They taught in Judah, having with them the book of the law of the Lord; they traveled through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people. His Power.
Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who had shown themselves well skilled in the service of the Lord. And when they had completed the seven days of festival, sacrificing communion offerings and singing praises to the Lord, the God of their ancestors,
On the first day of the seventh month, therefore, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand.
“Come,” they said, “let us devise a plot against Jeremiah, for instruction will not perish from the priests, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. Come, let us destroy him by his own tongue. Let us pay careful attention to his every word.”
The priests did not ask, “Where is the Lord?” The experts in the law did not know me: the shepherds rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal, and went after useless idols.
You shall act according to the decision they announce to you in the place which the Lord will choose, carefully observing everything as they instruct you.
You shall carry out the instruction they give you and the judgment they pronounce, without turning aside either to the right or left from the decision they announce to you.
In an attack of scaly infection you shall be careful to observe exactly and to carry out all the instructions the levitical priests give you, as I have commanded them: observe them carefully.