Bible Commentaries

NEHEMIAH CHAPTER 1

Nehemiah, understanding by Hanani the affliction of the Jews, and the misery of Jerusalem, Nehemiah 1:1-3, mourneth, fasteth, and prayeth, Nehemiah 1:4. His prayer for them, Nehemiah 1:5-10; and for success in his petition to the king, Nehemiah 1:11.

The words of Nehemiah, or rather, the acts, or deeds, as the word oft signifies; of which he here treats.

In the month Chisleu; which is the ninth month, containing part of November and part of December.

In the twentieth year of Artaxerxes, Nehemiah 2:1.

In Shushan; the chief and royal city of Persia, Esther 3:15.

One of my brethren; of my family, or tribe, or nation.

That had escaped out of the slavery which they endured in strange lands.

Which, were left of the captivity; the remnant of those numerous captives.

In the province, i.e. in Judea, which was now made a province under the Persian monarchs: See Poole "Ezra 5:8".

In great affliction and reproach; despised and distressed by the neighbouring nations.

The wall is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned, i.e. the walls and gates continue in the same woeful plight in which Nebuchadnezzar left them; the Jews not being yet in a condition to rebuild them, nor having commission from the kings of Persia to do so, but only to build the temple and their own private houses. And this made their enemies scorn them; who also would have ruined them, but for fear of offending the Persian king.

We have dealt very corruptly, or we have wholly corrupted, to wit, ourselves, and our ways, and thy worship.

In the sight of this man, the king; who though a god by office, is but a man by nature, and therefore his heart is wholly at thy disposal.

I was the king’s cup-bearer; whereby I had opportunity to speak to him, and some favour and freedom with him; which encouraged me to make this prayer, and to hope for some success.