21. he commanded them to draw out thereof and bring to him: and when the sacrifices had been offered on the altar, Nehemiah commanded the priests to sprinkle with the water both the wood and the things laid thereupon.
22. And when it was done, and some time had passed, and the sun shone out, which before was hid with clouds, there was kindled a great blaze, so that all men marveled.
23. And the priests made a prayer while the sacrifice was consuming, both the priests and all others, Jonathan leading and the rest answering, as Nehemiah did.
24. And the prayer was after this manner: O Lord, Lord God, the Creator of all things, who are terrible and strong and righteous and merciful, who alone are King and gracious,
25. who alone suppliest every need, who alone are righteous and almighty and eternal, you that save Israel out of all evil, who made the fathers your chosen, and did sanctify them:
26. accept the sacrifice for all your people Israel, and guard your own portion, and consecrate it.
27. Gather together our Dispersion, set at liberty them that are in bondage among the heathen, look upon them that are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that you are our God.
28. Torment them that oppress us and in arrogancy shamefully entreat us.
29. Plant your people in your holy place, even as Moses said.
30. And thereupon the priests sang the hymns.
31. And as soon as the sacrifice was consumed, then Nehemiah commanded to pour on great stones the water that was left.
32. And when this was done, a flame was kindled; but when the light from the altar shone over against it, all was consumed.
33. And when the matter became known, and it was told the king of the Persians, that, in the place where the priests that were led away had hid the fire, there appeared the water, wherewith also Nehemiah and they that were with him purified the sacrifice,