1. It was the first year that Darius was king of Babylonia. He was from Media and was the son of Xerxes.
2. In that year I learned from the Scriptures that Jerusalem would remain destroyed for 70 years. That was what the Lord had told the prophet Jeremiah.
3. So I prayed to the Lord God. I begged him. I made many appeals to him. I didn't eat anything. I put on black clothes. And I sat down in ashes.
4. I prayed to the Lord my God. I admitted that we had sinned. I said, "Lord, you are a great and wonderful God. You keep the covenant you made with all those who love you and obey your commands. You show them your love.
5. "We have sinned and done what is wrong. We have been evil. We have refused to obey you. We have turned away from your commands and laws.