Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah Sent to Judah

1-4 In the same year, month of Nisan, Nehemiah serves the king, appearing sad for the first time. The king asks about his sadness, and Nehemiah explains his sadness over the state of the “place of my ancestors’ graves.”

5-8 When the king asks him what he wants, Nehemiah first prays then asks the king to send him back to Judah for a certain period of time, for letters of introduction to the governors along the way so he would have safe passage, and timber from the king’s forest so he can build himself a house when he gets there. The king grants it all. Nehemiah had such trust in the king’s opinion of him – and in God’s favor – that he goes beyond just asking for some “personal” time away from his job. He asks the king for help on the way.

9-10 Nehemiah, accompanied by the king’s army officers and cavalry, gives the letters to the governors. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official hear about it, they are displeased that someone is going to help Judah. Horonaim is a city of Moab, so Sanballat was probably a Moabite. According to Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, the term used for Tobiah as an “official” indicates a freed slave who has risen to a position of dignity. The men are magistrates under the government of Syria. The Moabites and Ammonites have a long history of conflict with Israel.

Nehemiah’s Inspection of the Walls

11-16 After three days in Jerusalem, Nehemiah goes out secretly in the night to inspect the walls, not telling any of the officials nor those who would be doing the work. In verse 12, Nehemiah mentions that God has put this “on his heart.” I confess that when I hear people use this term today, it seems presumptuous, as if they’re claiming a direct revelation. It is clearly an answer to Nehemiah’s prayer; he is doing this not only because he wants it done, but because it is God’s will that it be done. Maybe the “on my heart” phrase indicates the passion he has for the task ahead.

Decision to Restore the Walls

17-18 Nehemiah tells the officials, “See the trouble we are in….” Both God and the king have been with him in this effort. They agree. “Let us start building!” Nehemiah doesn’t judge or criticize; he very wisely says “We’re in trouble.”

19-20 Sanballate and Tobiah, with Geshem the Arab, mock them and accuse them of rebellion. Nehemiah replies that God will give them success, and, in essence, it is none of their business.