Study Desk

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capitol,

Now when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

And I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, "Let's arise and build." So they put their hands to the good work.

Then I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words.

Moreover, they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence, and were reporting my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.

Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law.

Then all the people went away to eat, drink, to send portions, and to celebrate a great feast, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.

Then on the second day the heads of fathers' households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe so that they might gain insight into the words of the Law.

So Hathach came back and reported Mordecai's words to Esther.

And they reported Esther's words to Mordecai.

He sent letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth,

"Your words have helped the stumbling to stand, And you have strengthened feeble knees.

"For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; For that reason my words have been rash.

"But it is still my comfort, And I rejoice in unsparing pain, That I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

"How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?

"Do you intend to rebuke my words, When the words of one in despair belong to the wind?

"How long will you say these things, And the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?

"Will they not teach you and tell you, And bring forth words from their minds?

"How then can I answer Him, And choose my words before Him?

"Shall a multitude of words go unanswered, And a talkative man be acquitted?