Nehemiah 1:1–11 (NIV)
1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: 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 about the
Jewish remnant that had 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.
5 Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love
with those who love him and keep his commandments,
6 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 family, 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,
9 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 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.