Nehemiah 1:4
Verse
Context
Nehemiah’s Prayer
3And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And mourned certain days - From the month Chisleu to the month Nisan; about four months from the time he received the above information, till the time that Artaxerxes noticed his grief, Neh 2:1. All this time he probably spent in supplication to God; waiting for a favorable opening in the Divine providence. Every good work is not to be undertaken hastily; prayer and watchfulness are necessary to its completion. Many good works have been ruined by making haste.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
HIS PRAYER. (Neh 1:4-11) when I heard these words, that I sat down . . . and mourned . . . and fasted, and prayed--The recital deeply affected the patriotic feelings of this good man, and no comfort could he find but in earnest and protracted prayer, that God would favor the purpose, which he seems to have secretly formed, of asking the royal permission to go to Jerusalem.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it came to pass, when I heard these words,.... This sad and melancholy account of things: that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; sat down upon the ground in dust and ashes, after the manner of mourners, and wept bitterly, and mourned in a most sorrowful manner, see Job 2:8, and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven; that made it, and dwells in it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 Nehemiah fervently mourned, fasted, and prayed for about four months (cp. 1:1; 2:1), deeply concerned for Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1:4
Nehemiah’s Prayer
3And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Call to Anguish
By David Wilkerson10K56:01NEH 1:4NEH 8:9DAN 9:5This sermon is a powerful call to anguish, urging listeners to move beyond concern to a deep sense of inner pain and distress for the state of the church and society. It emphasizes the need for true passion for Christ to be born out of a baptism of anguish, leading to instant knowledge of God's voice and the authority to hold Him to His covenant promises. The speaker challenges the congregation to seek God's heart, be willing to be broken, and experience the lasting joy that comes from obedience and restoration.
Losing the Anointing - Part 2 (High Quality)
By David Wilkerson3.9K29:182CH 7:14NEH 1:4PSA 27:8ISA 55:6DAN 10:12MAT 7:7ACT 3:19HEB 11:6JAS 4:8REV 3:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a fresh anointing from God, recounting personal experiences of revival and the need for a renewed passion for ministry. The speaker shares about the challenges faced in ministry, the call to intimacy with Christ, and the necessity of perseverance and seeking God's face for a new anointing to fulfill one's purpose.
A Hindrance to Revival
By William McCrea1.3K36:57NEH 1:4ISA 59:14MAT 6:33MRK 16:16LUK 18:8ACT 1:6HEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the lack of concern and tears among believers for the cause of Christ and the affliction of God's people. He highlights the indifference towards the sweeping sin and debauchery in society, particularly among young people. The preacher laments that believers often show little concern for lost souls and the judgment that follows. However, he also reminds listeners that God's hand is not shortened to save and his ear is not heavy to hear prayers. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to have faith and overcome the hindrances to revival.
What Makes a Man of God
By George Verwer1.3K43:38Man Of GodNEH 1:4NEH 2:4NEH 4:3NEH 4:6NEH 4:15NEH 6:16HEB 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dedication and hard work of mechanics who work tirelessly for a meager wage, contrasting it with the lack of commitment shown by some Christians towards serving Jesus. The speaker highlights the challenges faced by Nehemiah and his team as they faced opposition and mockery while rebuilding the wall. Despite the mocking, Nehemiah responds by praying to God for strength and guidance. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners of the power and sufficiency of Christ in their lives, encouraging them to trust in God's ability to fight for them and overcome any obstacles they may face.
Nehemiah 6 - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.0K09:10NEH 1:4PSA 126:5ISA 53:3MAT 5:4ROM 12:15EPH 6:121PE 5:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing hindrances that come in the way of fulfilling God's promises, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's response to the fallen walls of Jerusalem. It challenges believers to weep for the brokenness of the world and to engage in heartfelt intercessory prayer rather than being consumed by entertainment-focused Christianity. The speaker highlights the need for genuine sorrow and burden for the lost, contrasting it with superficial emotional experiences in worship.
The Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed
By Kevin Horton1.0K28:51MoraviansEZR 9:3NEH 1:4NEH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being tuned into God's kingdom and being broken by our own sin and the sin of God's people. He uses the example of a Christian businessman, a mother of three, and an employee of McDonald's who are all willing to risk everything for the advancement of God's kingdom. The speaker also highlights the story of Nehemiah, who prayed for four months for an opportunity to speak to the king and was eventually granted his request. The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to be tuned, broken, and ready to take action when God opens doors for them.
Cd Gv287 Building Blocks
By George Verwer61700:00NEH 1:4NEH 2:12NEH 4:11NEH 4:19NEH 6:10NEH 8:10NEH 13:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and discipline in the Christian life. He compares the privileged access to resources and materials that believers in the West have with the struggles faced by believers in the Soviet Union. The speaker challenges the audience to imagine being imprisoned for their faith and how that would change their priorities. He then turns to the story of Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of prayer and reviewing key verses from the book. The sermon also touches on the building blocks of evangelism and study in the Christian life.
(Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther
By Zac Poonen52655:51NEH 1:4NEH 6:15EST 4:14EST 6:1EST 9:1PSA 121:4PRO 21:30ISA 41:10ROM 8:311PE 5:7This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compromise. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness, sacrifice, and being concerned with the glory of God's name. The sermon underscores God's sovereign protection over His people, even in the face of opposition and schemes by the enemy.
If the Foundations Are Destroyed
By Shane Idleman1849:38The Role of the Church in SocietyRestoration of Foundations2CH 7:14NEH 1:4PSA 11:3ISA 58:12JER 20:9MAT 5:14ROM 13:3EPH 6:121TI 2:1HEB 13:4Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical role of the church in guiding society during turbulent times, asserting that if the foundations of truth are destroyed, the righteous must act to restore them. He reflects on the historical significance of Election Day sermons and the church's responsibility to speak truth into political matters, warning against the dangers of fear and discouragement that can undermine faith. Idleman calls for a revival of spiritual fervor and intercession, urging believers to engage in the spiritual battles facing the nation and to uphold the foundations of marriage, government, and the church as essential to societal health. He passionately argues that the church must reclaim its voice as the moral compass of the nation, standing firm against false narratives and societal decay.
An Unforgettable Illustration - the Power of Prayer and Fasting
By Shane Idleman1807:49FastingPrayerNEH 1:4EST 4:16ISA 58:6JER 29:12JOL 1:14MAT 17:21Shane Idleman emphasizes the transformative power of prayer and fasting, illustrating that true desperation for God can be gauged by our willingness to sacrifice meals for spiritual growth. He likens prayer to a tool that can accomplish tasks, while fasting serves as a powerful sledgehammer against strongholds and spiritual battles. Idleman references biblical figures like Joel, Esther, and Nehemiah, who called for fasting in times of crisis, highlighting that intercession can change the course of events. He encourages believers to approach God with urgency and sincerity, reminding them that access to the Father has been granted through Jesus. The sermon concludes with a call to corporate prayer, urging the congregation to seek God earnestly.
When God Gives You a Burden
By Shane Idleman1034:58FaithfulnessBurdenNEH 1:4Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of burdens in our lives, drawing from Nehemiah's call to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He explains that God gives each person unique burdens and motivations to fulfill their calling, urging the congregation not to dismiss these feelings but to act upon them. Idleman warns against judgmental attitudes towards others' burdens and encourages individuals to seek God's direction in their lives. He highlights the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of challenges, reminding listeners that true success in God's eyes is measured by faithfulness rather than numbers. Ultimately, he calls for spiritual revival and a deeper connection with God to overcome spiritual dullness.
Men With a Burden and a Concern
By Zac Poonen0Burden for God's WorkPrayerEZR 8:21NEH 1:4MAT 9:36Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of having a burden and concern for God's work, drawing parallels between the movements of Israel from Babylon to Jerusalem and the current state of the church. He highlights the examples of Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, who fasted and prayed for the advancement of God's kingdom, showing that true leaders are those who selflessly intercede for others rather than criticize. Poonen urges believers to pray for those who preach God's Word, recognizing that they are often targets of spiritual attacks. He calls for a return to genuine shepherding, where leaders are committed to the well-being of their flock and are driven by a deep concern for their spiritual health. The sermon concludes with a plea for more shepherds who are aligned with God's heart to rise up in the church.
Praying and the Commonplace
By Samuel Chadwick0EXO 7:201KI 18:41NEH 1:4MAT 6:6EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16Samuel Chadwick preaches about the extraordinary lives of Moses and Elijah, chosen to talk with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration due to their unique tasks and intimate relationship with God, showcasing their power through miracles and prayer. He contrasts their extraordinary experiences with the role of prayer in the lives of ordinary people, emphasizing that prayer can elevate even the most mundane tasks and individuals to a supernatural level. Chadwick highlights the example of Nehemiah, a man of prayer who worked in normal conditions, showing that consistent prayer can lead to remarkable results in building and restoring despite the absence of dramatic miracles.
I Was the King's Cupbearer.
By F.B. Meyer0Surrender to GodFaithNEH 1:4F.B. Meyer reflects on Nehemiah's role as the king's cupbearer, emphasizing the significance of this seemingly humble position and the trust it required. Despite being removed from the heroic actions of the outside world, Nehemiah's heartfelt tears and prayers for Jerusalem reveal a deep commitment to God's purpose. His faith illustrates that God can work powerfully through anyone, regardless of their status or strength. Meyer challenges listeners to yield themselves to God, believing that their weaknesses can become vessels for His mighty works. The sermon encourages a posture of prayer and surrender, highlighting the transformative power of faith.
Pray With a Thankful Heart
By K.P. Yohannan0Specificity in PrayerThankfulness in PrayerNEH 1:4MAT 6:11ROM 8:39K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of praying with a thankful heart, recognizing that God answers prayers not based on our merit but through His grace. He encourages believers to express gratitude for past blessings, present provisions, and future promises, while also maintaining healthy relationships by forgiving others. Specificity in prayer is vital; we should clearly articulate our needs without dictating how God should respond. Additionally, he highlights the necessity of praying with a burden, as true breakthroughs often come from a heart deeply moved by the Holy Spirit. This approach fosters a confident and effective prayer life.
Nehemiah 6:9
By Chuck Smith0Power Of PrayerStrength in GodNEH 1:4NEH 2:4NEH 4:4NEH 4:9NEH 6:9NEH 6:16NEH 8:10JHN 15:5PHP 4:131TH 5:17Chuck Smith emphasizes that the believer's strength comes from God, highlighting the necessity of relying on divine power rather than personal strength. He illustrates this through Nehemiah's example of prayer, showing how it served as both a source of strength and a channel for God's resources. Smith points out that prayer should be the first response in any situation, leading to action rather than inactivity. The results of Nehemiah's prayers were significant, culminating in the completion of the wall and a spiritual revival among the people. Ultimately, the joy of the Lord became their strength.
Nehemiah
By T. Austin-Sparks0LeadershipSpiritual RecoveryNEH 1:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership as exemplified by Nehemiah during a time of desolation and confusion following the Babylonian exile. He highlights that Nehemiah's leadership was essential for the recovery of God's distinctiveness among His people, as symbolized by the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The sermon underscores the importance of divine fullness and the need for leaders who are passionate about restoring spiritual abundance and integrity within the church. Sparks calls for leaders who possess a deep concern for God's people, a clear vision, and unwavering commitment to God's principles without compromise. Ultimately, he urges the church to seek leaders who reflect God's heart and are dedicated to fulfilling His purposes.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And mourned certain days - From the month Chisleu to the month Nisan; about four months from the time he received the above information, till the time that Artaxerxes noticed his grief, Neh 2:1. All this time he probably spent in supplication to God; waiting for a favorable opening in the Divine providence. Every good work is not to be undertaken hastily; prayer and watchfulness are necessary to its completion. Many good works have been ruined by making haste.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
HIS PRAYER. (Neh 1:4-11) when I heard these words, that I sat down . . . and mourned . . . and fasted, and prayed--The recital deeply affected the patriotic feelings of this good man, and no comfort could he find but in earnest and protracted prayer, that God would favor the purpose, which he seems to have secretly formed, of asking the royal permission to go to Jerusalem.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it came to pass, when I heard these words,.... This sad and melancholy account of things: that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; sat down upon the ground in dust and ashes, after the manner of mourners, and wept bitterly, and mourned in a most sorrowful manner, see Job 2:8, and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven; that made it, and dwells in it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 Nehemiah fervently mourned, fasted, and prayed for about four months (cp. 1:1; 2:1), deeply concerned for Jerusalem.