10:1 While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself to the ground before the temple of God, a very large crowd of Israelites – men, women, and children alike – gathered around him. The people wept loudly. 1 10:2 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, from the descendants of Elam, 2 addressed Ezra:
“We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying 3 foreign women from the local peoples. 4 Nonetheless, there is still hope for Israel in this regard. 5 10:3 Therefore let us enact 6 a covenant with our God to send away all these women and their offspring, in keeping with your counsel, my lord, 7 and that of those who respect 8 the commandments of our God. And let it be done according to the law. 10:4 Get up, for this matter concerns you. We are with you, so be strong and act decisively!”