News from Jerusalem
During the month of Chislev1:1 Zch 7:1 in the twentieth year,1:1 Ezr 7:1,8; Neh 2:1 when I was in the fortress city of Susa,1:1 Est 1:2; Dn 8:2
Nehemiah’s Prayer
Lord, the God of the heavens, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him1:5 Dt 6:5; 7:9–11; Rm 8:28 and keep his commands,1:5 Dn 9:4
6let your eyes be open and your ears be attentive1:6 2Ch 6:40 to hear your servant’s prayer that I now pray to you day and night1:6 Ps 88:1–2; 2Tm 1:3 for your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins1:6 Lit sins of the Israelites we have committed against you. Both I and my father’s family have sinned.1:6 Dn 9:5,8,20
7We have acted corruptly toward you and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances you gave your servant Moses.1:7 2Ch 29:6; Dn 9:5–6,11
8Please remember what you commanded your servant Moses: “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples.1:8 Dt 4:25–27; 28:64; Dn 9:7
9But if you return to me and carefully observe my commands, even though your exiles were banished to the farthest horizon,1:9 Lit skies I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have my name dwell.”1:9 Dt 30:1–5
At the time, I was the king’s cupbearer.1:11 Gn 40:20
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