1 sn At this point the language of the book reverts from Aramaic (4:8–6:18) back to Hebrew. Aramaic will again be used in Ezra 7:12-26.
2 tn Heb “the sons of the exile.” So also in v. 20.
3 tn Heb “as one.” The expression is best understood as referring to the unity shown by the religious leaders in preparing themselves for the observance of Passover. On the meaning of the Hebrew phrase see DCH 1:182 s.v. אֶחָד 3b. See also HALOT 30 s.v. אֶחָד 5.
4 tn Heb “brothers.”
5 tn Heb “who had separated from the uncleanness of the nations of the land to them.”
6 tn Heb “heart.”
7 sn The expression “king of Assyria” is anachronistic, since Assyria fell in 612
8 tn Heb “to strengthen their hands.”