Nehemiah Chapter 1 — Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem
Nehemiah receives word that the walls of Jerusalem are in ruins and its people are suffering, leading him to seek God through prayer and fasting.
1The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.
2Hanani, one of my brothers, came, he and certain men out of Judah; and I asked them about the Jews who had escaped, who were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
3They said to me, “The remnant who are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”
4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned several days; and I fasted and prayed before the God*The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim). of heaven,
5and said, “I beg you, LORD,†When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh). the God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments,
6let your ear now be attentive and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants, while I confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against you. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned.
7We have dealt very corruptly against you, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances, which you commanded your servant Moses.
8“Remember, I beg you, the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you trespass, I will scatter you among the peoples;
9but if you return to me, and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the uttermost part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and will bring them to the place that I have chosen, to cause my name to dwell there.’
10“Now these are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand.
11Lord,‡The word translated “Lord” is “Adonai.” I beg you, let your ear be attentive now to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Nehemiah 1:3
“They said to me, “The remnant who are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.””
This verse describes the condition of Jerusalem that motivates Nehemiah's subsequent actions and prayer.
Nehemiah 1:9
“but if you return to me, and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the uttermost part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and will bring them to the place that I have chosen, to cause my name to dwell there.”
This verse highlights the biblical theme of restoration through repentance and God's commitment to His promises.
Chapter Summary
Nehemiah, the son of Hacaliah, receives a report from his brother Hanani concerning the state of Jerusalem. He learns that the Jewish remnant remaining in the province is in great distress and that the city's walls and gates remain destroyed. Overwhelmed by this news, Nehemiah mourns, fasts, and prays to the God of heaven. His prayer acknowledges God's greatness and faithfulness to His covenant. Nehemiah confesses the sins of the Israelites, including his own family's transgressions, admitting they failed to keep the commandments given to Moses. He recalls God's promise to gather His scattered people if they return to Him in obedience. Nehemiah concludes by asking for success and divine favor as he prepares to approach the king, identifying himself as the king's cupbearer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nehemiah was the son of Hacaliah and served as the cupbearer to the Persian king. This was a position of great responsibility and trust, as he was responsible for the safety of the king's drink.
He was mourning because his brother Hanani reported that the Jewish people in Jerusalem were in great trouble and that the city walls and gates remained in ruins since the captivity.
Nehemiah asks God to remember His covenant, to forgive the sins of Israel, and to grant him mercy and success when he speaks to the king about Jerusalem's plight.
Study Note
The position of cupbearer held by Nehemiah was a high-ranking office in the Persian court that allowed him unique access to the monarch's presence.
Related Chapters
Ezra Chapter 1
Ezra and Nehemiah are companion books that document the return and restoration of Israel following the exile.
Daniel Chapter 9
Daniel 9 features a similar prayer of confession and national intercession during the period of exile.
Psalm 102
This Psalm reflects the same grief over the ruins of Zion and hope for God's intervention found in Nehemiah 1.
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