Now when the enemiesof Judahand Benjaminheardthat the peopleof the exilewere buildinga templeto the LORDGodof Israel,
Allthe articlesof goldand silver[numbered] 5,400Sheshbazzarbroughtthem allup with the exileswho wentup from Babylonto Jerusalem.
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.
They madea proclamationthroughout Judahand Jerusalemto allthe exiles,that they should assembleat Jerusalem,
so that the peoplecould not distinguishthe soundof the shoutof joyfrom the soundof the weepingof the people,for the peopleshoutedwith a loudshout,and the soundwas heardfaraway.
And the sonsof Israel,the priests,the Levitesand the restof the exiles,celebratedthe dedicationof thishouseof Godwith joy.
For on the firstof the firstmonthhe beganto goup from Babylon;and on the firstof the fifthmonthhe cameto Jerusalem,because the goodhandof his God[was] upon him.
ThenDanielwas broughtin beforethe king.The kingspokeand saidto Daniel,"Are you that Danielwhois one of the exilesfrom Judah,whommy fatherthe kingbroughtfrom Judah?
"So you are to knowand discern[that] from the issuingof a decreeto restoreand rebuildJerusalemuntilMessiahthe Prince[there will be] sevenweeksand sixty-twoweeks;it will be builtagain,with plazaand moat,even in timesof distress.
for a widedoorfor effective[service] has openedto me, and there are manyadversaries.
