⁸ “But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious^(A) in leaving us a remnant^(B) and giving us a firm place^[a](C) in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes^(D) and a little relief in our bondage.

⁹ Though we are slaves,^(A) our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness^(B) in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins,^(C) and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.