Nehemiah 2:5

“And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.”

Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I. He received news about the difficult condition of Jerusalem, particularly its broken walls and burned gates. This deeply affected Nehemiah, and he sought the king’s permission and support to rebuild the city.

Let’s break down the verse and explore its key elements:

Respectful Approach:Nehemiah addresses the king with honour and respect by saying, “If it please the king.” This demonstrates Nehemiah’s humility and recognition of the king’s authority.

Finding Favor:Nehemiah acknowledges that he is the king’s servant and asks for the king’s favour. He says, “If thy servant have found favour in thy sight.” Nehemiah seeks the king’s approval and goodwill, recognising that he needs the king’s support for his request.

Request for Permission:Nehemiah requests the king’s permission to go to Judah, specifically to the city where his ancestors are buried. He says, “that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres.” This indicates Nehemiah’s desire to rebuild the city and restore it to its former glory.

Purpose:Nehemiah explains the reason behind his request. He states, “that I may build it.” Nehemiah’s primary objective is to rebuild Jerusalem and its walls, which had been destroyed for many years.

This verse reveals Nehemiah’s faith, wisdom, and courage. He not only recognises the need to rebuild Jerusalem but also takes proactive steps to fulfil that mission. Nehemiah’s trust in God and his reliance on the king’s favour and support are evident in his respectful approach.