This revival continues with the people’s heartfelt confession of sin, praise, and petition to God (9:1–37). Their attitude reveals the depth of this renewal; instead of being eager to finish the Feast of Tabernacles and get back to normal life, they gather together for another reading of the law. Not only are they sorry for their past failures; they are serious about making a definite change. They spend at least half the day in hearing the law of God, confession, and praise (9:3). Then they dedicate time to prayer.

Apparently the Levites lead in the long prayer that follows (9:5–37). In form and content it is similar to the historical psalms (Psalms 78; 105–6; 135–36). The prayer is packed with theology. First the Lord (Yahweh) is recognized as the only God. He created …