- The words of Neemiah son of Hacaliah: In
the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of
Susa,
- Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah
with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that
survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
- They said to me, "Those who survived
the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace.
The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with
fire."
- When I heard these things, I sat down and
wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
- Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven,
the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who
love him and obey his commands,
- let your ear be attentive and your eyes
open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night
for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites,
including myself and my father's house, have committed against you.
- We have acted very wickedly toward you.
We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant
Moses.
- "Remember the instruction you gave
your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among
the nations,
- but if you return to me and obey my commands,
then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather
them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling
for my Name.'
- "They are your servants and your people,
whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.
- O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the
prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight
in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor
in the presence of this man." I was cupbearer to the king.
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