Nehemiah 9 - 11

The nation, having heard God's Law read to them, spent a prolonged period of time confessing their sins and making restitution to God for their offenses.  They poured out a prayer of praise, confession and expressed a desire to make things right and keep them right.  They swore a solemn oath to walk according to God's Law - specifically in regards to their national identity.  They would keep themselves a separate group to show God's holiness, they would honor God by offering him the best of their efforts, and they would care for the house of God.  The land was divided so that the nation could begin repopulating the neglected cities and outlying areas around Jerusalem.