1:1 | *These are the words of Nehemiah* son of Hacaliah: It so happened that in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year,* I was in Susa* the citadel. |
1:2 | Hanani, who was one of my relatives,* along with some of the men from Judah, came to me,* and I asked them about the Jews who had escaped and had survived the exile, and about Jerusalem.* |
1:3 | They said to me, “The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable* adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned down!”* |
1:4 | When I heard these things I sat down abruptly,* crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. |
1:5 | Then I said, “Please, O LORD God of heaven, great and awesome God, who keeps his loving covenant* with those who love him and obey* his commandments, |
1:6 | may your ear be attentive and your eyes be open to hear the prayer of your servant that I am praying to you today throughout both day and night on behalf of your servants the Israelites. I am confessing the sins of the Israelites that we have committed* against you – both I myself and my family* have sinned. |
1:7 | We have behaved corruptly against you, not obeying the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments that you commanded your servant Moses. |
1:8 | Please recall the word you commanded your servant Moses: ‘If you act unfaithfully, I will scatter you among the nations.* |
1:9 | But if you repent* and obey* my commandments and do them, then even if your dispersed people are in the most remote location,* I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen for my name to reside.’ |
1:10 | They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your mighty strength and by your powerful hand. |
1:11 | Please,* O Lord, listen attentively* to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect* to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion to me* in the presence of this man.” Now* I was cupbearer for the king. |