1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. And in the month Chislev, of the twentieth year, I was in Susa the palace. 2 And Anani, one of my brothers, came, he and some men of Judah; 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 when I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned for several days, and continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, No, please, Lord God of heaven, the mighty, the great and terrible, keeping the covenant and mercy to those who 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 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 judgments, which you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Please remember the word with which you charged 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, from there I will 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 Please do not turn away, 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 please make your servant prosper this day, and cause him to find mercy in the sight of this man. Now I was the king's [eunuch].⁠a