NehemiahChapter 1
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1These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. It was the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year. I was in the fortress of Susa. 2Hanani, one of my brothers, came with some men from Judah. So I asked them about the Jews who were left. These were the ones who had lived through the exile. I also asked them about Jerusalem. 3They told me, "The people who lived through the exile are back in the province. But they are in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down. Its gates have been burned with fire." 4When I heard this, I sat down and cried. For days I was full of sorrow. I went without food and prayed to the God of heaven. 5Then I said, "O LORD, God of heaven, you are the great and awesome God. You keep your covenant of faithful love with those who love you and obey your commands. 6Please let your eyes be open and your ears listen. Hear the prayer that I, your servant, pray to you day and night. I pray for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites have done against you. I and my father's family have sinned too. 7We have acted very wickedly against you. We have not obeyed the commands, laws, and rules you gave your servant Moses. 8Please remember what you told your servant Moses. You said, 'If you are not faithful, I will scatter you among the nations. 9But if you return to me and obey my commands and do them, then I will gather your exiles. Even if they were sent away to the farthest edge of the sky, I will gather them from there. I will bring them to the place I chose as a home for my Name.' 10They are your servants and your people. You redeemed them by your great power and your strong hand. 11O Lord, please listen to my prayer. Listen to the prayers of your servants who love to honor your name. Please let your servant do well today. Let this man show me mercy." (At that time I was the king's cupbearer.)