1. The words of Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah.In the month Kislev of the twentieth year, I was in the citadel of Susa
2. when Hanani, one of my brothers, came with other men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews, the remnant preserved after the captivity, and about Jerusalem.
3. They answered me: “The survivors of the captivity there in the province are in great distress and under reproach. The wall of Jerusalem has been breached, its gates gutted by fire.”
4. When I heard this report, I began to weep and continued mourning for several days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
5. I prayed: “Lord, God of heaven, great and awesome God, you preserve your covenant of mercy with those who love you and keep your commandments.