4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.f For some days I mourned and fastedg and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said:

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God,h who keeps his covenant of lovei with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hearj the prayerk your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confessl the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedlym toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8 “Remembern the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scattero you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gatherp them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’q

10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.r