Good News Bible

Nehemiah 2:1-3 Good News Bible (GNB)

1. One day four months later, when Emperor Artaxerxes was dining, I took the wine to him. He had never seen me look sad before,

2. so he asked, “Why are you looking so sad? You aren't ill, so it must be that you're unhappy.”I was startled

3. and answered, “May Your Majesty live for ever! How can I help looking sad when the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”