I. Nehemiah Prays for the Work

I. Nehemiah Prays for the Work (1)

A. The report (vv. 1–3).

As cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah (a Jew) held a high position in the court. He was close to the king and could share his confidence. But Nehemiah was not forgetful of his own people, for he eagerly asked his brother for news about Jerusalem. Read Pss. 122 and 137:5–6. Oh, that saints today had as much interest in their heavenly Jerusalem! The news was distressing: the remnant was suffering shame, the walls were broken down, and the gates were burned. See Ps. 79:1–4. Instead of being a city of praise and glory, it was a city of shame and reproach.

B. The response (v. 4).

Nehemiah was immediately burdened for his city. The fact that he was more than 700 miles away made no difference; nor did it matter that he was enjoying luxury and prestige in the palace of the king. He did not say, “The city’s plight is not my fault!” Immediately his heart was touched and he wanted to do something to save his city. For four months (from Dec. to April; see 1:1 and 2:1) he wept and prayed. See Dan. 9 and Ezra 9.

C. The request (vv. 5–11).

This book shows Nehemiah to be a man of prayer (1:4–11; 2:4; 4:4; 4:9; 5:19; 6:9, 14; 13:14, 22, 29, 31). The book starts and ends with prayer! Verse 6 tells us he prayed day and night, so burdened was he for the city. Note that Nehemiah confesses his sins and the sins of his people. He also reminds the Lord of His gracious promises (vv. 8–9) and then offers himself to be God’s servant to do something about Jerusalem’s plight.