Nehemiah 2:1 - Meaning and Application

When Nehemiah had prayed for the help of his countrymen, and perhaps prayed in David’s words, “Build the walls of Jerusalem” (Psalm 51:18), he did not then sit back and say, “Let God do his work, for I have nothing more to do.” Instead, he thought carefully about what he could do to help. Our prayers must be joined with earnest effort, or else we only mock God.

About four months passed, from Chisleu to Nisan, that is, from November to March, before Nehemiah spoke to the king and asked permission to go to Jerusalem. This may have been because winter was not a good time for travel, and he waited until he could actually carry out the journey. Or it may have been because his turn to wait on the king came only then, since no one could come into the king’s presence unless called (Esther 4:11). Now that he served at the king’s table, he hoped to gain his ear. We are not limited in that way when we come to the King of kings. We may approach him at any time, and we never come to the throne of grace at the wrong moment.

Here we see, first, the occasion Nehemiah gave the king to ask about his sorrow, by appearing sad in his presence. People who speak to great men should not rush straight into their business, but should work toward it carefully. Nehemiah wanted to see whether the king was in a good mood before he dared to tell him his request, and this was the test he used. He took up the wine and gave it to the king when the king asked for it, expecting that the king would then look at him. He was not usually sad in the king’s presence. He followed court custom, as servants at court had to do, and that custom allowed no visible sorrow (Esther 4:2). Though he was a stranger and a captive, he was usually calm and pleasant. Good people should use their cheerfulness to show the world how pleasant God’s ways are, and to remove the idea that religion only makes people gloomy. Yet there is a time for every purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

Now Nehemiah had reason both to feel sad and to show it. The troubles of Jerusalem gave him cause to grieve, and his sadness would lead the king to ask why. He did not pretend to be sad, for he truly grieved over the suffering of God’s people. He was not like hypocrites who make their faces look sorrowful. Still, he could have hidden his grief if needed, for the heart knows its own bitterness, and often a person can be sad even while laughing. But in this case it would help his purpose to let his sorrow show. Though he had wine before him, and probably drank some himself before handing it to the king, it could not cheer his heart while God’s people were in trouble.

Second, we see the king’s kind notice of Nehemiah’s sadness and his question about the cause of it (Nehemiah 2:2). “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick?” we read. We should care about the griefs of others, even those below us, out of Christian sympathy. Masters should not ignore the sorrows of their servants, but should try to make them comfortable. God himself is not pleased when his people are downcast and troubled, but wants them to serve him with gladness and eat their bread with joy.

It is no surprise when sick people look sad, because of what they feel and fear. Sickness will make even cheerful people serious. Yet a good man, even while sick, may still have peace if he knows his sins are forgiven. Being free from sickness is such a great mercy that, while we have it, we should not be overly crushed by outward troubles. Still, sorrow for our own sins, for the sins of others, and for the troubles of God’s church may rightly darken the face, even without sickness.

Third, Nehemiah gave the king the reason for his sadness, and he did it with meekness and fear. He confessed that he was deeply afraid, even though the story later shows he was a courageous man. He may have feared the king’s anger, for eastern kings claimed absolute power over life and death (Daniel 2:12-13; Daniel 5:19). Or he may have feared saying something wrongly and losing his request through careless speech. Though he was wise, he was cautious and did not trust himself too much, lest he speak unwisely. That is a healthy attitude for us as well. Confidence is a fine quality, but humble self-distrust is no shame.

He also spoke with great respect. He did not blame anyone, and he showed full honor, courtesy, and goodwill to the king, his master. He said, “May the king live forever,” showing respect and recognizing the king’s place. Then he asked, in effect, “Why should I not be sad when the city,” the king knew which city he meant, “the place where my fathers are buried, lies in ruins?” Many people are gloomy and cannot explain why. They should examine themselves and put away such needless fears and griefs. But Nehemiah had a strong reason for his sorrow, and he could state it plainly to the king.

He calls Jerusalem “the place of my fathers’ sepulchres,” meaning the place where his ancestors were buried. It is good for us to think often of our fathers’ graves. We are quick to remember their honors, houses, and property, but we should also remember their graves. They remind us that those who went before us in life have also gone before us out of the world. Their memorials should be respected. Even nations that did not expect a resurrection have often regarded their ancestors’ graves as sacred and not to be disturbed.

Nehemiah also justifies his grief: “I do well to be sad. Why should I not be?” Even faithful and prosperous people have times when they should be sad and show their grief. The best people should not think they can live as if heaven has already begun, with no sorrow left. We are still traveling through a valley of tears, and we must accept the conditions of that journey.

Finally, he names the ruins of Jerusalem as the true cause of his grief. The troubles of the church, especially its ruined condition, should grieve all good people. This is especially true of those who care about God’s honor, belong to Christ’s body, and have a public spirit. They even care about the dust of Zion (Psalm 102:14).

Fourth, we see the king’s encouragement for Nehemiah to speak freely, and Nehemiah’s immediate prayer to God in his heart, as we read in Nehemiah 2:4. The king cared about him and did not like to see him sad. It is also likely that the king had some respect for the Jews’ religion. He had shown this before when he gave Ezra, a teacher and priestly leader, his commission, and now again when he gave Nehemiah, a government official, the authority he needed.

Nehemiah wanted only to know how he could help Jerusalem, so the king, this anxious friend, asked him, “What is it you want? You must want something.” Nehemiah had been afraid to speak (Neh 2:2), but this question gave him courage. Even more, Christ invites us to pray and promises that we will receive help, so we can come boldly to the throne of grace.

At once, Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven to give him wisdom to ask well and to move the king’s heart to grant his request. Those who want favor from kings must first seek the favor of the King of kings. He prayed to the God of heaven, who is far above even this mighty ruler. It was not a formal prayer, since he had no time for that, but a sudden, quiet prayer from the heart. He lifted his soul to the God who understands heart language and said, in effect, “Lord, give me the right words and wisdom. Lord, give me favor in this man’s sight.”

It is good to make many of these quick, heartfelt prayers, especially when special needs arise. Wherever we are, we still have a way open toward heaven. This does not stop our work, but helps it. So let no business keep us from prayer; rather, let our business drive us to it. Nehemiah had already prayed carefully about this very matter (Neh 1:11), but when the moment came, he prayed again. Short prayers and longer prayers should not crowd each other out, because each has its place.

Then came Nehemiah’s humble request to the king. With the king’s encouragement, he made his petition modestly, leaving room for the king’s wisdom (Neh 2:5), yet he was clear. He asked for permission to go to Judah as governor, to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, and to remain there for a set time, likely for several months. Later, either his commission was renewed or he returned and was sent again, because he seems to have governed there for at least twelve years (Neh 5:14).

He also asked for an escort (Neh 2:7), and for letters to the governors so they would let him pass through their provinces and provide what he needed. He also asked for a letter to the keeper of the forest of Lebanon, so he could get timber for the work he planned. This shows careful planning, along with trust in God.

The king showed him great favor by asking when he would return, Neh 2:6. This suggests that the king did not want to lose him and would rather keep him close. Still, he was willing to spare him for a while and let him insert whatever terms he wanted into his commission, Neh 2:8. This was an immediate answer to prayer, for the children of Jacob never seek the God of Jacob in vain.

In telling of his success, Nehemiah notes two things. First, the queen was sitting beside the king (Neh 2:6), which, people say, was not usual in the Persian court (Est 1:11). If her presence might have hindered him, then it shows God’s strong care, because he succeeded anyway. If she was friendly and helped his request, then it shows God’s kind care in placing her there. Second, Nehemiah gives the praise to God’s power and grace. He got what he asked for, not because he deserved it, or because of his influence with the king, or because he handled things so well, but because the good hand of his God was upon him. Those with gracious hearts notice God’s good hand in every event that turns out well for them. This is the Lord’s doing, and so it is all the more pleasing.