47. With God's help they sent us some able men: Sherebiah, a Levite from the clan of Mahli, with eighteen of his sons and relatives,
48. and Hashabiah, Annunus, and his brother Jeshaiah of the clan of Hananiah, with twenty of their sons.
49. There were also 220 Temple workmen whose ancestors had been designated by King David and his officials to assist the Levites. They were all listed in the register by name.
50. There by the River Theras I made a vow that the young men should fast in the presence of our Lord and ask him for a safe journey for us, our children, and our animals.
51. I would have been ashamed to ask the emperor for infantry and cavalry to accompany us and protect us from our enemies,
52. because I had told him that our Lord by his strength blesses and protects those who trust him.
53. So once again we prayed for our Lord to protect us, and he answered our prayers.
54. From among the leading priests I chose Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten others.