¹² All the assembly replied in a loud voice: “We will do just as you have said!^{[a] 13} However, the people are numerous and it is the rainy season.^[b] We are unable to stand here outside. Furthermore, this business cannot be resolved in a day or two, for we have sinned greatly in this matter. ¹⁴ Let our leaders take steps^[c] on behalf of all the assembly. Let all those in our towns who have married foreign women come at an appointed time, and with them the elders of each town and its judges, until the hot anger of our God is turned away from us in this matter.”