² Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel,^(A) an Elamite, responded to Ezra, “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the surrounding peoples,^(B) but there is still hope for Israel in spite of this. ³ Therefore, let’s make a covenant before our God^(C) to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God.^(D) Let it be done according to the law. ⁴ Get up, for this matter is your responsibility,^(E) and we support you. Be strong and take action!” ^(F)