Page 313 - Bible History

286 GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE IN CAPTIVITY
When Esdras reached the Holy City, he found that even the devout Jews had gradually grown lukewarm in the practice of their religion. They had taken wives from among the pagan nations that surrounded them and were in danger of falling into idolatry.
Esdras appointed two priests and two Levites to nd out which of the Jews had married idolatrous women. ' hese were ordered to cast the pagan women and their children out of their homes. If they refused to do so, they were not allowed to associate with the faithful Jews.
Esdras saw immediately that the people needed in­ struction in their religion; hence he set about building synagogues, or meeting houses, in the di erent cities where the Jews lived. He gave orders that the people were to meet in these synagogues and listen to the reading of the Sacred Books by the Levites. The manuscripts which contained the sacred writings were large and di cult to handle. Therefore, Esdras had small copies made that were convenient to carry about: In this way he brought the Sacred Scriptures back to the people. He also prepared a list of the books that were inspired by God.
Esdras worked hard and zealously. He spared him­ self no e ort and, when he saw that his labors were successful and that religious worship had once more been established in Palestine, he returned to Babylon.
Some time later, the king gave permission to Nehe­ mias, his cupbearer, to return to Jerusalem and re­ build the walls of the city. Esdras made the journey to Jerusalem with Nehemias.