1:11 These are words of Nehemiah2 the son of Hacaliah:
It so happened that in the month of Cislev, in the twentieth year, I was in Susa3 the citadel. 1:2 Hanani, who was one of my brethren, along with some of the men from Judah, came to me,4 and I asked them about the fugitive Jews who remained from the exile and about Jerusalem.
1:3 They said to me, “The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable5 adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned.”6
1:4 When I heard these things I slumped7 down, crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 1:5 Then I said, “O LORD God of heaven, great and awesome God, who keeps his loving covenant8 with those who love him and observe 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 in behalf of your servants the Israelites. I am confessing the sins of the Israelites that we have sinned against you—both I myself and my family9 have sinned. 1:7 We have behaved in a corrupt fashion against you, not obeying the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments that you commanded your servant Moses. 1:8 Please recall the word that you commanded your servant Moses saying, ‘If you act unfaithfully, I will scatter you among the nations.10 1:9 But if you repent11 and observe my commandments and do them, then even if your dispersed people are at the most remote location,12 I will gather them from there and I will bring them to the place that 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 Now, O Lord, listen attentively13 to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect14 to your name. Prosper your servant today and give compassion in the presence of this man.”
I was a cup-bearer for the king.