The people were delighted with their donations, for they contributed to the Lord with a willing attitude; King David was also very happy.

O Lord God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, maintain the motives of your people and keep them devoted to you.

In Judah God moved the people to unite and carry out the edict the king and the officers had issued at the Lord’s command.

Now Ezra had dedicated himself to the study of the law of the Lord, to its observance, and to teaching its statutes and judgments in Israel.

I have now issued a decree that anyone in my kingdom from the people of Israel – even the priests and Levites – who wishes to do so may go up with you to Jerusalem.

Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat in light of these actions of theirs – also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who were trying to scare me!

They read from the book of God’s law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained understanding from what was read.

Please remember me for this, O my God, and do not wipe out the kindness that I have done for the temple of my God and for its services!

I also provided for the wood offering at the appointed times and also for the first fruits. Please remember me for good, O my God.

When these things had been accomplished and the rage of King Ahasuerus had diminished, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decided against her.

Is it your opinion that God should recompense it, because you reject this? But you must choose, and not I, so tell us what you know.

Do not hold against me the sins of my youth or my rebellious acts! Because you are faithful to me, extend to me your favor, O Lord!

Those who seek my life try to entrap me; those who want to harm me speak destructive words; all day long they say deceitful things.

I am depressed, so I will pray to you while I am trapped here in the region of the upper Jordan, from Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

Remember your people whom you acquired in ancient times, whom you rescued so they could be your very own nation, as well as Mount Zion, where you dwell!

Do not hold us accountable for the sins of earlier generations! Quickly send your compassion our way, for we are in serious trouble!

He remains loyal and faithful to the family of Israel. All the ends of the earth see our God deliver us.

Remember, O Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. They said, “Tear it down, tear it down, right to its very foundation!”

I thought to myself, “Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.” But I found that it also is futile.

What I have continually sought, I have not found; I have found only one upright man among a thousand, but I have not found one upright woman among all of them.