1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, I was in Susa the citadel,
2 when Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with some men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had escaped, those who were left from the captivity, and about Jerusalem.
3 They told me, "The survivors there in the province, those left from the captivity, are in serious trouble and humiliation. Jerusalem's wall is torn down, and its gates have been set on fire."
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
5 I said, "Please, LORD God of heaven, great and fearsome God, who keeps his covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and obey his commandments,
6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear your servant's prayer, which I pray before you now day and night on behalf of your servants the children of Israel. I confess the sins we children of Israel have committed against you; I and my father's family have sinned.
7 We have acted very wickedly toward you and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and judgments you gave your servant Moses.
8 Remember, I pray, what you told your servant Moses: 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples,
9 but if you come back to me and keep my commandments and carry them out, then even if your scattered people are at the farthest edge of the sky, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen for my name to dwell.'
10 They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed with your great power and your mighty hand.
11 Lord, please let your ear be attentive to your servant's prayer and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today, and let him find compassion in this man's presence." At that time I was the king's cupbearer.