In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremias might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of the Persians: and he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and in writing also, saying:
And they decreed to send messengers to all Israel from Bersabee even to Dan; that they should come, and keep the phase to the Lord the God of Israel in Jerusalem: for many had not kept it as it is prescribed by the law.
And Esdras rose up from before the house of God, and went to the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliasib, and entered in thither. He ate no bread, and drank no water: for he mourned for the transgression of them that were come out of the captivity.
And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the ancients, all his substance should be taken away; and he should be cast out of the company of them that were returned from captivity.