Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah Hears About Jerusalem

1The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the fortress of Susa, 2Hanani, one of my brothers, came with some men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had escaped, the remnant who had survived the exile, and about Jerusalem. 3They said to me, “The remnant there in the province who survived the exile are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Nehemiah Prays

4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5I said, “Please, O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, 6let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I am praying before you day and night for the Israelites, your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites that we have sinned against you. I and my ancestral house have sinned. 7We have acted corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and judgments that you commanded Moses your servant.

8Remember, please, the word you commanded Moses your servant, saying, ‘If you act unfaithfully, I will scatter you among the peoples; 9but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, even if your scattered ones are at the farthest horizon, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place I have chosen for my name to dwell.’ 10They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great power and your strong hand. 11Please, O 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 success to your servant today and grant compassion before this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.