Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Here is the rewritten chapter:

When these things were done, the leaders came to me and said, "The Israelites, including priests and Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the surrounding lands. They are following their detestable practices, just as those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites.

For they have taken their daughters in marriage and given them to their sons. This heinous act has led to a corrupting influence that threatens our very identity as God's people.

I was deeply disturbed when I heard this news. In my distress, I tore my garment and robe, pulled out the hair from my head and beard, and sat down in stunned dismay. The weight of their sinfulness overwhelmed me, and I felt helpless to respond.

But then a gathering of those who trembled at the words of God's Israel took place, and they all came to me in sorrow over the transgression of our people. We sat together in silence until evening, when it was time for the sacrifice.

As night fell, I arose from my distress, still wearing the symbols of my grief – my torn garment and mantle. With hands spread out before Him, I fell to my knees in prayer to the Lord my God. "O my God," I cried, "I am deeply ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to you. Our sins have piled up beyond our ability to bear them; they reach as high as heaven.

Since the days of our fathers we have been in a great state of guilt and disobedience. Because of our sins, we, along with our kings and priests, have been handed over to the control of foreign rulers – subjected to the sword, captivity, plunder, and shame. This is still the case today.

But for a brief moment, God has shown us mercy by leaving us a remnant and giving us a foothold in His holy place. He wants our eyes to be lifted, and He desires to give us some respite from our bondage. We are bondsmen, yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery.

In the sight of the kings of Persia, He has extended lovingkindness to us, reviving us and setting up the house of our God. He is repairing its ruins and giving us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. We have been given this opportunity because we were allowed to remain in bondage, not being completely destroyed.

Now, O our God, what shall we say after this? We have forsaken your commandments and followed our own desires instead of His instructions through the prophets. They warned us that the land we are going to possess is defiled by the uncleanness of its former inhabitants and their abominations – filthiness that fills it from one end to another.

Now, therefore, I implore you, O God: do not give your daughters in marriage to these people. Nor should we take their daughters for our sons or seek their peace or prosperity forever. After all the evil deeds and great guilt we have committed, You have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and given us such deliverance as this.

Should we again break Your commandments and join in affinity with these abominable people? Lest You be angry with us until You have consumed us, leaving no remnant or escape?

LORD God of Israel, you are righteous. We remain yet escaped, as it is today; behold, we are before You in our shame and humility, awaiting Your response to this plea."