Neemias 1

4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

5 Then I said:

"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion*1:5 Forms of the Hebrew chesed are translated here and in most cases throughout the Scriptures as loving devotion; the range of meaning includes love, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and mercy, as well as loyalty to a covenant. with those who love Him and keep His commandments, 6 let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites.

I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have behaved corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that You gave Your servant Moses.

8 Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses when You said, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to Me and keep and practice My commandments, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon,*1:9 Or to the extremity of the heavens I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’*1:9 Deuteronomy 30:1–4

10 They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and mighty hand. 11 O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants*1:11 Literally to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man."

(At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)