Nehemiah 1:4

4 When I heard these things, I sat down and cried for several days. I was sad and ate nothing. I prayed to the God of heaven,

Nehemiah 1:4 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 1:4

And it came to pass, when I heard these words
This sad and melancholy account of things:

that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days;
sat down upon the ground in dust and ashes, after the manner of mourners, and wept bitterly, and mourned in a most sorrowful manner, see ( Job 2:8 Job 2:12 Job 2:13 ) ,

and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven;
that made it, and dwells in it.

Nehemiah 1:4 In-Context

2 One of my brothers named Hanani came with some other men from Judah. I asked them about Jerusalem and the Jewish people who lived through the captivity.

3 They answered me, "Those who are left from the captivity are back in Judah, but they are in much trouble and are full of shame. The wall around Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned."

4 When I heard these things, I sat down and cried for several days. I was sad and ate nothing. I prayed to the God of heaven,

5 "Lord, God of heaven, you are the great God who is to be respected. You are loyal, and you keep your agreement with those who love you and obey your commands.

6 Look and listen carefully. Hear the prayer that I, your servant, am praying to you day and night for your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins we Israelites have done against you. My father's family and I have sinned against you.