the Lord. 00:01:17.620 --> 00:01:18.430 My God. 00:01:19.210 --> 00:01:22.570 I prayed, oh my God. 00:01:23.305 --> 00:01:24.625 I am utterly ashamed. 00:01:25.555 --> 00:01:27.625 I blush to lift up my face to you. 00:01:28.405 --> 00:01:32.065 For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt 00:01:32.065 --> 00:01:33.325 has reached to the heavens. 00:01:34.375 --> 00:01:39.205 From the days of our ancestors until now, we have been steeped in sin. 00:01:40.045 --> 00:01:43.855 That is why we in our kings and our priests have been at the mercy 00:01:43.855 --> 00:01:45.535 of the pagan kings of the land. 00:01:46.345 --> 00:01:52.195 We have been killed, captured, robbed and disgraced just as we are today. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:57.340 But now we have been given a brief moment of grace for the Lord. 00:01:57.345 --> 00:02:00.370 Our God has allowed a few of us to survive as a remnant. 00:02:01.090 --> 00:02:03.670 He has given us security in this holy place. 00:02:04.630 --> 00:02:08.380 Our God has brightened our eyes and granted us some relief from 00:02:08.380 --> 00:02:14.470 our slavery for we were slaves, but in his unveiling love, our God 00:02:14.470 --> 00:02:16.300 did not abandon us in our slavery. 00:02:17.140 --> 00:02:20.560 Instead, he caused the kings of Persia to treat us favorably. 00:02:21.475 --> 00:02:26.755 He revived us so we could rebuild the temple of our God and repair its ruins. 00:02:27.595 --> 00:02:35.125 He has given us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem and now, oh our God. 00:02:35.755 --> 00:02:37.645 What can we say after all of this? 00:02:38.275 --> 00:02:42.655 For once again, we have abandoned your commands, your servants. 00:02:42.655 --> 00:02:46.765 The prophets warned us when they said, The land you are entering to 00:02:46.765 --> 00:02:50.935 possess is totally defiled by the detestable practices of the people 00:02:50.935 --> 00:02:53.965 living there from one end to the other. 00:02:54.235 --> 00:02:56.215 The land is filled with corruption. 00:02:56.815 --> 00:02:59.095 Don't let your daughters marry their sons. 00:02:59.755 --> 00:03:02.455 Don't take their daughters as wives for your sons. 00:03:03.115 --> 00:03:06.175 Don't ever promote the peace and prosperity of those nations. 00:03:06.925 --> 00:03:12.085 If you follow these instructions, you will be strong and will enjoy the good things 00:03:12.085 --> 00:03:17.335 the land produces, and you will leave this prosperity to your children forever. 00:03:18.625 --> 00:03:22.165 Now, we are being punished because of our wickedness and our great 00:03:22.170 --> 00:03:26.335 guilt, but we have actually been punished far less than we deserve. 00:03:26.335 --> 00:03:27.355 For you. 00:03:27.415 --> 00:03:32.725 Our God have allowed some of us to survive as a remnant, but even so, 00:03:33.340 --> 00:03:37.390 We are again, breaking your commands and intermarrying with people 00:03:37.390 --> 00:03:39.340 who do these detestable things. 00:03:40.120 --> 00:03:44.560 Won't your anger be enough to destroy us so that even this little remnant no 00:03:44.560 --> 00:03:52.330 longer survives, oh Lord God of Israel, you are just, we come before you in 00:03:52.330 --> 00:03:56.860 our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though, in such a condition, 00:03:56.860 --> 00:03:58.930 none of us can stand in your presence. 00:04:00.100 --> 00:04:05.080 While as rep prayed and made this confession weeping and lying face down 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:09.460 on the ground in front of the temple of God, a very large crowd of people 00:04:09.460 --> 00:04:15.650 from Israel, men, women, and children, gathered and wept bitterly with him a 00:04:16.120 --> 00:04:22.180 then Ze Anaya, son of Jaha, a descendant of Elam, said to Ezra, we have been 00:04:22.180 --> 00:04:26.710 unfaithful to our God for we have married these pagan women of the land. 00:04:27.820 --> 00:04:30.790 But in spite of this, there is hope for Israel. 00:04:31.630 --> 00:04:36.130 Let us now make a covenant with our God to divorce our pagan wives and to 00:04:36.130 --> 00:04:37.720 send them away with their children. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:41.620 We will follow the advice given by you and by the others who 00:04:41.620 --> 00:04:43.480 respect the commands of our God. 00:04:44.560 --> 00:04:46.990 Let it be done according to the law of God. 00:04:47.710 --> 00:04:48.970 Get up for it. 00:04:48.970 --> 00:04:51.970 Is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. 00:04:52.540 --> 00:04:56.320 We are behind you, so be strong and take action. 00:04:57.520 --> 00:05:01.180 So Ezra stood up and demanded that the leaders of the priests and the 00:05:01.180 --> 00:05:05.800 Levites and all the people of Israel swear that they would do Asaya had 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:09.340 said, and they all swore a solemn oath. 00:05:10.480 --> 00:05:14.020 Then Ezra left the front of the temple of God and went to the 00:05:14.020 --> 00:05:17.080 room of Gho naan, son of Eliashib. 00:05:17.710 --> 00:05:20.500 He spent the night there without eating or drinking anything. 00:05:21.490 --> 00:05:25.660 He was still in mourning because of the unfaithfulness of the returned exiles. 00:05:27.325 --> 00:05:31.135 Then a proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem that all the 00:05:31.135 --> 00:05:32.935 exiles should come to Jerusalem. 00:05:33.625 --> 00:05:37.555 Those who failed to come within three days would if the leaders and elders so 00:05:37.560 --> 00:05:42.835 decided forfeit all their property and be expelled from the assembly of the exiles. 00:05:43.885 --> 00:05:49.045 Within three days, all the people of Judah and Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. 00:05:49.915 --> 00:05:53.365 This took place on December 19th, and all the people were sitting in 00:05:53.370 --> 00:05:55.225 the square before the temple of God. 00:05:56.155 --> 00:05:59.395 They were trembling both because of the seriousness of the matter 00:05:59.755 --> 00:06:00.925 and because it was reigning. 00:06:01.855 --> 00:06:08.035 Then Ezra, the priest, stood and said to them, you have committed a terrible sin. 00:06:08.905 --> 00:06:12.745 By marrying pagan women, you have increased Israel's guilt. 00:06:13.735 --> 00:06:17.995 So now confess your sin to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, 00:06:18.205 --> 00:06:19.525 and do what he demands. 00:06:20.185 --> 00:06:24.085 Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women. 00:06:25.105 --> 00:06:29.845 Then the whole assembly raised their voices and answered, yes, you are right. 00:06:30.235 --> 00:06:31.825 We must do, as you say. 00:06:32.455 --> 00:06:33.235 Then they added. 00:06:34.195 --> 00:06:38.125 This isn't something that can be done in a day or two for many of us are 00:06:38.125 --> 00:06:43.795 involved in this extremely sinful affair, and this is the rainy season, so we 00:06:43.795 --> 00:06:48.565 cannot stay out here much longer, let our leaders act on behalf of us all. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:54.190 Let everyone who has a Pagan wife come at a scheduled time accompanied by the 00:06:54.190 --> 00:06:58.900 leaders and judges of his city, so that the fierce anger of our God concerning 00:06:58.900 --> 00:07:01.600 this affair may be turned away from us. 00:07:03.100 --> 00:07:09.070 Only Jonathan, son of Ashel and Jaa, son of Tikva opposed this course 00:07:09.070 --> 00:07:14.140 of action, and they were supported by Machu and Shopify, the Levite. 00:07:15.340 --> 00:07:16.870 So this was the plan they followed. 00:07:17.575 --> 00:07:21.535 As RUS elected leaders to represent their families, designating each 00:07:21.535 --> 00:07:23.125 of the representatives by name. 00:07:24.085 --> 00:07:27.655 On December 29th, the leaders sat down to investigate the matter. 00:07:28.405 --> 00:07:33.235 By March 27th, the first day of the new year, they had finished dealing with 00:07:33.235 --> 00:07:35.575 all the men who had married Pagan wives. 00:07:36.715 --> 00:07:39.715 These are the priests who had married pagan wives. 00:07:40.675 --> 00:07:47.815 From the family of Je son of Jeh, Dak, and his brothers, Maia, zer, Jareb, 00:07:48.145 --> 00:07:52.705 and Gaal, they vow to divorce their wives and they each acknowledge their 00:07:52.710 --> 00:07:58.285 guilt by offering a ram as a guilt offering from the family of Immer, ha, 00:07:58.285 --> 00:08:07.975 NAI, and Zedi from the family of Harem, Maia, Elijah, Shama, Jaha, and Isaiah. 00:08:08.995 --> 00:08:17.755 From the family of Hur, EAI, Maia, Ishmael, Nathaniel Jbad, and Elsa. 00:08:19.075 --> 00:08:20.935 These are the Levites who were guilty. 00:08:21.655 --> 00:08:23.515 Jbad Shiai. 00:08:24.085 --> 00:08:27.475 Kalea, also called Kaleida Path. 00:08:28.465 --> 00:08:30.235 Judah and Ellie Ezer. 00:08:31.285 --> 00:08:32.935 This is the singer who was guilty. 00:08:33.535 --> 00:08:34.255 Elia Sheib. 00:08:35.365 --> 00:08:37.165 These are the gatekeepers who were guilty. 00:08:37.690 --> 00:08:39.940 Shalom, Thiam and Yuri. 00:08:41.470 --> 00:08:44.860 These are the other people of Israel who were guilty from the 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:49.120 family of Pash, AYA, Isiah, mal. 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:52.210 Caja, Benjamin Zer. 00:08:53.110 --> 00:08:55.000 Aya, and Aya. 00:08:56.050 --> 00:09:05.020 From the family of Elam, Madaya, Zacharia, Jaha, Abdi, Jere, and Elijah. 00:09:06.145 --> 00:09:14.515 From the family of Za Elio, Inai, Elia, Sheib, Madaya, Jema, Zeba, and 00:09:14.520 --> 00:09:18.505 Aziza from the family of Biba, G. 00:09:18.505 --> 00:09:27.445 Hanan, AYA, ZBA, and Aai from the family of Bena, Machu, Malik, 00:09:28.075 --> 00:09:31.615 AYA, Jacob Shield, and Jema. 00:09:33.085 --> 00:09:34.975 From the family of Paha, Moab. 00:09:35.955 --> 00:09:36.175 Tna. 00:09:36.965 --> 00:09:37.255 Kila. 00:09:38.005 --> 00:09:39.855 Be Meia. 00:09:40.935 --> 00:09:41.355 Madaya. 00:09:42.425 --> 00:09:44.275 Beel Nui. 00:09:44.815 --> 00:09:51.625 And Man From the family of Haram, ezer, SJA, Malka, 00:09:55.225 --> 00:10:01.045 Benjamin Malik, and Shamiah from the family of Haitham. 00:10:01.765 --> 00:10:10.315 Madai, Matata, Zeba, ALIT, Jeremiah, man and Shiai. 00:10:11.845 --> 00:10:13.165 From the family of Bena. 00:10:14.455 --> 00:10:14.695 Medi. 00:10:15.625 --> 00:10:16.285 Amam. 00:10:16.765 --> 00:10:17.055 Yuel. 00:10:17.815 --> 00:10:20.575 Be Badia Kei. 00:10:21.655 --> 00:10:29.345 Vanaya Marath, Elia Sheib, Madaya, Madai, and jsu. 00:10:30.625 --> 00:10:37.285 From the family of Bin Uai, shiai Shamiah, Nathan Aya. 00:10:37.915 --> 00:10:40.075 Magna Hai. 00:10:40.735 --> 00:10:51.925 Sheri Elle Shelemiah, shamiah, Shalom Amiah, and Joseph from the Family of Nebo. 00:10:53.305 --> 00:10:54.025 Jael. 00:10:54.535 --> 00:10:56.575 Matt Zad. 00:10:57.445 --> 00:10:58.825 Zaina, Jadi. 00:10:59.575 --> 00:11:06.055 Joel and bene each of these men had a pagan wife and some even 00:11:06.055 --> 00:11:07.705 had children by these wives. 00:11:10.225 --> 00:11:17.125 These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hack Aya in late Autumn in 00:11:17.125 --> 00:11:21.325 the month of Kislev in the 20th year of King Art Erie's Reign. 00:11:21.775 --> 00:11:23.425 I was at the fortress of suse. 00:11:24.250 --> 00:11:25.000 Hane nai. 00:11:25.060 --> 00:11:28.270 One of my brothers came to visit me with some other men 00:11:28.360 --> 00:11:29.830 who had just arrived from Judah. 00:11:30.550 --> 00:11:34.660 I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about 00:11:34.660 --> 00:11:36.280 how things were going in Jerusalem. 00:11:36.790 --> 00:11:39.880 They said to me, things are not going well for those who 00:11:39.880 --> 00:11:41.410 returned to the province of Judah. 00:11:42.070 --> 00:11:44.080 They are in great trouble and disgrace. 00:11:44.740 --> 00:11:49.300 The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down and the gates have been destroyed by fire. 00:11:50.170 --> 00:11:52.960 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. 00:11:53.650 --> 00:11:58.750 In fact, for days I mourned, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven. 00:11:59.770 --> 00:12:05.980 Then I said, oh Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his 00:12:05.980 --> 00:12:10.450 covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands. 00:12:11.050 --> 00:12:15.790 Listen to my prayer, look down and see me praying night and 00:12:15.790 --> 00:12:17.530 day for your people, Israel. 00:12:18.430 --> 00:12:20.710 I confess that we have sinned against you. 00:12:21.280 --> 00:12:21.730 Yes. 00:12:21.730 --> 00:12:24.100 Even my own family and I have sinned. 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:30.280 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that 00:12:30.280 --> 00:12:32.320 you gave us through your servant Moses. 00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:35.890 Please remember what you told your servant, Moses. 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:40.090 If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. 00:12:40.660 --> 00:12:44.770 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them. 00:12:45.430 --> 00:12:49.060 Then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will 00:12:49.060 --> 00:12:52.600 bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored. 00:12:53.560 --> 00:12:58.480 The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 00:12:59.440 --> 00:13:01.600 Oh Lord, please hear my prayer. 00:13:02.290 --> 00:13:05.620 Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. 00:13:06.520 --> 00:13:11.080 Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. 00:13:11.920 --> 00:13:14.320 Put it into his heart to be kind to me. 00:13:15.205 --> 00:13:18.385 In those days, I was the King's Cup bearer 00:13:20.395 --> 00:13:24.685 early the following spring in the month of Nyan during the 20th 00:13:24.685 --> 00:13:26.755 year of King Artis Erie's reign. 00:13:27.265 --> 00:13:28.345 I was serving the king. 00:13:28.345 --> 00:13:32.725 His wine I had never before appeared sad in his presence. 00:13:33.475 --> 00:13:36.655 So the king asked me, why are you looking so sad? 00:13:37.195 --> 00:13:38.425 You don't look sick to me. 00:13:38.635 --> 00:13:39.955 You must be deeply troubled. 00:13:40.855 --> 00:13:43.915 Then I was terrified, but I replied, I. 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:45.640 Long live the king. 00:13:46.210 --> 00:13:51.760 How can I not be sad for the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins and 00:13:51.760 --> 00:13:53.770 the gates have been destroyed by fire? 00:13:54.700 --> 00:14:00.130 The king asked, well, how can I help you with a prayer to the God of heaven? 00:14:00.130 --> 00:14:04.870 I replied, if it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your 00:14:04.870 --> 00:14:10.000 servant send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried. 00:14:10.885 --> 00:14:15.595 The king with the queen sitting beside him asked, how long will you be gone? 00:14:15.955 --> 00:14:16.975 When will you return? 00:14:17.845 --> 00:14:22.585 After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request. 00:14:23.695 --> 00:14:27.775 I also said to the king, if it please, the king let me have letters 00:14:27.775 --> 00:14:31.045 addressed to the governors of the province, west of the Euphrates River, 00:14:31.495 --> 00:14:34.765 instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories. 00:14:34.855 --> 00:14:35.965 On my way to Judah. 00:14:36.670 --> 00:14:41.440 And please give me a letter addressed to Asaf, the manager of the King's Forest, 00:14:41.830 --> 00:14:43.660 instructing him to give me timber. 00:14:44.470 --> 00:14:48.160 I will need it to make beams for the gates of the temple fortress, for the 00:14:48.160 --> 00:14:54.400 city walls, and for a house for myself and the king Granted these requests because 00:14:54.405 --> 00:14:56.500 the gracious hand of God was on me. 00:14:57.550 --> 00:15:01.030 When I came to the governors of the province, west of the Euphrates River, 00:15:01.630 --> 00:15:03.310 I delivered the king's letters to them. 00:15:04.300 --> 00:15:09.370 The king I should add, had sent along Army officers and horsemen to protect me. 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:14.980 But when Sand Ballad the Ho Night and Tobiah, the Ammonite official 00:15:15.040 --> 00:15:19.420 heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come 00:15:19.420 --> 00:15:21.010 to help the people of his Israel.