1 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.
2 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 very sore afraid,
3 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?
4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
5 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.
6 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.
7 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;
8 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.
12 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.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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 [so] returned.
16 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, nor to the rest that did the work.
17 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.
18 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].
19 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?
20 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.
Overview of Nehemiah Chapter 2
Nehemiah Chapter 2 details Nehemiah’s journey from Persia to Jerusalem, his strategic planning, and the challenges he faces in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. This chapter highlights themes of leadership, faith, and community action.
Key Events
- Nehemiah’s Sadness and Request to the King
- Nehemiah’s Journey to Jerusalem
- Inspection of Jerusalem’s Walls
- Nehemiah’s Address to the Jewish Officials
Nehemiah’s Sadness and Request to the King
Nehemiah begins the chapter by expressing his deep sorrow over the state of Jerusalem. His sadness is noticed by King Artaxerxes, who inquires about the cause. Nehemiah, after praying for guidance, reveals his desire to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city. The king grants him permission and provides resources for the journey.
- Nehemiah’s emotional state reflects his deep connection to his homeland.
- The king’s willingness to listen and respond positively demonstrates the importance of leadership and compassion.
- Nehemiah’s prayer before speaking to the king illustrates his reliance on God for guidance.
Nehemiah’s Journey to Jerusalem
Upon receiving the king’s blessing, Nehemiah embarks on his journey to Jerusalem. He travels with letters from the king that grant him safe passage and the authority to gather materials for the rebuilding efforts. This journey symbolizes the beginning of a significant mission.
Inspection of Jerusalem’s Walls
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah takes time to assess the condition of the city walls. Under the cover of night, he inspects the ruins and evaluates the extent of the damage. This careful examination allows him to formulate a concrete plan for the reconstruction.
- Nehemiah’s discreet inspection shows his wisdom in assessing the situation before taking action.
- His thorough evaluation sets the stage for informed decision-making in the rebuilding process.
Nehemiah’s Address to the Jewish Officials
After his inspection, Nehemiah gathers the Jewish leaders and shares his vision for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He emphasizes the need for collective action and encourages them to join him in this important task. Nehemiah’s passionate appeal inspires the people to rally together for the restoration of their city.
- Nehemiah’s leadership is characterized by his ability to inspire and motivate others.
- The unity of purpose among the Jewish people is crucial for the success of their mission.
- Nehemiah’s emphasis on God’s hand in the situation reinforces the spiritual dimension of their efforts.
Thematic Analysis
This chapter illustrates several key themes:
- Leadership: Nehemiah exemplifies strong leadership through his vision, strategic planning, and ability to inspire others.
- Faith and Prayer: Nehemiah’s reliance on prayer before making significant decisions highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance.
- Community and Collaboration: The call for collective action emphasizes the need for unity in achieving common goals.
- Restoration: The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls symbolizes hope and renewal for the Jewish people.
Conclusion
Nehemiah Chapter 2 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing Nehemiah’s leadership qualities, the importance of faith, and the power of community action. The chapter sets the foundation for the subsequent efforts to rebuild Jerusalem, emphasizing that with determination and divine support, restoration is possible.
