But the exilesdidso.And Ezrathe priestselectedmen[who were] headsof fathers'[households] for [each] [of] their father'shouseholds,allof them by name.So they convenedon the firstdayof the tenthmonthto investigatethe matter.
OnlyJonathanthe sonof Asaheland Jahzeiahthe sonof Tikvahopposedthis,with Meshullamand Shabbethaithe Levitesupportingthem.
They finished[investigating] allthe menwho had marriedforeignwivesby the firstdayof the firstmonth.
"I was a fatherto the needy,And I investigatedthe casewhich I did not know.
"Our Lawdoes not judgea manunlessit firsthearsfrom him and knowswhathe is doing,does it?"
then you shall investigateand searchout and inquirethoroughly.Ifit is true [and] the matterestablishedthat thisabominationhas been doneamongyou,
you shall surelystrikethe inhabitantsof that citywith the edgeof the sword,utterlydestroyingit and allthat is in it and its cattlewith the edgeof the sword.
