18 Did not our fathers do these things, and so our God brought all this evil upon us and upon this city? And you are adding more wrath upon Israel by violating the Sabbath!'
19 And it happened that, when the gates of Jerusalem had rested on the day of the Sabbath, I spoke, and they closed the gates. And I instructed that they should not open them until after the Sabbath. And I appointed some of my servants over the gates, so that no one would carry in a burden on the day of the Sabbath.
20 And so the merchants and those who sold all kinds of items remained just outside of Jerusalem, once and again.
21 And I contended with them, and I said to them: 'Why are you remaining just beyond the wall? If you do this again, I will send hands upon you.' And so, from that time, they no longer came on the Sabbath.
22 I also spoke to the Levites, so that they would be cleansed, and would arrive to guard the gates and to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Because of this also, O my God, remember me and spare me, in accord with the multitude of your mercies.
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