1. These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah.I, Nehemiah, was in the capital city of Susa. It was in the month of Kislev. This was in the twentieth year.
2. One of my brothers named Hanani came from Judah. Some other men were with him. I asked them about the Jews who lived through the captivity. And I also asked about Jerusalem.
3. They answered, “Nehemiah, those who are left from the captivity are back in the area of Judah. But they are in much trouble and are full of shame. The wall around Jerusalem is broken down. And its gates have been burned.”
4. When I heard these things, I sat down and cried for several days. I was sad and did not eat food. I prayed to the God of heaven.