Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”

Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.

“Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.

“But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our ancestors so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces.