Ezra Reads from the Law of Moses

³⁷The priests and the Levites and the Israelites settled in Jerusalem and in the country. On the new moon on the seventh month, when the people of Israel were in their settlements, ³⁸the whole multitude gathered with one accord in the open square before the east gate of the temple; ³⁹they told Ezra the chief priest and reader to bring the law of Moses that had been given by the Lord God of Israel. ⁴⁰So Ezra the chief priest brought the law, for all the multitude, men and women, and all the priests to hear the law, on the new moon of the seventh month. ⁴¹He read aloud in the open square before the gate of the temple from early morning until midday, in the presence of both men and women; and all the multitude gave attention to the law. ⁴²Ezra the priest and reader of the law stood on the wooden platform that had been prepared; ⁴³and beside him stood Mattathiah, Shema, Ananias, Azariah, Uriah, Hezekiah, and Baal-samus on his right, ⁴⁴and on his left Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Lothasubus, Nabariah, and Zechariah. ⁴⁵Then Ezra took up the book of the law in the sight of the multitude, for he had the place of honor in the presence of all. ⁴⁶When he opened the law, they all stood erect. And Ezra blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of hosts, the Almighty, ⁴⁷and the multitude answered, “amen.” They lifted up their hands, and fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord.