1The words of Nehemiah Neh 10:1 son of Hacaliah:

2Hanani, Neh 7:2 one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah, and I questioned them about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant Ezr 9:8,15; Is 10:20-22 that had survived the exile. Ezr 1:11

3They said to me, “The remnant in the province, Ezr 2:1; Neh 11:3 who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned down.” Ezr 4:12-13,16; Neh 2:13

4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying Ezr 9:3; 10:1; Ps 35:13; Dn 9:3; Lk 2:37; Ac 13:3 before the God of heaven. Ezr 1:2; Neh 2:4

5I said, Dn 9:4-19

6let Your eyes be open and Your ears be attentive 2Ch 6:40 to hear Your servant’s prayer that I now pray to You day and night Ps 88:1-2; 2Tm 1:3 for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins Lit sins of the Israelites we have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. 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. 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. 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 ends of the earth, Lit skies I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have My name dwell.” Dt 30:1-5

10They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and strong hand. Dt 9:29; Dn 9:15

11Please, Lord, let Your ear be attentive 2Ch 6:40 to the prayer of Your servant and to that of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success today, Gn 24:12 and have compassion on him in the presence of this man. = the king Neh 2:1