⁹ Though we are slaves,^(A) our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness^(B) in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins,^(C) and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.

¹⁷ They refused to listen and failed to remember^(A) the miracles^(B) you performed among them. They became stiff-necked^(C) and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery.^(D) But you are a forgiving God,^(E) gracious and compassionate,^(F) slow to anger^(G) and abounding in love.^(H) Therefore you did not desert them,^(I)