Nehemiah 9:33-37 ▼

33 You are righteous concerning all that has happened to us, because you have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly.

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, 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!

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. We are in great distress.