King James Version
Nehemiah 1
11 verses with commentary
Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
View commentary
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
The book opens with precise historical markers establishing credibility and context. The name Nehemiah (נְחֶמְיָה, Nechemyah) means 'Yahweh comforts' or 'comfort of Yahweh,' foreshadowing God's comforting work through this servant. Hachaliah identifies his father, distinguishing this Nehemiah from others in Scripture. The month Chisleu (Kislev) corresponds to November-December, and the twentieth year refers to Artaxerxes I's reign (465-424 BC), dating this to 445 BC—thirteen years after Ezra's return.
Shushan (Susa) was the Persian winter capital, located in modern-day Iran. This was where Esther's story unfolded decades earlier, showing God's continued providential placement of His people in strategic positions. Nehemiah's position as royal cupbearer (v.11) gave him access to the king yet also placed him far from Jerusalem. The phrase 'it came to pass' (וַיְהִי, vayehi) introduces significant narrative developments throughout Scripture. Archaeological excavations at Susa have confirmed its grandeur and importance as a Persian administrative center, validating the biblical account's historical reliability.
The book opens with precise historical markers establishing credibility and context. The name Nehemiah (נְחֶמְיָה, Nechemyah) means 'Yahweh comforts' or 'comfort of Yahweh,' foreshadowing God's comforting work through this servant. Hachaliah identifies his father, distinguishing this Nehemiah from others in Scripture. The month Chisleu (Kislev) corresponds to November-December, and the twentieth year refers to Artaxerxes I's reign (465-424 BC), dating this to 445 BC—thirteen years after Ezra's return.
Shushan (Susa) was the Persian winter capital, located in modern-day Iran. This was where Esther's story unfolded decades earlier, showing God's continued providential placement of His people in strategic positions. Nehemiah's position as royal cupbearer (v.11) gave him access to the king yet also placed him far from Jerusalem. The phrase 'it came to pass' (וַיְהִי, vayehi) introduces significant narrative developments throughout Scripture. Archaeological excavations at Susa have confirmed its grandeur and importance as a Persian administrative center, validating the biblical account's historical reliability.
That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
View commentary
That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
Hanani appears again in 7:2 as one whom Nehemiah appoints over Jerusalem, likely indicating he was Nehemiah's biological brother. The phrase 'one of my brethren' could mean brother or fellow Jew, but the later reference suggests family relation. 'Certain men of Judah' indicates a delegation, perhaps traveling for business or bringing reports to exiled Jews. Nehemiah's immediate question reveals his heart's priority—despite years in Persia, Jerusalem remained central to his identity.
The phrase 'the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity' refers to those who survived exile and returned to Judah, distinguishing them from Jews still in dispersion. Sha'al (שָׁאַל, 'asked') suggests earnest, persistent questioning—not casual inquiry but deep concern. His dual focus on people ('the Jews') and place ('Jerusalem') shows balanced concern for both community and location. This reflects covenant theology where God chose both a people and a place for His name to dwell.
Hanani appears again in 7:2 as one whom Nehemiah appoints over Jerusalem, likely indicating he was Nehemiah's biological brother. The phrase 'one of my brethren' could mean brother or fellow Jew, but the later reference suggests family relation. 'Certain men of Judah' indicates a delegation, perhaps traveling for business or bringing reports to exiled Jews. Nehemiah's immediate question reveals his heart's priority—despite years in Persia, Jerusalem remained central to his identity.
The phrase 'the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity' refers to those who survived exile and returned to Judah, distinguishing them from Jews still in dispersion. Sha'al (שָׁאַל, 'asked') suggests earnest, persistent questioning—not casual inquiry but deep concern. His dual focus on people ('the Jews') and place ('Jerusalem') shows balanced concern for both community and location. This reflects covenant theology where God chose both a people and a place for His name to dwell.
And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
View commentary
And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
The report reveals devastating conditions. 'Great affliction' (ra'ah gedolah, רָעָה גְדֹלָה) indicates severe distress and calamity. 'Reproach' (cherpah, חֶרְפָּה) suggests shame, disgrace, and mockery—the covenant people suffering humiliation before pagans who interpreted their weakness as their God's weakness. The province (medinah, מְדִינָה) refers to Judah as a Persian administrative district, emphasizing their subjugated status.
The broken wall and burned gates left Jerusalem defenseless and dishonored. Walls provided security from enemies, dignity for inhabitants, and testimony to observers. Their destruction likely resulted from events around 446 BC when opponents successfully stopped rebuilding efforts (Ezra 4:7-23). The phrase 'burned with fire' indicates deliberate, thorough destruction—not mere decay but hostile action. Theologically, this represented more than physical ruin; the holy city's disgrace reflected poorly on Yahweh's reputation among nations. The city bearing God's name lying in ruins created theological crisis demanding resolution.
The report reveals devastating conditions. 'Great affliction' (ra'ah gedolah, רָעָה גְדֹלָה) indicates severe distress and calamity. 'Reproach' (cherpah, חֶרְפָּה) suggests shame, disgrace, and mockery—the covenant people suffering humiliation before pagans who interpreted their weakness as their God's weakness. The province (medinah, מְדִינָה) refers to Judah as a Persian administrative district, emphasizing their subjugated status.
The broken wall and burned gates left Jerusalem defenseless and dishonored. Walls provided security from enemies, dignity for inhabitants, and testimony to observers. Their destruction likely resulted from events around 446 BC when opponents successfully stopped rebuilding efforts (Ezra 4:7-23). The phrase 'burned with fire' indicates deliberate, thorough destruction—not mere decay but hostile action. Theologically, this represented more than physical ruin; the holy city's disgrace reflected poorly on Yahweh's reputation among nations. The city bearing God's name lying in ruins created theological crisis demanding resolution.
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
View commentary
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
Nehemiah's response demonstrates godly character through five progressive actions: sitting, weeping, mourning, fasting, and praying. The Hebrew verbs indicate sustained, prolonged action—not momentary emotion but deep, continuing engagement. 'Sat down' suggests being overwhelmed, unable to continue normal activity. The progression shows deepening spiritual response: emotional (weeping), extended grief (mourning), physical discipline (fasting), and spiritual engagement (praying).
'Certain days' (literally 'days') likely refers to the four-month period between Chislev (v.1, Nov-Dec) and Nisan (2:1, Mar-Apr). This extended season of fasting and prayer prepared Nehemiah spiritually before approaching the king. The order matters—fasting accompanied and prepared for prayer, not as mechanical ritual but as spiritual discipline increasing focus on God. 'Before the God of heaven' acknowledges divine sovereignty and transcendence. True burden for God's work produces genuine, sustained grief, not casual concern or momentary sympathy.
Nehemiah's response demonstrates godly character through five progressive actions: sitting, weeping, mourning, fasting, and praying. The Hebrew verbs indicate sustained, prolonged action—not momentary emotion but deep, continuing engagement. 'Sat down' suggests being overwhelmed, unable to continue normal activity. The progression shows deepening spiritual response: emotional (weeping), extended grief (mourning), physical discipline (fasting), and spiritual engagement (praying).
'Certain days' (literally 'days') likely refers to the four-month period between Chislev (v.1, Nov-Dec) and Nisan (2:1, Mar-Apr). This extended season of fasting and prayer prepared Nehemiah spiritually before approaching the king. The order matters—fasting accompanied and prepared for prayer, not as mechanical ritual but as spiritual discipline increasing focus on God. 'Before the God of heaven' acknowledges divine sovereignty and transcendence. True burden for God's work produces genuine, sustained grief, not casual concern or momentary sympathy.
And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
View commentary
And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
Nehemiah's prayer begins with precise theological understanding of God. The threefold title establishes crucial truths: 'LORD' (Yahweh, יְהוָה) is the covenant name revealing God's personal, relational nature. 'God of heaven' (Elohei hashamayim, אֱלֹהֵי הַשָּׁמָיִם) acknowledges sovereign authority over all creation. 'Great and terrible' describes divine majesty and power. Nora (נוֹרָא, 'terrible') means awe-inspiring, demanding reverence—not frightening as in terrifying but overwhelming in holiness and power.
'Keepeth covenant and mercy' grounds prayer in God's faithful character. Shomer (שֹׁמֵר, 'keepeth') means guarding, preserving, faithfully maintaining. Hesed (חֶסֶד, 'mercy') is covenant love—faithful, loyal love toward covenant partners. The condition 'for them that love him and observe his commandments' doesn't suggest earning God's love but describes covenant keepers who receive covenant benefits. This echoes Deuteronomy 7:9, grounding prayer in revealed truth about God's character. Biblical prayer begins with right understanding of God—who He is determines how we approach Him.
Nehemiah's prayer begins with precise theological understanding of God. The threefold title establishes crucial truths: 'LORD' (Yahweh, יְהוָה) is the covenant name revealing God's personal, relational nature. 'God of heaven' (Elohei hashamayim, אֱלֹהֵי הַשָּׁמָיִם) acknowledges sovereign authority over all creation. 'Great and terrible' describes divine majesty and power. Nora (נוֹרָא, 'terrible') means awe-inspiring, demanding reverence—not frightening as in terrifying but overwhelming in holiness and power.
'Keepeth covenant and mercy' grounds prayer in God's faithful character. Shomer (שֹׁמֵר, 'keepeth') means guarding, preserving, faithfully maintaining. Hesed (חֶסֶד, 'mercy') is covenant love—faithful, loyal love toward covenant partners. The condition 'for them that love him and observe his commandments' doesn't suggest earning God's love but describes covenant keepers who receive covenant benefits. This echoes Deuteronomy 7:9, grounding prayer in revealed truth about God's character. Biblical prayer begins with right understanding of God—who He is determines how we approach Him.
Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
View commentary
Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. The Hebrew palal (פָּלַל) for prayer indicates intercession and petition, emphasizing dependence on God. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. The Hebrew palal (פָּלַל) for prayer indicates intercession and petition, emphasizing dependence on God. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.
View commentary
We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
View commentary
Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
View commentary
But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
View commentary
Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
View commentary
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. The Hebrew palal (פָּלַל) for prayer indicates intercession and petition, emphasizing dependence on God. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. The Hebrew palal (פָּלַל) for prayer indicates intercession and petition, emphasizing dependence on God. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.