1-2 It was the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king. At the hour for serving wine I brought it in and gave it to the king. I had never been hangdog in his presence before, so he asked me, “Why the long face? You’re not sick are you? Or are you depressed?”

2-3 That made me all the more agitated. I said, “Long live the king! And why shouldn’t I be depressed when the city, the city where all my family is buried, is in ruins and the city gates have been reduced to cinders?”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The One Year Bible MSG, Large Print Thinline Edition--softcover
The One Year Bible MSG, Large Print Thinline Edition--softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $14.29
Save: $10.70 (43%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Student Bible (Softcover)
The Message Student Bible (Softcover)
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $16.12
Save: $8.87 (35%)
Message Slimline Bible, Charcoal Diamond Leather-look
Message Slimline Bible, Charcoal Diamond Leather-look
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $8.48
Save: $31.51 (79%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gospel of John in Contemporary Language - eBook
The Message Gospel of John in Contemporary Language - eBook
Retail: $2.99
Our Price: $2.39
Save: $0.60 (20%)
The Message for Graduates - eBook
The Message for Graduates - eBook
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $8.99
Save: $4.00 (31%)