Neh 1
1
The words of Neemias the son of Chelcia. And it came to pass in the month Chaseleu,
of the twentieth year, that I was in Susan the Or, court, i. e., city of the royal residence palace.
2
And Anani, one of my brethren, came, he and some men of Juda; and I asked them concerning
those that had escaped, who had been left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
3
And they said to me, The remnant, even those that are left of the captivity, are there
in the land, in great distress and reproach: and the walls of Jerusalem are thrown
down, and its gates are burnt with fire.
4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned
for several days, and continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
5
And I said, Nay, I pray you, O Lord God of heaven, the mighty, the great and terrible,
keeping your covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to those that keep his
commandments:
6
let now your ear be attentive, and your eyes open, that you may hear the prayer of
your servant, which I pray before you at this time, this day both day and night, for
the children of Israel your servants, and make confession for the sins of the children
of Israel, which we have sinned against you: both I and the house of my father have
sinned.
7
We have altogether broken covenant with you, and we have not kept the commandments,
and the ordinances, and the judgements, which you did command your servant Moses.
8
Remember, I pray you, the word wherewith you did charge your servant Moses, saying,
If you break covenant with me, I will disperse you among the nations.
9
But if you turn again to me, and keep my commandments, and do them; if you should
be scattered under the utmost bound of heaven, thence will I gather them, and I will
bring them into the place which I have chosen to cause my name to dwell there.
10
Now they are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed with your great
power, and with your strong hand.
11
Turn not away, I pray you, O Lord, but let your ear be attentive to the prayer of
your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who desire to fear your name: and
prosper, I pray you, your servant this day, and Gr. give him to pities cause him to find mercy in the sight of this man. Now
I was the king’s cup-bearer.