3 Esdras

9 chapters

Chapter summaries

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1. 1Josias king of Juda maketh a great Pasch, 7. giving many hosts to such as wanted for sacrifice: 14. the Priests and Levites performing their functions therein: 22. in the eighteenth year of his reign. 25. He is slain in battle by the king of Egypt, 32. and much lamented by the Jews. 34. His son Jeconias succeedeth. 37. After him Joacim, 40. who is deposed by the king of Babylon. 43. Joachin reigneth three months, and is carried into Babylon. 46. Sedecias reigneth eleven years wickedly. 52. and he with his people is carried captive into Babylon, the city and temple are destroyed. 57. so remained till the Monarchy of the Persians.
2. 2Cyrus king of Persia permitteth the Jews to return into their country: 10. and delivereth to them the holy vessels, which Nabuchodonosor had taken from the temple. 16. Certain adversaries writing to king Artaxerxes, hinder those that would repair the ruins of Jerusalem.
3. 3After a solemn supper made to all the court, and chief princes, king Darius sleeping: 4. three esquires of the body keeping watch, proposed the question: 10. Whether wine, or a King, or women, or the truth doth excel? 17. The first praiseth wine.
4. 4The second praiseth the excellency of a king: 13. The third (which is Zorobabel) commendeth women: 33. but preferreth truth above all 41. Which is so approved, and he is rewarded. 42. The king moreover at his request restoreth the holy vessels of the temple, and granteth means to build the city of Jerusalem, and the temple.
5. 5Those that returned from captivity of Babylon into Jerusalem, and Jewry, are recited. 47. They restore God's service: 66. but are hindered from building.
6. 6The Jews by assistance of king Darius build up the Temple in Jerusalem.
7. 7The house of God is finished, 7. and dedicated, 10. the feast of Pasch is also celebrated seven days with Azymes.
8. 8Esdras going from Babylon to Jerusalem, 9. carrieth king Artaxerxes favourable letters, 14. with licence to take gold, silver, and all things necessary at their pleasure. 31. The chief men that go with him are recited. 51. He voweth a fast praying for good success in their journey. 56. weigheth the gold and silver, which he delivereth to the Priests, and Levites. 69. And severely admonisheth the people to repentance, for their marriages made with infidels.
9. 9Esdras fasting for the sins of the people, commandeth that they separate all strange women from them. 18. The Priests and Levites, which had offended herein, are recited. 38. He readeth the law before the people: 48. certain do expound to the multitudes in several places. 52. And so they are dismissed with joy.