Nehemiah 9:32–38

32 So now, our God—the great, mighty,

and awe-inspiring God who keeps His gracious covenant s—

do not view lightly all the hardships that have afflicted us,

our kings and leaders,

our priests and prophets,

our ancestors and all Your people,

from the days of the Assyrian kings t until today.

33 You are righteous concerning all that has come on us,

because You have acted faithfully,

while we have acted wickedly. u

34 Our kings, leaders, priests, and ancestors

did not obey Your law

or listen to Your commands

and warnings You gave them.

35 When they were in their kingdom,

with Your abundant goodness that You gave them,

and in the spacious and fertile land You set before them, v

they would not serve You or turn from their wicked ways.

36 Here we are today,

slaves in the land You gave our ancestors

so that they could enjoy its fruit and its goodness.

Here we are—slaves in it! w

37 Its abundant harvest goes to the kings

You have set over us,

because of our sins.

They rule over our bodies

and our livestock as they please. x

We are in great distress.

Israel’s Vow of Faithfulness

38 y In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement z in writing on a sealed document containing the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests. a