4 When I heard these things, I sat down and cried for several days. I was sad and fasted. 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.
7 We have been wicked toward you and have not obeyed the commands, rules, and laws you gave your servant Moses.
8 “Remember what you taught your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations.
9 But if you return to me and obey my commands, I will gather your people from the far ends of the earth. And I will bring them from captivity to where I have chosen to be worshiped.’
10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you have saved with your great strength and power.