Nehemiah 1:6

let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father's house have sinned.

Study Bible

let Your ear be attentive
In the Hebrew text, the word for "ear" is "אָזֵן" (ozen), which signifies not just the physical ear but the act of listening with intent and purpose. Nehemiah is imploring God to be actively engaged in hearing his plea. This phrase reflects a deep understanding of the relational nature of God, who is not distant but is intimately involved with His people. The imagery of God’s ear being attentive suggests a readiness to respond, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and His followers.

and Your eyes open
The Hebrew word for "eyes" is "עַיִן" (ayin), which often symbolizes perception and awareness. Nehemiah is asking God to not only hear but also to see the plight of His people. This request for God’s eyes to be open is a plea for divine intervention and oversight. It reflects the belief that God is omniscient and omnipresent, fully aware of the circumstances of His people. The open eyes of God signify His vigilance and readiness to act on behalf of those who call upon Him.

to hear the prayer
The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to listen with the intent to understand and respond. Nehemiah is not merely asking God to hear his words but to comprehend the depth of his supplication. This reflects the biblical understanding that prayer is a dialogue with God, who is both willing and able to respond to the cries of His people. The act of hearing in this context is an assurance of God’s active participation in the lives of His followers.

Your servant is praying
The term "servant" in Hebrew is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which denotes one who is in service to another, often with a sense of humility and dedication. Nehemiah identifies himself as God’s servant, acknowledging his position and role in God’s divine plan. This self-identification underscores the humility and submission required in prayer, recognizing God’s sovereignty and authority. It is a reminder of the believer’s duty to serve God faithfully and to seek His will above all else.

before You day and night
This phrase indicates the continuous and persistent nature of Nehemiah’s prayer. The Hebrew understanding of "day and night" signifies an unceasing devotion and commitment to seeking God’s face. It reflects the biblical principle of praying without ceasing, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Nehemiah’s dedication to prayer demonstrates the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in seeking God’s intervention and guidance.

for Your servants, the Israelites
Nehemiah’s prayer is intercessory, focusing not only on his own needs but on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, God’s chosen people. This highlights the communal aspect of prayer, where the needs of the community are brought before God. It reflects the biblical theme of intercession, where believers are called to stand in the gap for others, seeking God’s mercy and grace for the collective body of Christ.

I confess the sins
The Hebrew word for "confess" is "יָדָה" (yadah), which means to acknowledge or admit. Nehemiah’s confession is an act of repentance, recognizing the sins that have separated the Israelites from God. This confession is both personal and corporate, acknowledging the collective failures of the nation. It underscores the importance of repentance in restoring the relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout Scripture.

we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house
Nehemiah includes himself and his family in the confession, demonstrating personal accountability and humility. This acknowledgment of personal and familial sin highlights the biblical principle that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It serves as a reminder of the need for personal introspection and repentance, recognizing that sin affects not only the individual but the community as a whole.

have committed against You
The phrase "committed against You" indicates that sin is ultimately an offense against God. The Hebrew word for "committed" is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or to transgress. Nehemiah’s acknowledgment of sin as an offense against God reflects the biblical understanding of sin as a violation of God’s holy standards. It emphasizes the need for divine forgiveness and the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah is the central figure in this book. He is a man of prayer and action, deeply concerned about the welfare of Jerusalem and the spiritual state of his people.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, who have returned from exile in Babylon. They are struggling to rebuild Jerusalem and restore their identity as God's chosen people.

3. Jerusalem
The holy city of the Jews, which lies in ruins at the time of Nehemiah's prayer. It symbolizes the spiritual and physical state of the Israelites.

4. Artaxerxes
The Persian king whom Nehemiah serves. His favor is crucial for Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem.

5. The Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon. This historical context is essential for understanding the spiritual and physical challenges Nehemiah faces.

Teaching Points

The Power of Persistent Prayer
Nehemiah's commitment to praying "day and night" teaches us the importance of perseverance in prayer, especially when interceding for others.

Confession and Repentance
Nehemiah's acknowledgment of personal and communal sin highlights the necessity of confession in our relationship with God. True repentance involves recognizing our failures and seeking God's forgiveness.

Intercessory Prayer
Nehemiah stands in the gap for his people, demonstrating the role of intercessory prayer in seeking God's favor and intervention for others.

God's Attentiveness
The request for God's ear to be attentive and eyes open reassures us that God is always ready to listen to the prayers of His people.

Leadership and Responsibility
Nehemiah's prayer reflects his sense of responsibility as a leader. It challenges us to take initiative in addressing the spiritual and physical needs of our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's approach to prayer in this verse challenge or inspire your own prayer life?

2. In what ways can you incorporate confession and repentance into your daily prayers, both personally and for your community?

3. How does Nehemiah's intercession for the Israelites encourage you to pray for others in your life?

4. What does Nehemiah's prayer teach us about the character of God and His willingness to listen to His people?

5. How can you take responsibility as a leader in your community or family to address both spiritual and practical needs, following Nehemiah's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 9
Daniel's prayer of confession and intercession for his people parallels Nehemiah's prayer, highlighting the importance of acknowledging collective sin and seeking God's mercy.

2 Chronicles 7:14
This verse emphasizes the power of humble prayer and repentance, promising that God will hear from heaven and heal the land, which aligns with Nehemiah's plea for God's attention and forgiveness.

Psalm 130:2
The psalmist's cry for God's attentive ear mirrors Nehemiah's request, underscoring the theme of seeking God's presence and intervention.