1The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,H1697H5166H1121H2446H2320H3691H6242H8141H7800H10022Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.H2607H259H251H935H582H3063H7592H3064H6413H7604H7628H33893They 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."H559H7604H7604H7628H4082H1419H7451H2781H2346H3389H6555H8179H3341H7844When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.H8085H1697H3427H1058H56H3117H6684H6419H6440H430H80645Then 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,H559H577H3068H430H8064H1419H3372H410H8104H1285H2617H157H8104H46876let 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.H241H7183H5869H6605H8085H8605H5650H6419H6440H3117H3119H3915H1121H3478H5650H3034H2403H1121H3478H2398H1H1004H23987We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.H2254H2254H8104H4687H2706H4941H6680H5650H48728"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,H2142H1697H6680H5650H4872H559H4603H6327H59719but 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.'H7725H8104H4687H6213H5080H7097H8064H6908H935H4725H977H7931H803410"They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.H5650H5971H6299H1419H3581H2389H302711O 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 cupbearer to the king.H136H577H241H7183H8605H5650H8605H5650H2655H3372H8034H6743H5650H3117H5414H7356H6440H376H4428H8248