MPV Commentary

Artaxerxes, Understanding the Cause of Nehemiah's Sadness,

It was nearly four months after Nehemiah had learned about Jerusalem's desolate state that he received a royal summons in the month of Nisan (Ne 1:1). The reasons for this delay are unclear.

Nehemiah took up the wine and presented it to King Artaxerxes, following the traditional Persian custom. Cupbearers would wash the cup in the king's presence, pour a small amount into their left hand, drink it, and then hand the cup to the king with a light touch using their thumb and fingers.

The king asked Nehemiah why he looked so sad (Ne 2:2). It was considered unbecoming for someone to appear sorrowful in the royal presence. Nehemiah's anxiety about the conversation increased his agitation, but his piety and earnestness helped him regain composure. He explained the cause of his sadness and expressed his desire to revive Jerusalem's ancient glory.

The queen, likely Esther, was present during this private meeting (Ne 2:6). Her influence and sympathy with Nehemiah's patriotic design may have contributed to the king granting his request. Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah a commission to go as deputy governor of Judea, accompanied by a military guard, and entrusted him with full powers to obtain materials for rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.

The king set a time limit for Nehemiah's return (Ne 2:7). This suggests that the initial leave was for one year or six months. Upon his return, Nehemiah resumed his duties in Shushan. The fact that Artaxerxes fixed a specific time for his return and entrusted him with such an important task demonstrates the high esteem in which he held Nehemiah.

Nehemiah received letters to be given to the governors beyond the Euphrates River (Ne 2:7). At this time, the Persian Empire stretched from the Indus to the Mediterranean. The Euphrates was considered a natural dividing line between the eastern and western parts of the empire.

Nehemiah attributed his success to God's favor (Ne 2:8). His piety is evident throughout this account.

Sanballat the Horonite, a Moabite, and Tobiah the Ammonite, a freed slave elevated to an official position, were influential men who opposed Nehemiah's efforts (Ne 2:10).

Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and spent three days there before informing anyone about his mission (Ne 2:11-12). He made a secret survey of the walls and gates under cover of night (Ne 2:13-15), starting at the Jaffa gate, near the tower of Hippicus.

He passed through the dung port, which was on the east side of the city, and continued to the king's pool. However, there was no space for his animal to pass by the sides of the pool due to water and debris (Ne 2:14).

Nehemiah then went up by the brook Kedron and entered through the gate of the valley, returning in the same way (Ne 2:15). The next day, he assembled the elders and presented his commission. His credentials and inspiring words revived their spirits, and they decided to begin building despite opposition from influential men like Sanballat and Tobiah.