Nehemiah – A Bad Report, A Bold Request

Posted On July 31, 2023

Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:8

As mentioned in the previous introduction, only a small portion (about 2%) of the Jewish exiles in Babylon and Persia elected to return to Judah when King Cyrus offered their release. By the time of Nehemiah, none of those remaining would have ever lived in Jerusalem or Judah. They would have only known life in these foreign lands. Yet, many of them seemed to have an awareness of their forefathers and their God.

We may pause here to ask ourselves just how the history of Israel’s people was passed on to these descendants. May I suggest what a beautiful picture it must have been to see adults and children alike gathered about some of the original exiles (who were so mistreated in the deportation and subsequent captivity) wistfully re-telling the wonderful stories of their forefathers – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Ruth, Samuel, David, Elijah, Elisha and all the rest. The listeners were likely amazed as they heard again and again the accounts of the presence of God and His mighty acts among their ancestors.

Certainly, Nehemiah was among those whose hearts and minds were sown with the love of God and thanksgiving for all He had done. Indeed, he embraced the God of his fathers and their heritage as his own. Although he had never been there, he counted Jerusalem and Judah as his homeland; “her people were his people, and her God was his God” (Ruth 1:16).

Nehemiah opens his writing by recalling a visit from his brother, Hanani, and a few men who made the 800-mile journey from Jerusalem. The journey would have taken a long time and required much energy. However, it seems they felt compelled (called by God?) to seek and find Nehemiah. It is unclear as to what information they may have had regarding his whereabouts and status. They just knew they must give him a very bad report.

Having arrived in late November/early December in 445 B.C., they were surely welcomed with joy by Nehemiah in the king’s palace. It would have been a shock to find that he had gained the position of cupbearer to the king.

Here, we may also be reminded of the stories of Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon to learn that honesty, truthfulness, and goodness are rewarded even by those who oppose us. “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).

In those times, it was customary for the king to have a trustworthy aide who would taste his wine and food and assure the king that there was no fear of assassination by poisoning. Therefore, the cupbearer must have the complete confidence of the king. Nehemiah had gained that confidence of King Artaxerxes.

Nehemiah asked his visitors about the well-being of those who had returned to Judah, and the condition of the city. When he heard their bad report, his heart was pierced, and he was driven to weeping and mourning. For many days, he secluded himself, turning to God in fasting and prayer. He could not ignore the plight of his people (notice how he identifies himself with them in his prayer (vs. 1:6,7), “we have sinned … ; I and my father’s house …; we have acted …”.) and he recalled the promises of God from the scriptures (Deuteronomy 30:1-5), “Remember, I pray, the word You commanded Your servant Moses saying, …. If you return to Me and keep My commandments …. even if your dispersion be to the farthest point of heaven, yet I will gather them from there and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.” (Nehemiah 1:8,9).

His prayer for the people closes with a special request for himself, “Let your servant prosper today, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man (King Artaxerxes)” (vs. 1:11).

Even though he enjoyed a trusted, confidential position with the king, Nehemiah did not take that for granted. Likewise, with us, we should not approach our dealings with our superiorsand peers without a sense of humility and reliance on guidance from God. Those from whom we make requests will respect our considerate attitude and be more likely to grant that request.

Nehemiah’s opportunity came one day when he took the wine to the king who sat alone with the queen. Noticing that his cupbearer was visibly saddened, the king was troubled and questioned him. Nehemiah then told him of the situation in Jerusalem, “the city, the home of the tombs of my fathers, lies waste and its gates are burned with fire” (vs. 2:3).

There may then have been some moments of tense silence. Why would it matter to the king of Persia whether some city 800 miles away had been destroyed 142 years ago? Besides, the Persians had defeated Babylon some 75 years ago. Why would this be such a burden for Nehemiah? Breaking the silence, the king asked, “What do you want from me?”. Once again, Nehemiah asked the Lord for the words and then said with boldness, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, send me to Judah, to the city of the tombs of my fathers, that I may build it” (vs, 2:5).

Here was the moment when the faith and character of Nehemiah was called into account. Here was the moment when the promises of God would be put to the test. The question posed by the Israelites in the wilderness long ago may well have come to Nehemiah’s mind, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7). He was about to get his answer.

Perhaps the king turned his eyes toward the queen as if pondering the request and silently seeking her thoughts. Perhaps the nod or smile between them gave proof of their agreement. Then, the king answered, “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” (vs. 2:6). Nehemiah asked for (and later kept his promise) 12 years. The king agreed – amazing!

As the conversation ended, Nehemiah departed from the king’s presence (I suppose following a joyful “Thank you”) and perhaps breaking into a huge smile when he closed the door behind him. He then summarized those past few minutes (speaking to himself), “And the king granted these to me as the good hand of God was upon me” (vs. 2:8).

Reflecting on this first segment of Nehemiah’s writing, we are reminded of the sorrows which have come upon God’s people throughout the ages and even to the present day.  We are also reminded that we serve the King of Glory and we have been given the privilege of turning to Him in time of need. St. Paul reiterated it, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

We may draw strength, also, from the words of Jesus, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Despite the bad report which grieved him, his bold request had been granted him. Now the way ahead is clear, and the challenge is before him.  In the coming studies, we will accompany Nehemiah to Jerusalem, watch as he builds the wall and repairs the gates, and  joyfully draw water from his wonderful old well.

“Come, and let us go to the mountain of the Lord …. He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths” (Isaiah 2:3).

Fr. Andrew