Nehemiah 2:5

and answered the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it."

Study Bible

and I answered the king
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of courage and faith for Nehemiah. The Hebrew root for "answered" (עָנָה, 'anah) implies a thoughtful and deliberate response. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, stands in a position of both privilege and risk. His response is not impulsive but is the result of prayerful consideration, as seen in the preceding verses. Historically, approaching a king with a personal request was fraught with danger, yet Nehemiah's faith in God emboldens him to speak.

If it pleases the king
This phrase reflects the diplomatic and respectful approach Nehemiah takes. The Hebrew word for "pleases" (טוֹב, tov) conveys goodness and favor. Nehemiah acknowledges the king's authority and seeks his goodwill, understanding that his mission requires the king's approval. This approach is consistent with the biblical principle of respecting authority while ultimately trusting in God's sovereignty.

and if your servant has found favor in your sight
Nehemiah refers to himself as "your servant," demonstrating humility and respect. The concept of "favor" (חֵן, chen) is significant in the Hebrew Bible, often associated with grace and acceptance. Nehemiah's request is not based on entitlement but on the hope that his faithful service has earned the king's trust. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's people seek favor not through their own merit but through divine grace.

let him send me to the city in Judah
The request to be "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) indicates Nehemiah's willingness to leave his position of comfort for a higher calling. "The city in Judah" refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and ancestral home of the Jewish people. Historically, Jerusalem had been in ruins since its destruction by the Babylonians, and Nehemiah's desire to return highlights his deep connection to his heritage and his commitment to God's purposes.

where my fathers are buried
This phrase underscores the personal and ancestral significance of Nehemiah's mission. Burial sites were sacred in ancient cultures, representing a connection to one's lineage and identity. Nehemiah's reference to his "fathers" (אָבוֹת, avot) evokes a sense of continuity and responsibility to restore the legacy of his ancestors. It also reflects the biblical theme of honoring one's heritage while seeking God's restoration.

so that I may rebuild it
The word "rebuild" (בָּנָה, banah) is central to Nehemiah's mission. It signifies not only the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls but also the spiritual renewal of the Jewish community. Nehemiah's vision is aligned with God's redemptive plan, as rebuilding the city symbolizes hope, restoration, and the fulfillment of God's promises. This task requires faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's provision, serving as an inspiration for believers to participate in God's work of restoration in their own contexts.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, who is deeply concerned about the welfare of Jerusalem and its people.

2. King Artaxerxes
The Persian king who Nehemiah serves. His favor is crucial for Nehemiah's mission.

3. Judah
The region where Jerusalem is located, significant as the ancestral home of the Jewish people.

4. Jerusalem
The city Nehemiah desires to rebuild, symbolizing the spiritual and national identity of the Jewish people.

5. Rebuilding
The act of restoring Jerusalem's walls, representing both physical and spiritual renewal.

Teaching Points

Seeking God's Favor
Nehemiah's approach to the king teaches us the importance of seeking God's favor and guidance in our endeavors.

Courage in Leadership
Nehemiah demonstrates boldness and faith in his request, reminding us to be courageous leaders in our communities.

The Power of Prayer
Nehemiah's actions are undergirded by prayer, emphasizing the necessity of prayer in seeking God's will.

Restoration and Renewal
The rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolizes the spiritual renewal God desires for His people, encouraging us to pursue restoration in our lives.

God's Sovereignty
The king's favorable response highlights God's sovereignty over earthly authorities, reassuring us of His control over our circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer influence his ability to approach the king, and what does this teach us about using our positions for God's purposes?

2. In what ways can we seek God's favor in our own lives when faced with significant decisions or challenges?

3. How does Nehemiah's request to rebuild Jerusalem reflect a balance between faith and action, and how can we apply this balance in our daily lives?

4. What can we learn from Nehemiah about the importance of prayer and preparation before taking on a God-given mission?

5. How does the account of Nehemiah encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, especially when dealing with authorities or systems beyond our control?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 4-6
Provides background on the opposition faced during the rebuilding efforts, highlighting the continuity of God's plan despite challenges.

Proverbs 21:1
Illustrates how God can influence the hearts of kings, as seen in Artaxerxes granting Nehemiah's request.

Philippians 2:13
Relates to God working in believers to will and act according to His purpose, similar to how Nehemiah is moved to rebuild Jerusalem.

Isaiah 58:12
Speaks of being a "repairer of the breach," which aligns with Nehemiah's mission to restore Jerusalem.

Psalm 122:6
Encourages prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, reflecting Nehemiah's heart for the city.