This Week with the Word

The Uniform Lesson for September 27
Background & Commentary by Sam E. Stone

Nehemiah came onto the scene in Judea not many years after Ezra (whom we studied last week). While Ezra was a priest, Nehemiah was the civil governor of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 9:38; 10:1). Previously he had been in Susa, along with other exiles from the land of Israel. Some relatives came from Judah. They brought a sad report: “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (1:3).

Nehemiah was distraught. For days, he fasted, mourned, and prayed. Our printed text begins as he pours out his heart to God. Nehemiah was a great man of prayer (see 2:4; 4:4-9; 6:9, 14), a key quality for anyone who hopes to lead others. Alexander Whyte described him like this: “A self-contained man. A man of his own counsel. A reserved and resolute man. A man to take command of other men. A man in no haste or hurry. He will not begin till he has counted the cost. And then he will not stop till he has finished the work.”

Request/Nehemiah 2:5

It was considered inappropriate to speak of any personal problem when in the king’s presence. The high regard in which Nehemiah was held by King Artaxerxes is seen in his concern. “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart” (v. 2). Despite his fear, Nehemiah respectfully explained that the city where his fathers were buried was in ruins. “What is it you want?” asked the king. Pausing only long enough to offer a quick but silent prayer, Nehemiah answered, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

The verses omitted from our printed text record the king’s careful questions (vv. 6-10). “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” Nehemiah asked for letters of authorization to guarantee his safe conduct. The king agreed and even sent army officers and cavalry with him (v. 9).

Research/Nehemiah 2:11-16

After Nehemiah completed the trip (more than 1,000 miles), he took a few days to rest up. Then, without talking to anyone about his plans to rebuild the walls, he set out on a reconnaissance trip. He rode an animal (perhaps his horse or a donkey); the few men with him (probably his servants) walked. Nothing was done to arouse suspicion or tip off his enemies.

He may have had only the light of a full moon to help him see. Bible scholars are not certain as to the location of the various gates mentioned (vv. 13-15). J. Stafford Wright offers one possible scenario: “It would seem that Nehemiah went out by the south-west gate that opened into the Valley of Hinnom, and turned east going past a well on the south side of the city, and coming eventually to the Dung Gate at the south-east corner. Turning north-east he came almost immediately to the Fountain Gate by the King’s Pool (v. 14) or Pool of Siloam. Here he was forced to dismount and lead his donkey (or mule). He continued up the Kidron valley to the north-east corner of the city. Here he turned back . . . until he once more reached the Valley Gate on the south-west corner” (New Bible Commentary).

Nehemiah concluded, “The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work” (v. 16).Wisely he treated this private inspection trip as confidential at this time.

Reactions/Nehemiah 2:17-20

After carefully checking out the wall, Nehemiah put his plan into action. He told his kinsmen, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins . . . . Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace” (v. 17). He then testified to God’s providential care that had made it possible for him to return with the king’s authorization for this project. Their enemies had mocked both God and them, but no longer! The King James Version translates their response, “Let us rise up and build!” (v. 18).

Sanballat and Tobiah mocked and ridiculed their plan (see 2:10). They falsely accused them of rebellion. Nehemiah would have none of it! “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it” (v. 20). Nehemiah led this project to a successful conclusion by depending on God and remaining true to his principles. So can we. |L

Sam E. Stone is the former editor of Christian Standard. He continues his writing and speaking ministry from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.