³⁶ “But see, we are slaves^(A) today, slaves in the land you gave our ancestors so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces.

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.