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Report from Jerusalem
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.
Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”
Nehemiah’s Prayer
As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
Now I was cupbearer to the king.
(ESV)
Nehemiah 1 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Back in the minor prophets, we learned that very few Jewish people left Babylon to return to their own land when they were granted permission. Out of approximately 2.5 million Jews, only about 50,000 came back. This small remnant would be the people charged with the task of rebuilding the temple. However, it would take much longer than expected. The people returned during the days of Ezra and they actually tried to rebuild it at that time, but they were overrun by their enemies. It would be over 100 years later during the days of Nehemiah that God would stir His people to finally get moving.
The rubble of the temple mirrored the people’s spiritual condition. They had opened themselves up to their enemies’ gods and they carelessly welcomed all kinds of sin into their hearts. In ancient times, the walls that protected the city were vital. Without that protection, everything they considered valuable would be quickly and easily plundered.
Consider that when we leave ourselves in such a state spiritually we are prone to even minor attacks on our hearts and minds. We live in a state of continual anxiety and fear because we have no ability to protect ourselves in our own strength.
And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 HCSB
The people had stopped meeting with God and just like the walls of their temple, their lives were destroyed.
“Paul’s choice of a military term implies that the mind is in a battle zone and needs to be “protected by a military guard.” Since the purpose of such a guard in a wartime situation is either to prevent a hostile invasion or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from escaping, the peace of God operates in the same way: to protect the mind from external corrupting influences and to keep the mind focused on God’s truth.”
Nelson’s Commentary
Is this how we view our relationship with God? Do we consider that when we continue to abandon Him we leave ourselves in a completely vulnerable position? With all that said, let’s look at Nehemiah’s prayer to open the chapter.
I said, LORD, the God of the heavens, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands, [6] let your eyes be open and your ears be attentive to hear your servant’s prayer that I now pray to you day and night for your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins we have committed against you. Both I and my father’s family have sinned. [7] We have acted corruptly toward you and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances you gave your servant Moses.
Nehemiah 1:5-7 CSB
I confess the sins we have committed against you – both I and my father’s family have sinned. This was the repentant attitude that was missing among the Israelite people at the time they were taken into captivity. It is a vital step in the reconciliation process for any believer. Humility was exactly what was needed in order to bring restoration and forgiveness.
Political Instability
Nehemiah held an important position in the Persian court (the king’s cupbearer) during a time when political uprisings were becoming increasingly common. Historically, the revolts that occurred in the 400’s BC demonstrated the instability of the Persian empire during Nehemiah’s time. This was especially true regarding the land around Egypt. From a political standpoint, it made sense for Artaxerxes to cooperate with the Jews since their land was situated so close to Egypt.
“In comparison with Ezra, who was a priest and secretary, Nehemiah’s position among his own people must have been difficult. The odds were against him, but in spite of this, by will power, a strong personality, and a deep-rooted devotion to the Lord he was destined to play an important role in the history of his people and in the history of the revelation of God.”
New International Commentary – Old Testament