1:11 These are words of Nehemiah2 son of Hacaliah:
It so happened that in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, I was in Susa3 the citadel. 1:2 Hanani, who was one of my relatives4, along with some of the men from Judah, came to me,5 and I asked them about the fugitive Jews who remained from the exile and about Jerusalem.6
1:3 They said to me, “The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable7 adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned.”8
1:4 When I heard these things I slumped9 down, 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 covenant10 with those who love him and obey11 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 committed12 against you—both I myself and my family13 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.14 1:9 But if you repent15 and obey16 my commandments and do them, then even if your dispersed people are in the most remote location,17 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,18 O Lord, listen attentively19 to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect20 to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion to me21 in the presence of this man.”
Now22 I was a cup-bearer for the king.
Nehemiah Is Permitted to Go to Jerusalem