The word sinned
in this phrase is the same word (in verbal form) as had appeared in the phrase confessing the sins of the people.
This time, however, Nehemiah includes himself as part of the guilty party. He also adds the words against you
to make specific his acknowledgement that the wrong was done against the great and awesome God
addressed in Nehemiah 1:5. Missing the mark in obedience to such a God cannot but mean trouble. We need to note that Nehemiah does not mention specific sins, but says in general that we
have missed the mark in relation to the statutes and commands given in the covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9). Yet this God keeps covenant and steadfast love
and so confessing our sin is possible.
6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.