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Nehemiah, Man of Prayer and Action
This chapter is based on Nehemiah 1 and 2.
Nehemiah, one of the Hebrew exiles, held an influential position
in the Persian court and had free access to the royal presence. He had
become the monarch’s friend and counselor. However, in the midst
of the pomp and splendor, he did not forget God or His people. His
heart turned toward Jerusalem. Through this man God determined
to bring blessing to His people.
Nehemiah learned from messengers from Judea that the returned
exiles in the chosen city were suffering. Opposition hindered the
restoration work, the temple services were disturbed, and the walls
of the city were still mostly in ruins. Overwhelmed with sorrow,
Nehemiah could neither eat nor drink. In grief he turned to the divine
Helper. “I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” He
pleaded that God would support the cause of Israel, restore their
courage and strength, and help them build the devastated city.
As Nehemiah prayed, his faith and courage grew. He pointed to
the dishonor that would be cast on God if His people remained weak
and oppressed. He urged the Lord to fulfill His promise to Israel
given through Moses before they entered Canaan. See
Deuteronomy
4:29-31
. God’s people had now returned to Him in repentance, and
His promise would not fail.
Now Nehemiah resolved that if he could get the consent of the
king and the necessary material, he would himself take up the task
of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring Israel’s national
strength. And he asked the Lord to grant him the king’s favor so that
his plan could be carried out. “Let Your servant prosper this day, I
pray,” he pleaded, “and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
Nehemiah Waits for God’s Opportunity
Nehemiah waited four months to present his request to the king.
Though his heart was heavy with grief, he tried to be cheerful in
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