⁴ When I heard these things, I sat down and ·cried [wept] for several days. I ·was sad [mourned] and fasted. I prayed to the God of heaven, ⁵ “Lord, God of heaven, you are the great ·God who is to be respected [and awesome God]. You ·are loyal, and you keep your agreement [keep your loving covenant/treaty; keep your covenant/treaty of unfailing love] with those who love you and ·obey [keep] your commands. ⁶ ·Look and listen carefully [Let your ears be attentive and eyes open]. Hear the prayer that I, your servant, am praying to you day and night ·for [on behalf of] your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins ·we Israelites [the people/sons of Israel] have ·done [^Lsinned] against you. My father’s ·family [^Lhouse] and I have sinned against you. ⁷ We have ·been wicked toward [acted corruptly against] you and have not obeyed the commands, ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements], and ·laws [judgments] you ·gave [commanded] your servant Moses [Ex. 19—24].

⁸ “Remember ·what you taught [the word you commanded] your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the ·nations [^Lpeoples]. ⁹ But if you return to me and obey my commands [^Land do/live by them], I will gather your people from the far ends of the ·earth [^Lheavens; sky; ^Ca reference to the Babylonian exile]. And I will bring them from there to ·where [the place] I have chosen ·to be worshiped [^Lfor my name to dwell; Deut. 4:25–31; 30:1–10].’

¹⁰ “They are your servants and your people, whom you have ·saved [redeemed; rescued] with your great strength and ·power [^Lstrong hand]. ¹¹ Lord, ·listen carefully [^Lmay your ear be attentive] to the prayer of your servant and the prayers of your servants who ·love to honor you [take pleasure in revering/^Lfearing your name]. ·Give [Grant] me, your servant, success today; allow this king to show ·kindness [compassion] to me.”

I was the ·one who served wine to the king [king’s cupbearer].