77
Because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors, we and our relatives, our kings, and our priests have fallen into the hands of foreign kings, and we have been slaughtered, robbed, and carried away as prisoners. We have been totally disgraced, as we still are today.
78
Now, Lord, for a short time you have shown us great mercy. You have allowed just a few of us to survive in order to carry on the name Israel here in your holy Temple.
79
You have let the light of our nation shine again, after feeding us and taking care of us during the time of our slavery.
80
Even when we were slaves you did not abandon us; you made the emperors of Persia favor us, so that they gave us food,
81
restored the glory of your Temple, rebuilt the city of Jerusalem out of its ruins, and gave us a place of security here in Judah and Jerusalem.