21. When they brought up the provisions for the sacrifice, Nehemiah commanded the priests to sprinkle the liquid on the wood and on the items lying there.
22. Some time after they did this, as the sun shone brightly from behind the clouds, a great fire flared up and astonished everyone.
23. While the sacrifices were burning, the priests prayed, the priests and all the people. Jonathan took the lead while the others, including Nehemiah, responded.
24. The prayer went like this:Lord, Lord God, creator of all,you are fearsome, mighty,just, and merciful.You are the only kingand only generous one.
25. You are the only provider,the only just, almighty, and eternal one.You save Israel from all evil.You chose the patriarchsand made them holy.
26. Receive this sacrifice on behalf of all your people Israel. Guard your portion and make it holy.
27. Gather together our scattered people, free the ones enslaved among the nations, watch over those who are despised and loathed, and let the nations know that you are our God.
28. Punish the oppressors and those who commit arrogant acts of violence.
29. Plant your people in your holy place, just as Moses said.
30. The priests sang the hymns.
31. When the elements of the sacrifice were consumed, Nehemiah commanded them to pour the remaining liquid on larger stones.
32. When this happened, a flame flared up on these stones. But it went out in the presence of the light shining from the altar.