Old Testament

New Testament

Nehemiah 9:22-37 Contemporary English Version Anglicised (CEVUK00)

22. You let them conquer kingsand take their land,including King Sihon of Heshbonand King Og of Bashan.

23. You brought them into the landthat you had promisedtheir ancestors,and you blessed their nationwith people who outnumberedthe stars in the sky.

24. Then their descendantsconquered the land.You helped them defeatthe kings and nationsand treat their enemieshowever they wished.

25. They captured strong citiesand rich farmland;they took furnished houses,as well as cisterns,vineyards, olive orchards,and numerous fruit trees.They ate till they were satisfied,and they celebratedyour abundant blessings.

26. In spite of this, they rebelledand disobeyed your laws.They killed your prophets,who warned themto turn back to you,and they cursed your name.

27. So you handed them overto their enemies,who treated them terribly.But in their sufferings,they begged you to help.From heaven you listenedto their prayersand because of your great mercy,you sent leaders to rescue them.

28. But when they were at peace,they would turn against you,and you would hand them overto their enemies.Then they would beg for help,and because you are merciful,you rescued themover and over again.

29. You warned them to turn backand discover true lifeby obeying your laws.But they stubbornly refusedand continued to sin.

30. For years, you were patient,and your Spirit warned themwith messages spokenby your prophets.Still they refused to listen,and you handed them overto their enemies.

31. But you are merciful and kind,and so you never forgot themor let them be destroyed.

32. Our God, you are powerful,fearsome, and faithful,always true to your word.So please keep in mindthe terrible sufferingsof our people, kings, leaders,priests, and prophets,from the time Assyria ruleduntil this very day.

33. You have always been fairwhen you punished usfor our sins.

34. Our kings, leaders, and priestshave never obeyed your commandsor heeded your warnings.

35. You blessed them with a kingdomand with an abundanceof rich, fertile land,but they refused to worship youor turn from their evil.

36. Now we are slavesin this fruitful landyou gave to our ancestors.

37. Its plentiful harvest is takenby kings you placed over usbecause of our sins.Our suffering is unbearable,because they do as they wishto us and our livestock.

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