Nehemiah 1:4-11 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted… Nehemiah was evidently a man of high integrity, as appears from the situation which he held, that of the king's cup-bearer. Only a person who was thoroughly trustworthy would be permitted to occupy such a position, inasmuch as the lives of eastern monarchs were in constant danger from the aspiring courtiers; and as one of the most common methods of causing death, in ancient times, was by mixing some poisonous ingredient with the wine that was drunk, it is quite obvious that no one would be intrusted with the above circe in the king's household who was likely to be influenced by the bribes of the king's enemies, But, in addition to his strict integrity, he was a man of sincere and fervent piety. Very frequently did he give himself unto prayer, and it is thus we find him engaged in the present chapter. I. THE OCCASION OF THIS PRAYER. It is stated in the first three verses. "The words of Nehemiah, the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass," etc. It is said of the Redeemer — "In all their affliction He was afflicted; and HIs people are like-minded with Him in this respect. They feel for others. II. THE BEING TO WHOM HIS PRAYER IS ADDRESSED. Those among whom he dwelt were accustomed in their distress to invoke the aid of their heathen deities; but, knowing full well how vain it was to seek relief from such lying vanities, he called upon the God of heaven. In applying to Him he felt assured that he was not praying to a god that could not save. There were two aspects of His glorious character in which he more especially regarded Him. 1. As great and terrible. 2. As faithful and gracious. III. THE PENITENTIAL SPIRIT WHICH IT BREATHES. IV. THE POWERFUL PLEA WHICH IS EMPLOYED. "Remember, I beseech Thee, the word that Thou commandeer Thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations; but if ye return unto Me," etc. "Remember," says the Psalmist, "Thy word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope." And this was the argument of Nehemiah; he pleads that God would accomplish what He had formerly declared (Deuteronomy 4:25-29; Deuteronomy 30:1-6.) V. THE EARNEST IMPORTUNITY WITH WHICH IT IS PRESENTED. "O Lord, I beseech Thee, let now Thine ear be attentive," etc. (The Author of "The Footsteps of Jesus.") Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, |
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