Nehemiah 2:6

Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, "How long will your journey take, and when will you return?" So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time.

Study Bible

Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me
In the Persian court, the presence of the queen during a formal audience was unusual, indicating the importance of the meeting. The queen's presence may have influenced the king's favorable response. This setting reflects the intimate and personal nature of the request, suggesting that Nehemiah had a trusted position. The king referred to here is Artaxerxes I, who reigned from 465-424 BC. The queen's identity is not specified, but her presence underscores the gravity of the situation. This moment highlights the providence of God in preparing the hearts of rulers to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Proverbs 21:1, which states that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord.

“How long will your journey take, and when will you return?”
The king's questions indicate his concern for Nehemiah's duties and responsibilities in the Persian court. This reflects the trust and value placed on Nehemiah as a cupbearer, a position of significant influence and responsibility. The inquiry about the duration of the journey and return shows the king's willingness to grant Nehemiah's request, provided it does not permanently remove him from his duties. This interaction demonstrates the balance between divine intervention and human planning, as Nehemiah had to provide a practical timeline for his mission. It also reflects the biblical principle of stewardship and accountability, as seen in Luke 14:28, which emphasizes counting the cost before undertaking a task.

So it pleased the king to send me
The king's favorable decision is a testament to God's sovereignty and the power of prayer, as Nehemiah had previously prayed for success in his endeavor (Nehemiah 1:11). This phrase highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to work through earthly authorities to accomplish His will, as seen in Romans 13:1, which states that all authority is established by God. The king's approval also signifies the divine favor that rested upon Nehemiah, reminiscent of the favor shown to Esther and Daniel in foreign courts. This moment marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's plan to restore Jerusalem, aligning with the prophetic promises of restoration found in Isaiah and Jeremiah.

and I set a time
Nehemiah's ability to set a time for his journey indicates his careful planning and foresight. This reflects the biblical principle of wise planning and preparation, as seen in Proverbs 16:9, which states that a man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Nehemiah's leadership qualities are evident in his ability to organize and execute a complex mission. The setting of a time also underscores the importance of accountability and commitment to one's word, as Nehemiah was responsible for fulfilling his promise to return. This phrase highlights the balance between faith and action, as Nehemiah trusted in God's provision while also taking practical steps to achieve his goals.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who is deeply concerned about the state of Jerusalem and its walls.

2. King Artaxerxes
The Persian king who grants Nehemiah permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls.

3. The Queen
Although not named, her presence indicates the importance of the moment and possibly her influence in the king's favorable decision.

4. Jerusalem
The city of Nehemiah's ancestors, whose walls are in ruins, prompting Nehemiah's request to the king.

5. The Journey
Nehemiah's planned trip to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the city's walls.

Teaching Points

Divine Favor and Timing
Recognize that God's timing is perfect, and He can move the hearts of leaders to fulfill His purposes.

Courage in Leadership
Nehemiah's boldness in making his request teaches us to approach challenges with faith and courage.

The Role of Prayer
Nehemiah's success was preceded by prayer, reminding us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in our plans.

Strategic Planning
Nehemiah set a time for his journey, demonstrating the value of planning and setting clear goals in our endeavors.

Influence of Relationships
The presence of the queen suggests the importance of relationships and influence in achieving our objectives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's position 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 see God's hand at work in the king's favorable response to Nehemiah's request?

3. How can we apply Nehemiah's example of prayerful preparation when facing significant decisions in our own lives?

4. What role do you think the queen played in this interaction, and how can we leverage our relationships to further God's kingdom?

5. How does Nehemiah's strategic planning and setting a timeline for his journey inspire us to be more intentional in our personal and spiritual goals?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 7
Provides context on the Persian kings' policies towards the Jews, showing a pattern of favor and support for the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Proverbs 21:1
Illustrates the concept that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, suggesting divine influence in Artaxerxes' decision.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God, as Nehemiah did through prayer before approaching the king.

Esther 4:14
Highlights the idea of divine timing and purpose, similar to Nehemiah's strategic moment before the king.

James 1:5
Relates to seeking wisdom from God, as Nehemiah likely did in preparing his request to the king.