The assembly gathers in rain; leaders propose an orderly inquiry

9So all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered in Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. And all the people sat in the open square of the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain.

10Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have acted unfaithfully and have taken foreign women as wives, adding to the guilt of Israel.”

11So now give praise to Yahweh, the God of your fathers, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign women.

12Then all the assembly answered and said with a loud voice, “Yes, according to your words, so it is upon us to do.”

13But the people are many, and it is the rainy season, and there is no strength to stand outside. And the work is not for one day or for two, for we have greatly transgressed in this matter.

14Please let our leaders stand for the whole assembly, and let everyone in our cities who has taken foreign wives come at appointed times, with them the elders of each city and its judges, until the burning anger of our God is turned back from us in this matter.