Man of Opportunity
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the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence,
and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set My name
there.” See
Deuteronomy 4:29-31
. This promise had been given to
Israel through Moses before they had entered Canaan, and during the
centuries it had stood unchanged. God’s people had now returned to
Him in penitence and faith, and His promise would not fail.
Nehemiah had often poured out his soul in behalf of his people.
But now as he prayed a holy purpose formed in his mind. He resolved
that if he could obtain the consent of the king, and the necessary aid in
procuring implements and material, he would himself undertake the
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task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring Israel’s national
strength. And he asked the Lord to grant him favor in the sight of the
king, that this plan might be carried out. “Prosper, I pray Thee, Thy
servant this day,” he entreated, “and grant him mercy in the sight of
this man.”
Four months Nehemiah waited for a favorable opportunity to
present his request to the king. During this time, though his heart
was heavy with grief, he endeavored to bear himself with cheerfulness
in the royal presence. In those halls of luxury and splendor all must
appear light-hearted and happy. Distress must not cast its shadow
over the countenance of any attendant of royalty. But in Nehemiah’s
seasons of retirement, concealed from human sight, many were the
prayers, the confessions, the tears, heard and witnessed by God and
angels.
At length the sorrow that burdened the patriot’s heart could no
longer be concealed. Sleepless nights and care-filled days left their
trace upon his countenance. The king, jealous for his own safety, was
accustomed to read countenances and to penetrate disguises, and he
saw that some secret trouble was preying upon his cupbearer. “Why is
thy countenance sad,” he inquired, “seeing thou art not sick? this is
nothing else but sorrow of heart.”
The question filled Nehemiah with apprehension. Would not the
king be angry to hear that while outwardly engaged in his service, the
courtier’s thoughts had been far away with his afflicted people? Would
not the offender’s life be forfeited? His cherished plan for restoring
the strength of Jerusalem—was it about to be overthrown? “Then,” he
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writes, “I was very sore afraid.” With trembling lips and tearful eyes
he revealed the cause of his sorrow. “Let the king live forever,” he