2 Then Shekaniah son of Jehiel, one of the descendants of Elam,h said to Ezra, “We have been unfaithfuli to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel.j 3 Now let us make a covenantk before our God to send awayl all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law. 4 Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”

5 So Ezra rose up and put the leading priests and Levites and all Israel under oathm to do what had been suggested. And they took the oath. 6 Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water,n because he continued to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.

7 A proclamation was then issued throughout Judah and Jerusalem for all the exiles to assemble in Jerusalem. 8 Anyone who failed to appear within three days would forfeit all his property, in accordance with the decision of the officials and elders, and would himself be expelled from the assembly of the exiles.

9 Within the three days, all the men of Judah and Benjamino had gathered in Jerusalem. And on the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people were sitting in the square before the house of God, greatly distressed by the occasion and because of the rain. 10 Then Ezrap the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt.q 11 Now honora the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.”r