en_tn/ezr/06/21.md

# separated themselves from the uncleanness of the people of the land

Separating themselves from uncleanness represents refusing to do things that make people unclean. AT: "They refused to do the things that the people of the land did that made them unclean" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# the uncleanness of the people of the land

Here "uncleanness" represents being unacceptable to God. AT: "the things that the people of the land did that made them unacceptable to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# sought Yahweh

Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. AT: "chose to obey Yahweh" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# turned the heart of Assyria's king

Turning the king's heart represents making him think differently about the work of the temple. AT: "changed the attitude of Assyria's king" or "made Assyria's king willing" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# to strengthen their hands in the work of his house

Strengthening their hands in the work represents helping them to work. The Assyrian king did this by telling them to do the work and providing the money for it. AT: "to help them do the work of his house" or "to make it possible for them to do the work of his house" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# the work of his house

This refers to building the temple.