2 Esdras

13 chapters

Chapter summaries

The Douay-Rheims’ own argument for each chapter. Tap a number above to read.

1. 1Nehemias hearing the miserable state of his countrymen in Jewry, 4. lamenteth, fasteth, and prayeth God for their relief.
2. 2Nehemias obtaining commission from king Artaxerxes cometh to Jerusalem: 11. secretly vieweth the broken walls, and ruins of the city, 17. and exhorteth all the Jews to the reedifying thereof.
3. 3The High Priest and others begin to repair Jerusalem, strengthening it with an uttermost, 19. middle, 18. and innermost wall with towers and gates.
4. 4Notwithstanding the enemies rage and oppose against the building of walls, 4. the Jews build with one hand, and hold their swords in the other. Nehemias encourageth them, and the work proceedeth.
5. 5Nehemias blameth covetous rich men, for oppressing the poor. 14. himself giveth largely of his own to the needy.
6. 6The enemies guilefully offer to make league with the Jews 3. but Nehemias proceedeth in building the walls: 16. and all bordering nations fear them.
7. 7Nehemias appointeth watchmen in Jerusalem, 5 and calling the people together reciteth the number of those, which came first from Babylon. 68. likewise of their cattle, 70. and the gifts of certain chief men towards the reparations.
8. 8Esdras readeth the law before the people. 9. Nehemias comforteth them. 13. They celebrate the feast of tabernacles seven days: 13. & of collection the eighth day.
9. 9The people repenting in fasting and sackcloth, put away their wives of strange nations. 5. Esdras confesseth God's benefits, and the people's ingratitude. 32. prayeth for them, and maketh league with God.
10. 10Many, in name of all, subscribe to the covenant made with God. 30. Namely not to marry with strangers, 31. to keep the sabbath day, and the seventh year. 32. To pay oblations, 35. First fruits, 38. and Tithes.
11. 11New inhabitants of Jerusalem are recited. 20. Likewise who dwelt in other cities of Juda.
12. 12The names and offices of Priests, and Levites, which came with Zorobabel and Josue to Jerusalem. 27. With great solemnity of thanksgiving. 31. watchmen are appointed on the new walls. 45. and Keepers of the holy treasure.
13. 13The law is read, 3. strange women are dismissed. 5. Faults in distribution of the treasure are amended, 10. and due portions given to the Levites. 15. Breakers of the Sabbath are corrected, 23. and those which married women of strange nations.