So we rebuilt the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height. The people were enthusiastic in their work.

I sent word back to him, “We are not engaged in these activities you are describing. All of this is a figment of your imagination.”

They refused to obey and did not recall your miracles that you had performed among them. Instead, they rebelled and appointed a leader to return to their bondage in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal love. You did not abandon them,

I considered these things carefully and then registered a complaint with the wealthy and the officials. I said to them, “Each one of you is seizing the collateral from your own countrymen!” Because of them I called for a great public assembly.

Please recall the word you commanded your servant Moses: ‘If you act unfaithfully, I will scatter you among the nations.

Please remember me for good, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.

Please remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, the covenant of the priesthood, and the Levites.

When I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your families!”

My God placed it on my heart to gather the leaders, the officials, and the ordinary people so they could be enrolled on the basis of genealogy. I found the genealogical records of those who had formerly returned. Here is what I found written in that record:

Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat in light of these actions of theirs – also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who were trying to scare me!

They read from the book of God’s law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained understanding from what was read.

Please remember me for this, O my God, and do not wipe out the kindness that I have done for the temple of my God and for its services!

I also provided for the wood offering at the appointed times and also for the first fruits. Please remember me for good, O my God.

I got up during the night, along with a few men who were with me. But I did not tell anyone what my God was putting on my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no animals with me, except for the one I was riding.

Then I directed the Levites to purify themselves and come and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. For this please remember me, O my God, and have pity on me in keeping with your great love.

So he read it before the plaza in front of the Water Gate from dawn till noon before the men and women and those children who could understand. All the people were eager to hear the book of the law.