Nehemiah 1

1

The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:

In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,

2

Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men,

and I questioned them with some other men, and I questioned them

about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

3

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."

4

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned

and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

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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,

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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.

7

We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed

the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8

"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying,

'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,

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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.'

10

"They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your

great strength and your mighty hand.

11

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 cupberarer to the king.