2:3 I replied to the king, “O king, live forever! Why would I not appear dejected when the city with the graves of my ancestors 1 lies desolate and its gates destroyed 2 by fire?” 2:4 The king responded, 3 “What is it you are seeking?” Then I quickly prayed to the God of heaven 2:5 and said to the king, “If the king is so inclined 4 and if your servant has found favor in your sight, dispatch me to Judah, to the city with the graves of my ancestors, so that I can rebuild it.”
1 tn Heb “fathers” (also in v. 5).
2 tn Heb “devoured” or “eaten” (so also in Neh 2:13).
3 tn Heb “said to me.”
4 tn Heb “If upon the king it is good.” So also in v. 7.