Nehemiah 13:6

While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king

Study Bible

While all this was happening
This phrase refers to the events described earlier in Nehemiah 13, where the Israelites were neglecting the temple services, violating the Sabbath, and intermarrying with foreign nations. Nehemiah had previously led reforms to address these issues, but during his absence, the people reverted to their old ways. This highlights the persistent struggle of the Israelites to maintain their covenant with God, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament.

I was not in Jerusalem
Nehemiah's absence from Jerusalem is significant because it underscores the importance of strong leadership in maintaining spiritual and social reforms. His leadership was crucial in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and instituting religious reforms. Without his presence, the people quickly fell back into disobedience, illustrating the need for continual guidance and accountability in spiritual matters.

because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon
Nehemiah had initially been granted permission by King Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. His return to the king indicates his continued loyalty and duty to the Persian empire, which ruled over the region at the time. Artaxerxes is referred to as the king of Babylon, reflecting the historical context where the Persian Empire had absorbed the Babylonian territories. This also shows the geopolitical landscape of the time, where Jerusalem was under foreign rule.

in the thirty-second year of his reign
This provides a specific historical timeframe for Nehemiah's return to the Persian court, which is around 433 BC. The precision of this date helps to anchor the events of Nehemiah within the broader historical narrative of the Persian Empire and its interactions with the Jewish people. It also highlights the long duration of Artaxerxes' reign and the stability of his rule, which allowed for such administrative arrangements.

Some time later I obtained leave from the king
Nehemiah's ability to obtain leave again from Artaxerxes demonstrates the favor he held with the king and his influential position within the Persian administration. This leave was crucial for Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and address the issues that had arisen in his absence. It reflects the providence of God in allowing Nehemiah to continue his mission of reform and restoration among the Jewish people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader and cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, who played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and reforming the community.

2. Artaxerxes
The Persian king who allowed Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and later granted him leave again.

3. Jerusalem
The city where Nehemiah led the rebuilding efforts and implemented religious reforms.

4. Babylon
The location of King Artaxerxes' court, where Nehemiah served before and after his initial mission to Jerusalem.

5. Reforms in Jerusalem
The context of Nehemiah's absence, during which the people of Jerusalem began to stray from the reforms he had instituted.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Nehemiah's leadership was crucial for the spiritual and physical restoration of Jerusalem. Godly leaders are essential in guiding communities back to faithfulness.

The Need for Continual Vigilance
Nehemiah's absence led to a lapse in the reforms he had established. This highlights the need for constant vigilance and accountability in maintaining spiritual disciplines.

The Role of Divine Providence
Nehemiah's ability to return to Jerusalem was due to God's providence and the favor he found with King Artaxerxes. Trust in God's timing and provision is vital.

The Impact of Absence
The spiritual decline during Nehemiah's absence underscores the importance of presence and active involvement in community life and spiritual leadership.

The Call to Return and Reform
Just as Nehemiah returned to address the issues in Jerusalem, believers are called to continually return to God and reform their lives according to His Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's role as a leader in Jerusalem compare to the leadership roles we see in our churches today?

2. What can we learn from Nehemiah's relationship with King Artaxerxes about the importance of maintaining integrity and trust in our professional lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual communities remain vigilant and faithful, even in the absence of key leaders?

4. How does the concept of divine providence in Nehemiah's account encourage us to trust in God's timing and provision in our own lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to return to God and reform an area of your life. How can Nehemiah's example inspire you to maintain those changes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Nehemiah 2:1-6
This passage describes Nehemiah's initial request to King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem, highlighting the king's favor and God's providence.

Ezra 9-10
These chapters detail similar reform efforts by Ezra, focusing on the spiritual renewal of the people, which complements Nehemiah's physical and social reforms.

Malachi 3:7
This verse calls the Israelites to return to God, echoing the need for continual reform and faithfulness that Nehemiah addresses.

Hebrews 13:17
This verse speaks to the importance of obeying and submitting to leaders, relevant to Nehemiah's role in guiding the people of Jerusalem.