And Anani came, one of my brothers, he and men of Iouda; and I asked them concerning those who had been saved, who were left over from the captivity, and concerning Ierousalem.
And they said to me: Those remaining, who were left over from the captivity, are there in the country in great misery and in reproach; and the walls of Ierousalem have been torn down, and its gates were burned with fire.
And I said: Not so, I pray, O Lord, God of heaven, the strong, the great and the fearful one, who keeps the covenant and the mercy for those who love him and for those who keep his commandments.
Let your ear now be attentive and your eyes opened, to hear the prayer of your servant which I pray before you today, day and night, concerning the sons of Israel your servants; and I confess concerning the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against you: both I and the house of my father have sinned.
We have utterly broken faith toward you, and we have not kept the commandments and the ordinances and the judgments which you commanded to Moses your servant.
and if you turn back to me and keep my commandments and do them, then though your dispersion be at the end of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them into the place which I chose to make my name dwell there.
Not so, I pray, O Lord; but let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who are willing to fear your name; and prosper your servant now, today, and grant him compassion before this man. And I was cupbearer to the king.