The story of Nehemiah begins in 445 B.C. in Susa, the capital of the Persian (Achaemenid) Empire. Nehemiah is the cupbearer to the king. Because of his position and location, Nehemiah was in the most comfortable and secure place an Israelite at the time could have hoped to be.
At this time, however, the city of Jerusalem was left in rubble and the Israelites who had already returned to the land of Israel were vulnerable. When Nehemiah learns this from his brother Hanani, he weeps.
With intentions of asking the king of Persia for permission to leave and rebuild the city walls, Nehemiah prays to God, an instinct we see in him through the book of Nehemiah.
Components of Nehemiah’s prayer:
● Acknowledgment of the supremacy of God
➢ We see a parallel between Nehemiah’s prayer to how Jesus taught his disciples to pray.
➢ See Matthew 6 and Luke 11
● Confession of the sins of he and his people
➢ See Daniel 9, Deuteronomy 4 and 30
● An appeal to God’s faithfulness and promises
● A request for God to give him favor with the king
Nehemiah left the comfort and security of his royal position to help his people. Jesus left the glory and power he had in heaven to come to earth to save all people.
New Testament Scriptures to read:
● Philippians 2: 1-11
● John 1:14
● Hebrews 4:14-16
● 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Questions for Discussion/Reflection:
○ Nehemiah’s response to the news that Jerusalem and the Israelites were in trouble, are there issues that evoke your compassion and concern?
○ How might God be calling you to act in response to that concern?
○ In what ways could you more readily turn to God in prayer when you face difficulties?
○ What features of Nehemiah’s prayer could be incorporated more in your prayers?
