And I called a fast there at the river Ahava, so that we might humble ourselves before our God, in order to seek from Him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our goods.
And we pulled up from the river Ahava on the twelfth of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was on us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and ambushers along the way.
And I said to the king, Let the king live forever. Why should not my face be sad when the place of my fathers’ tombs, the city, lies waste and its gates are consumed with fire?
When I remember these things and I pour out my soul on me (for I passed over with the throng; I led them to the house of God with the voice of rejoicing and praise, a host keeping the feast).
I did not sit in the circle of ones who laugh in derision, and did not exult. I sat alone because of Your hand; for You have filled me with indignation.
Behold, the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people from a distant land! Is not Jehovah in Zion? Or is not her king in her? Why have they provoked Me with their graven images, with foreign vanities?
On account of these I weep; my eye, my eye brings down water, because one comforting who could be bringing back my soul is far from me. My sons are desolated because the enemy prevails.
Their heart cried to the Lord. O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears go down like a torrent by day and by night; do not give relief to yourself; let not the daughter of your eye rest.
And it happened in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth of the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
coming the Word of Jehovah became known to Ezekiel, the son of Buzi, the priest, in the land of the Chaldeans, by the river Chebar. And there the hand of Jehovah was on him.
And I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, those dwelling by the river Chebar. And I sat there where they were dwelling. I also dwelt there seven days, being stunned among them.