1These are the words of Nehemiah, Hacaliah's son. In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, I was in the fortress of Susa.
2Hanani, one of my brothers, came to me with some other men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had escaped and survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem.
3They told me, "The people who are left from the captivity in that 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 cried, and mourned for several days. I also fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
5and said, “Please, Yahweh, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his promise and shows unfailing love to those who love him and obey his commands:
6Please listen closely and look with favor on the prayer of your servant. I am praying to you day and night at this time for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins that we, the people of Israel, have committed against you. Yes, my father’s family and I have sinned.
7We have acted very wrongly against you. We have not kept the commands, laws, or rules that you gave to your servant Moses.
8Please remember the message you gave to your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations.
9But if you return to me, and keep my commands and do them, even if your people were scattered to the farthest reaches of the heavens, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.
10Now these are your servants and your people, whom you have rescued with your great power and strong hand.
11Lord, I beg you, please pay attention to the prayer of your servant and the prayers of your servants who love to honor your name. Please grant your servant success today and show him mercy in the sight of this man.” At that time, I was the king’s cupbearer.