² For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons. Thus the holy seed has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands, and in this faithlessness the officials and leaders have led the way.”^{(A) 3} When I heard this, I tore my garment and my mantle and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat appalled.^{(B) 4} Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles gathered around me while I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice.^(C)