3 Now as soon as I heard of this, I ripped apart my garment and my sleeveless coat and pulled out some of the hair of my head and my beard, and I sat down in shock. 4 Then everyone who had reverence for* the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiled people, while I was sitting in shock until the evening grain offering.+

3 So I turned my face to Jehovah the true God, entreating him in prayer, along with fasting+ and sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to Jehovah my God and made confession and said:

“O Jehovah the true God, the great and awe-inspiring One, who keeps his covenant and shows loyal love+ to those who love him and keep his commandments,+ 5 we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled;+ and we have deviated from your commandments and your judgments.