Ezra 10:12-14

New Catholic Bible

¹² Then all those who had assembled replied loudly, saying in unison: “We shall do as you say. ¹³ However, there are many people here; it is the rainy season, and we cannot stay out in the open. Besides, this is something that cannot be resolved in one or two days, since those of us who have sinned in this regard comprise a vast number.

¹⁴ “Therefore, permit our officials to represent the entire community, and let all those in our towns who have married foreign wives present themselves at designated times, accompanied by the elders and the judges for each town, until the fierce anger of our God at what has occurred has been turned away from us.”