The descendants of Israel (Jacob) separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the wrongdoings of their fathers.

While they stood in their places, they read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day and for another fourth [of it] they confessed [their sins] and worshiped the Lord their God.

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all the day long.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.