So I reprimandedthe officialsand said,"Whyis the houseof Godforsaken?"Then I gatheredthem together and restoredthem to their posts.
For the sonsof Israeland the sonsof Levishall bringthe contributionof the grain,the newwineand the oilto the chambers;thereare the utensilsof the sanctuary,the priestswho are ministering,the gatekeepersand the singers.Thus we will not neglectthe houseof our God.
Then I reprimandedthe noblesof Judahand saidto them, "Whatis thisevilthingyou are doing,by profaningthe sabbathday?
So I contendedwith them and cursedthem and strucksomeof them and pulledout their hair,and made them swearby God,"You shall not giveyour daughtersto their sons,nortakeof their daughtersfor your sonsor for yourselves.
BecauseI fearedthe greatmultitude,And the contemptof familiesterrifiedme, And keptsilentand did not goout of doors?
Those who forsakethe lawpraisethe wicked,But those who keepthe lawstrivewith them.
Thus the sinof the youngmenwas verygreatbeforethe LORD,for the mendespisedthe offeringof the LORD.
