1. On the twenty-fourth day of the seventh month, the people of Israel went without eating, and they dressed in sackcloth and threw dust on their heads to show their sorrow.
2. They refused to let foreigners join them, as they met to confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors.
16-17. Our stubborn ancestorsrefused to obey—they forgot about the miraclesyou had worked for them,and they were determinedto return to Egyptand become slaves again.But, our God, you are mercifuland quick to forgive;you are loving, kind,and very patient.So you never turned awayfrom them—