Nehemiah1
New Living Translation
1These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa.
2Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem.
3They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
4When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
5Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands,
6listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned!
7We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses.
8“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations.
9But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’
10“The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants.
11O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Nehemiah 1.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Nehemiah's distress for the misery of Jerusalem, His prayer. (1-11).
vv1-11
Nehemiah was the Persian king's cup-bearer. When God has work to do, he will never want instruments to do it with. Nehemiah lived at ease, and in honour, but does not forget that he is an Israelite, and that his brethren are in distress. He was ready to do them all the good offices he could; and that he might know how best to do them a kindness, he makes inquiries about them. We should inquire especially concerning the state of the church and religion. Every Jerusalem on this side the heavenly one will have some defect, which will require the help and services of its friends. Nehemiah's first application was to God, that he might have the fuller confidence in his application to the king. Our best pleas in prayer are taken from the promise of God, the word on which he has caused us to hope. Other means must be used, but the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails most. Communion with God will best prepare us for our dealings with men. When we have intrusted our concerns to God, the mind is set at liberty; it feels satisfaction and composure, and difficulties vanish. We know that if the affair be hurtful, he can easily hinder it; and if it be good for us, he can as easily forward it.
Key Words
דָּבָר: a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
נְחֶמְיָה: Nechemjah, the name of three Israelites
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
חֲכַלְיָה: Chakaljah, an Israelite
חֹדֶשׁ: the new moon; by implication, a month
כִּסְלֵו: Kisleu, the 9th Hebrew month
עֶשְׂרִים: twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
שָׁנֶה: a year (as a revolution of time)
אֲנִי: I
שׁוּשַׁן: Shushan, a place in Persia
Cross References
Nehemiah 1Direct verbal echo of the promise to gather the scattered from the uttermost parts.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Connects the twentieth year and the king's cupbearer role directly to the following chapter.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Striking parallel in confession, covenant language, and appeal to God's great and terrible nature.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The foundational covenant warning of scattering among the nations for transgressions referenced by Nehemiah.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identifies Hanani as Nehemiah's brother, confirming his identity and familial connection.
Supported by JFB
Establishes a model of mourning, fasting, and praying before God concerning Jerusalem's desolation.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Alludes to God choosing a specific physical place to set His name there.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The covenant language of God keeping mercy for those who love Him and keep commandments.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Echoes Solomon's temple dedication prayer asking God's eyes and ears to be attentive.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Echoes Moses' intercession pleading that Israel is God's people redeemed by His great power.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Confirms Shushan the palace as the royal, strategic fortress location in Persia.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Direct sequel where Nehemiah addresses the broken walls and reproach of Jerusalem.
Supported by JFB
Solomon's prayer that God would grant His captive people compassion in the sight of men.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels Ezra's deep, representative confession of national sin and guilt.
Supported by Matthew Henry