Definition: And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 1:4. It's a really important moment in history because it shows a man deeply troubled by what he heard. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, this verse describes a man who was profoundly upset and grieving after hearing something terrible. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass…” : This is just an introductory phrase – it's saying that this event happened. It's like starting a story with a “so what?” moment. “…when I heard these words…” : This is the core of the verse. He was hearing something very significant, and it’s the trigger for his sadness. We don't know what those words were exactly – that's part of the mystery. It could have been a prophecy, a message of judgment, or something else entirely. “That I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days…” : This is where it gets emotional. He wasn’t just feeling sad; he was actively weeping and mourning for a long time. “Certain” suggests there was a specific period of time – perhaps a few days or even weeks – that he spent in deep sorrow. “And fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven…” : This shows that he wasn’t just feeling sad; he was actively seeking God's help. He was turning to God for comfort and guidance during this difficult time. He was praying and fasting – both a spiritual action and a way to connect with something bigger than himself. What does it mean, in general? This passage is about deep sorrow and a desperate plea for help. It’s a story of someone experiencing immense pain and struggling to find peace. It emphasizes the importance of: Seeking God: He wasn't just complaining; he was actively turning to Him for strength and guidance. Acknowledging His Suffering: He recognized that he was in a difficult situation, and he didn’t try to ignore it. Faith & Prayer: He demonstrated faith by seeking God even during such a painful time. In short, it's a story of a man who experienced great distress and sought comfort and guidance from the Almighty. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (like the context of Nehemiah’s situation)? Connect this passage to other Bible stories?