Nehemiah

Introduction

The words of Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah: In December of the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, I was in the Citadel of Susa when

Hanani, one of my brothers, came with some men from Judah. I asked them about the Jewish survivors who had returned from exile and about Jerusalem.

They answered me: “The people now live there amid great poverty and shame in the province. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates burned.”

I sat down, wept, and mourned for days when I heard these words. I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

And I said:“O Lord, God of Heaven, you are mighty and awe-inspiring. You keep your Covenant and show kindness to those who love you and obey your commandments.

May your ears be open and your eyes watchful to hear the prayer of your servant! I am now in your presence day and night, for your servants, the children of Israel. I confess to you the sins we children of Israel have committed against you: I, myself, and my family have sinned.

We have acted very badly. We did not follow your commandments, laws, and instructions, which you gave to your servant Moses.

But remember, too, what you said to Moses: If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations,

but if you obey my commandments and keep them, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen to dwell. Even if you are spread out to the ends of the earth, I will gather you.

So, Lord, do not forget that they are your servants. They are your people, whom you have saved with your great power and strong hand.

Listen to my prayer and the prayers of those who only want to honor your Name. I ask you to help me now and find favor with the king.”I was then responsible for preparing the king’s drinks.