Ezra 5:11

5:11 They responded to us in the following way: ‘We are servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the temple which was previously built many years ago. A great king ¹  of Israel built it and completed it.

Ezra 9:2

9:2 Indeed, they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race ²  has become intermingled with the local residents. Worse still, the leaders and the officials have been at the forefront of all of this!”

Ezra 10:13

10:13 However, the people are numerous and it is the rainy season. ³  We are unable to stand here outside. Furthermore, this business cannot be resolved in a day or two, for we have sinned greatly in this matter.

[5:11]  ¹ sn This great king of Israel would, of course, be Solomon.

[9:2]  ² tn Heb “the holy seed,” referring to the Israelites as God’s holy people.

[10:13]  ³ tn Heb “the time [is] rain showers.”