1The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. In the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, I was in Shushan the palace.
2Hanani, one of my brothers, came with some men of Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had escaped, those who were left from the captivity, and about Jerusalem.
3They said to me, "The people left from the captivity, who are there in the province, are in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."
4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for some days, and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
5I said, "I beg you, LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, who keeps covenant and mercy for those who love him and obey his commandments:"
6"Let your ear now listen closely, and let your eyes be open, so that you may hear the prayer of your servant. I pray before you now, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants. I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Both I and my father's house have sinned."
7"We have acted very corruptly against you. We have not kept the commandments, or the rules, or the judgments that you commanded your servant Moses."
8"Remember, I beg you, the word that you commanded your servant Moses. You said, 'If you break my law, I will scatter you among the nations.'"
9"But you also said, 'If you turn back to me, and keep my commandments and do them, then even if you were driven out to the farthest part of the heavens, I will gather you from there. I will bring you to the place I have chosen to put my name there.'"
10"Now these are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand."
11"Lord, I beg you, let your ear listen closely to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who want to fear your name. Give success to your servant today, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." For I was the king's cupbearer.