Now give orders that these men cease their work and that this city not be rebuilt until such time as I so instruct.

who were rebuilding the wall. Those who were carrying loads did so by keeping one hand on the work and the other on their weapon.

But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Would someone like me flee to the temple in order to save his life? I will not go!”

When the wall had been rebuilt and I had positioned the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed,

They searched for their records in the genealogical materials, but none were found. They were therefore excluded from the priesthood.

You imparted your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths; you provided water for their thirst.

For forty years you sustained them. Even in the desert they never lacked anything. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.

to bring Queen Vashti into the king’s presence wearing her royal high turban. He wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty, for she was very attractive.

But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s bidding conveyed through the eunuchs. Then the king became extremely angry, and his rage consumed him.

let them bring royal attire which the king himself has worn and a horse on which the king himself has ridden – one bearing the royal insignia!

It stands still, but I cannot recognize its appearance; an image is before my eyes, and I hear a murmuring voice:

“O that you would hide me in Sheol, and conceal me till your anger has passed! O that you would set me a time and then remember me!

Like wild donkeys in the desert they go out to their labor, seeking diligently for food; the wasteland provides food for them and for their children.

“If only I had someone to hear me! Here is my signature – let the Almighty answer me! If only I had an indictment that my accuser had written.

That person sings to others, saying: ‘I have sinned and falsified what is right, but I was not punished according to what I deserved.

So they went, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and did just as the Lord had told them; and the Lord had respect for Job.

may an enemy relentlessly chase me and catch me; may he trample me to death and leave me lying dishonored in the dust. (Selah)

For look, the wicked prepare their bows, they put their arrows on the strings, to shoot in the darkness at the morally upright.

He does not charge interest when he lends his money. He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent. The one who lives like this will never be upended.

For his anger lasts only a brief moment, and his good favor restores one’s life. One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives in the morning.