Nehemiah’s Prayer Answered: Rebuilding Jerusalem With God’s Favor

Executive Summary ✨

Nehemiah 2 chronicles the remarkable answer to Nehemiah’s fervent prayer, detailing his audience with King Artaxerxes, the granting of his request to rebuild Jerusalem, and the provision of resources for the monumental task. This chapter showcases God’s providential hand moving in the heart of a pagan king, demonstrating that He can use even worldly powers to accomplish His divine purposes. Nehemiah’s wisdom, courage, and strategic planning are evident, setting the stage for the daunting, yet ultimately triumphant, reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls. Understanding Nehemiah’s obedience to God’s call empowers us today to step out in faith, even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, trusting in God’s unwavering support and guidance as we rebuild our lives.

In the second chapter of Nehemiah, we witness a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer and the sovereignty of God. This chapter isn’t merely a historical account; it’s a blueprint for how we, too, can approach God with our burdens, seek His guidance, and act boldly in faith. Nehemiah’s story, particularly his **rebuilding Jerusalem**, offers profound lessons for our spiritual lives today.

Commentary Sections 📖

Nehemiah 2:1-2 (KJV)

And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was sore afraid.

These verses establish the setting: the month of Nisan (roughly March/April), the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign (around 445 BC), and Nehemiah’s trusted position as the king’s cupbearer. Notice that Nehemiah, despite his grief over Jerusalem’s desolation, had kept it hidden from the king. The king’s sensitivity and observation are striking. A key takeaway: God sees and knows our burdens even when we hide them, and He can use unexpected moments to open doors for His purposes. The fear Nehemiah experiences is understandable. To display sadness before a king could be interpreted as disloyalty or even a bad omen. This demonstrates Nehemiah’s understanding of his earthly context.

Spiritual Application: God often works in unexpected ways and through surprising individuals. Be prepared to share your burdens and prayers with others, even those in positions of authority, knowing that God can use them to accomplish His will.

Nehemiah 2:3 (KJV)

And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

Nehemiah responds with respect and eloquence. He prefaces his answer with a customary expression of goodwill toward the king (“Let the king live for ever”), showing deference and wisdom. He then directly states the cause of his sadness: the desolate state of Jerusalem, the city where his ancestors were buried. This highlights the importance of honoring our heritage and remembering the significance of our spiritual roots. The “sepulchres” are not merely graves, but a symbol of heritage and connection to his ancestors. This resonates with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on the intercession of the saints and the importance of remembering those who have gone before us in faith. This section clearly highlights a need for dohost to help rebuild.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius the Apostolic, in *De Incarnatione*, writes about the restoration of humanity through Christ’s incarnation, mirroring the theme of restoration in Nehemiah. Ἀνακαίνισαι τὴν κτίσιν ἐν ἑαυτῷ. (Anakainisai tēn ktisin en heautō – To renew creation in Himself.) Just as Christ renewed creation, Nehemiah sought to renew Jerusalem.

Spiritual Application: We should not be ashamed to express our grief over the brokenness of the world and the suffering of others. Our sorrow can be a catalyst for action and a testament to our compassion.

Nehemiah 2:4-5 (KJV)

Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven, and I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.

Here, we see Nehemiah’s immediate reliance on prayer. In that instant, before responding to the king, he “prayed to the God of heaven.” This was likely a silent, fervent prayer, demonstrating his constant communion with God and his dependence on divine guidance. He then phrases his request with humility and tact, seeking the king’s favor and permission to rebuild Jerusalem. This emphasizes the need for wisdom and discernment in our interactions with those in authority. Nehemiah’s actions reveal a profound trust in God’s orchestration of events.

Spiritual Application: Develop the habit of praying silently in the midst of challenging situations. Seek God’s guidance before making decisions and trust that He will lead you in the right direction.

Nehemiah 2:6-8 (KJV)

And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah; And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

The king’s questions show his genuine interest and willingness to help. Nehemiah provides a timeframe for his absence, demonstrating responsibility and trustworthiness. He then requests letters of safe passage to the governors and timber from the king’s forest, showing foresight and practical planning. The phrase “according to the good hand of my God upon me” acknowledges God’s providential hand in orchestrating these events. This isn’t just luck; it’s divine favor. The queen’s presence also hints at her possible influence, furthering the sense that God was working behind the scenes. The fact that the king provides everything Nehemiah asks for is a striking testament to God’s power to move the hearts of rulers.

Spiritual Application: When pursuing God’s will, be prepared to ask for what you need and trust that He will provide the necessary resources. Remember that God often works through human instruments and that His “good hand” is always upon those who seek to serve Him.

Nehemiah 2:9-10 (KJV)

Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me. When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Nehemiah arrives in the region with the king’s authority and military escort. This demonstrates the king’s commitment to supporting his mission. The opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah is immediately evident. Their grief at the prospect of Jerusalem’s restoration reveals their animosity towards the Israelites. This highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the resistance we will face when seeking to advance God’s kingdom. Sanballat and Tobiah represent the forces of darkness that seek to hinder God’s work. Their motivation is rooted in hatred and a desire to maintain their power and influence in the region.

Spiritual Application: Expect opposition when you are working for God. Do not be discouraged by the resistance you encounter, but remember that God is greater than any adversary and that He will equip you to overcome every obstacle. The presence of opposition is often a sign that you are on the right path.

Nehemiah 2:11-16 (KJV)

So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days. And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon. And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire. Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king’s pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass. Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley. And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers.

Nehemiah’s initial actions are marked by careful observation and secrecy. He spends three days in Jerusalem before taking any action, allowing him time to assess the situation and plan his strategy. His nighttime reconnaissance mission reveals his diligence and commitment to understanding the extent of the damage. He doesn’t immediately reveal his plans to anyone, demonstrating wisdom and prudence. The detailed description of his route (the Valley Gate, the Dragon Well, the Dung Gate, the Fountain Gate, the King’s Pool) provides a vivid picture of Jerusalem’s ruined state. This secretive survey is not about hiding, but about ensuring proper planning and assessing the magnitude of the task without causing panic or prematurely alerting his enemies.

Spiritual Application: Before embarking on any significant undertaking, take time to assess the situation carefully and develop a well-thought-out plan. Seek God’s guidance in secret and trust that He will reveal the best course of action. Do not be quick to share your plans with others until you are certain that the time is right.

Nehemiah 2:17-18 (KJV)

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Nehemiah finally reveals his mission and rallies the people to action. He paints a clear picture of their current state of distress and the shame they are enduring. He then shares his vision for restoring Jerusalem’s walls and reminds them of God’s favor and the king’s support. The people’s response is immediate and enthusiastic: “Let us rise up and build!” This demonstrates the power of effective leadership and the importance of communicating a clear and compelling vision. The phrase “they strengthened their hands for this good work” emphasizes the importance of unity and collective effort.

Spiritual Application: When leading others, communicate a clear vision and inspire them to work together for a common goal. Remind them of God’s promises and encourage them to rely on His strength. Unity and perseverance are essential for achieving lasting results.

Nehemiah 2:19-20 (KJV)

But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

The opposition intensifies as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem mock and threaten Nehemiah and the people. They accuse them of rebelling against the king, attempting to undermine their efforts. Nehemiah responds with unwavering faith and confidence in God’s power. He boldly declares that God will prosper their work and that their enemies have no right or claim to Jerusalem. This demonstrates the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity and refusing to be intimidated by those who oppose God’s will. Nehemiah’s response is firm, decisive, and rooted in his faith and understanding of God’s promises.

Spiritual Application: Expect opposition from those who are opposed to God’s will. Do not be discouraged by their mockery or threats, but stand firm in your faith and trust that God will ultimately triumph. Remember that the enemy has no authority over those who are walking in God’s will.

Subtopic Sections 💡

Nehemiah 2 offers several key reflections for our spiritual lives:

• Prayer is paramount: Nehemiah’s immediate prayer in the face of the king’s question underscores the vital role of prayer in every aspect of our lives.
• God’s favor is essential: The king’s willingness to grant Nehemiah’s requests highlights the importance of seeking God’s favor in all our endeavors.
• Strategic planning is necessary: Nehemiah’s careful reconnaissance and detailed requests demonstrate the need for strategic planning and preparation.
• Visionary leadership is crucial: Nehemiah’s ability to inspire the people to rebuild the wall underscores the power of visionary leadership.
• Opposition is inevitable: The resistance from Sanballat and Tobiah reminds us that opposition is an inevitable part of following God’s will.
• Faith overcomes fear: Nehemiah’s unwavering faith in God’s promises in the face of opposition shows that faith conquers all fears.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nehemiah 2:

• Q: Why did Nehemiah pray silently before answering the king?

  A: Nehemiah prayed silently because he recognized the urgency of the situation and the need for divine guidance. It was a moment of immediate dependence on God to speak the right words and present his request in a way that would be favorably received.

• Q: What can we learn from Nehemiah’s approach to King Artaxerxes?

  A: Nehemiah’s approach to King Artaxerxes teaches us the importance of humility, respect, and wisdom in our interactions with those in authority. He sought the king’s favor, phrased his requests carefully, and demonstrated trustworthiness and responsibility.

• Q: Why did Sanballat and Tobiah oppose Nehemiah’s efforts?

  A: Sanballat and Tobiah opposed Nehemiah’s efforts because they were enemies of the Israelites and opposed to the restoration of Jerusalem. They likely feared the loss of their own power and influence in the region.

• Q: How does Nehemiah’s story relate to our lives today?

  A: Nehemiah’s story teaches us the importance of prayer, faith, and courage in pursuing God’s will. It encourages us to be bold in asking for what we need, to plan strategically, to lead with vision, and to persevere in the face of opposition. Just as Nehemiah sought to **rebuilding Jerusalem**, we too are called to rebuild our lives and communities in accordance with God’s purpose.

Conclusion ✨

Nehemiah 2 is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience. It shows how God can use even the most unlikely individuals and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Nehemiah’s prayerful reliance on God, his strategic planning, and his courageous leadership provide a model for us today. The chapter serves as a reminder that with God’s help, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and rebuild broken areas of our lives and communities. As we reflect on this narrative, let us be inspired to pray fervently, act boldly, and trust unwaveringly in God’s provision as we pursue His calling.

Tags

prayer, faith, courage, leadership, Jerusalem, rebuilding, Nehemiah, Artaxerxes, opposition, restoration

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Discover how Nehemiah 2 teaches us about prayer, faith, and courageous leadership in **rebuilding Jerusalem** and how these lessons apply to our lives today.