Nehemiah 1

1The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, I was in Susa the citadel.

2Hanani, one of my brothers, came with some men from Judah, and I asked them about the Jews who had escaped, those who had survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem.

3They said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity there in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. 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 days, and I kept fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

5I said, “Please, Yahweh, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

6please let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant, which I am praying before you today, day and night, for the people of Israel, your servants. I confess the sins of the people of Israel, which we have committed against you. I and my father’s house have sinned.

7We have acted very corruptly against you. We have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances that you commanded your servant Moses.

8Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples.

9But if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, even if your exiles are at the far edge of the heavens, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my name.’

10They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great power and your strong hand.

11Please, Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name. Give your servant success today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” At that time I was cupbearer to the king.