Nehemiah 2:4
Verse
Context
Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
3and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven5and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
So I prayed to the God of heaven - Before he dared to prefer his request to the king, he made his prayer to God, that his suit might be acceptable: and this he does by mental prayer. To the spirit of prayer every place is a praying place.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Then the king, feeling interested, asked him: For what dost thou make request? על בּקּשׁ, to make request for or concerning a thing, like Ezr 8:23; Est 4:8; Est 7:7. The question shows that the king was inclined to relieve the distress of Jerusalem which had been just stated to him. "And so I prayed to the God of heaven," to ensure divine assistance in the request he was about to lay before the king. Then Nehemiah answered (Neh 2:5), "If it please the king, and if thy servant is well-pleasing before thee, (I beg) that thou wouldest send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it." לפני ייטב, here and Est 5:14, is of like meaning with בּעיני ייטב or טּוב, Est 8:5; Sa2 18:4 : if thy servant is right in thine eyes, i.e., if he thinks rightly concerning the matter in question. The matter of his request is directly combined with this conditional clause by אשׁר, the connecting term, I beg, being easily supplied from the king's question: For what dost thou beg?
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then the king said unto me, for what dost thou make request?.... The king supposed that there was a meaning in those looks and words of his, that he had a favour to ask of him, and therefore encourages him to it; or the king of himself moved this, as being desirous of doing anything for him he would propose, to make him easy: so I prayed to the God of heaven; secretly, in an ejaculatory way, giving him thanks for thus disposing the king's heart towards him, and entreating he might be directed what to ask, and in a proper manner, and that he might succeed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4 With a prayer: The king was subject to the God of heaven, and Nehemiah needed God’s guidance and provision as he made his request.
Nehemiah 2:4
Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
3and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven5and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
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.
So I Prayed to the God of Heaven.
By F.B. Meyer0PrayerDivine GuidanceNEH 2:4PSA 46:1PSA 62:8ISA 40:31MAT 6:6JHN 15:7ROM 12:12PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:16F.B. Meyer emphasizes the power of immediate prayer as demonstrated by Nehemiah, who, despite being surrounded by idol worship and the grandeur of a king, turned his heart to God in a moment of need. Nehemiah's instinctive prayer illustrates the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God, allowing for spontaneous communication even in the busiest of environments. Meyer encourages believers to cultivate a habit of prayer through private fellowship with God, enabling them to seek divine guidance at any moment. This sermon serves as a reminder that our inner temple can always be a place of refuge and connection with our Heavenly King.
The Message of Nehemiah
By G. Campbell Morgan0Faith in ActionOvercoming AdversityNEH 1:2NEH 2:4NEH 4:9ISA 41:10ISA 50:10HAB 2:4MAL 4:4MAT 5:14GAL 3:24HEB 8:13G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the enduring values found in the book of Nehemiah, illustrating how Nehemiah's faith was characterized by concern, confidence, and cooperation. He highlights Nehemiah's cautious yet courageous actions in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, demonstrating a refusal to compromise with external and internal opposition. The sermon draws parallels between Nehemiah's time and the present, urging believers to trust in God amidst darkness and to actively engage in their faith without compromise. Ultimately, Morgan concludes that the just shall live by faith, a principle that remains relevant in every generation.
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.
Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah
By F.B. Meyer0Faith in ActionService to GodNEH 1:11NEH 2:4NEH 3:28NEH 4:14NEH 5:15NEH 6:3NEH 8:10NEH 9:12NEH 10:39NEH 13:14F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears for Jerusalem led him to take action, demonstrating that true faith is accompanied by a willingness to serve. Meyer encourages believers to remember the Lord in all circumstances and to begin their service in their own neighborhoods, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in God's work. He also stresses the need for separation from worldly influences and the joy of the Lord as a source of strength. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a life fully surrendered to God, echoing Nehemiah's desire to be remembered for his faithful service.
Prayer
By William MacDonald0The Power of PrayerSincerity in PrayerNEH 2:4PSA 66:18MAT 18:19JHN 14:13JHN 15:7PHP 4:6HEB 10:22JAS 4:31JN 3:221JN 5:14William MacDonald emphasizes the profound nature of prayer, asserting that true prayer arises from deep necessity and sincerity. He highlights the importance of approaching God with a genuine heart, avoiding hypocrisy, and being willing to act on our prayers. MacDonald encourages believers to pray simply and boldly, aligning their requests with God's will, and to maintain a close relationship with Him through confession and obedience. He also stresses the value of persistent and specific prayer, suggesting that prayer should be a continuous attitude rather than limited to set times.
Commentary Notes - Nehemiah
By Walter Beuttler0NEH 2:4Walter Beuttler preaches on the book of Nehemiah, a natural sequel to Ezra, focusing on the personal account of Nehemiah and his task of protecting Jerusalem by rebuilding its walls. The underlying truth in Nehemiah is the sovereignty of God in particular, emphasizing divine instrumentality in human affairs. Nehemiah's journey to Jerusalem, building of the walls, and re-establishment of worship highlight his divinely chosen, commissioned, led, and enabled role in fulfilling God's plan despite opposition and challenges.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
So I prayed to the God of heaven - Before he dared to prefer his request to the king, he made his prayer to God, that his suit might be acceptable: and this he does by mental prayer. To the spirit of prayer every place is a praying place.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Then the king, feeling interested, asked him: For what dost thou make request? על בּקּשׁ, to make request for or concerning a thing, like Ezr 8:23; Est 4:8; Est 7:7. The question shows that the king was inclined to relieve the distress of Jerusalem which had been just stated to him. "And so I prayed to the God of heaven," to ensure divine assistance in the request he was about to lay before the king. Then Nehemiah answered (Neh 2:5), "If it please the king, and if thy servant is well-pleasing before thee, (I beg) that thou wouldest send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it." לפני ייטב, here and Est 5:14, is of like meaning with בּעיני ייטב or טּוב, Est 8:5; Sa2 18:4 : if thy servant is right in thine eyes, i.e., if he thinks rightly concerning the matter in question. The matter of his request is directly combined with this conditional clause by אשׁר, the connecting term, I beg, being easily supplied from the king's question: For what dost thou beg?
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then the king said unto me, for what dost thou make request?.... The king supposed that there was a meaning in those looks and words of his, that he had a favour to ask of him, and therefore encourages him to it; or the king of himself moved this, as being desirous of doing anything for him he would propose, to make him easy: so I prayed to the God of heaven; secretly, in an ejaculatory way, giving him thanks for thus disposing the king's heart towards him, and entreating he might be directed what to ask, and in a proper manner, and that he might succeed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4 With a prayer: The king was subject to the God of heaven, and Nehemiah needed God’s guidance and provision as he made his request.