Ezra’s prayer in CH 9, contrasted with his prayer in CH 9 of Ezra, is a beautiful, hopeful blessing – apparently no longer ashamed of Israel’s conduct, but grateful and praising the name of the Lord. In CH 10 the people agree to follow only the law of God, and to observe all of His commandments, pay their temple “tax” and bring the firstfruits (another fall Feast) as an offering to God and for the Levites. They move back into the city of Jerusalem and dedicate the city and people to the Lord. It is interesting to note all the different gates to the city. I believe there were 12 gates in all. Each had its own purpose and name associated with it – the fish gate, the water gate, the sheep gate, the prison gate. This would make an interesting study in itself. It appears the singers were treated as the Levites, and paid with a portion of the tithe of the people. “Songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God” must have been continuously being sung. Must have been beautiful!