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.
23 But also in those days, I saw some Jews taking wives from the Ashdodites, and the Ammonites, and the Moabites.
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