1. The words of Nehemiah the son of Hakaliah.In the month Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the palace,
2. Hanani, one of my relatives, and some men of Judah arrived. So I asked them concerning the returning Jews who had been in captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
3. They said to me, “The remnant that returned from captivity is there in the province enduring great affliction and reproach. Also, the wall of Jerusalem remains broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
4. When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days. Then I fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
5. and said:“I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments.