Bible Study - Nehemiah 2:4-5
- Read Nehemiah 2:4-5
- In the year 587 BC Jerusalem was invaded by King Nebuchadnezzer of
Babylon. The great and good of the land were carted off to Babylon.
However, the Babylonians in turn were conquered by the Persians in 538
BC. The Persians had a different approach to their conquered peoples
which meant that from 538 BC Jewish exiles were allowed to return home
and were given religious freedom.
- The story of Nehemiah takes place some one hundred and hundred and
forty years after the original Exile. Although many exiles returned
home, Nehemiah and many other Jews remained in the service of the
Persians.
- Nehemiah was, of course, born in exile. As cup-bearer to the king,
he was a trusted member of the Persian King Ataxerxes' royal court.
It had its insecure aspect; his job meant checking that the king's
wine had not been poisoned and of course the only way to do that was by
drinking some! However he had an influential position.
- Nehemiah longed to go to Jerusalem, and his face showed it. When
the king asked Nehemiah why he was so sad, it all tumbled out - all the
pain and sadness and all the longing to go to Israel. How could he be
happy with Jerusalem in ruins!
- In his request to the king Nehemiah was running a big risk.
Artaxerxes had recently sided with those opposed to the rebuilding of
the walls of Jerusalem, bringing the project to a grinding halt (see
Ezra 4:7-23). Nehemiah was not just asking to be released from the
king's service - but was asking for a change of royal policy
towards Jerusalem - more than a little risky!
- But notice what Nehemiah did BEFORE he opened up to the king: Then
I prayed to the God of heaven. He was about to make a life changing
decision involving great peril and he did not forget to pray. We're
not told the details of his prayer but we can be sure that it had the
following characteristics:
- * It was a prayer from the heart. Here was a passionate man asking
God to help his people. There was nothing half hearted about it.
- * It was a prayer of faith. He acknowledges God as The God of
heaven. He has a vision of God's power and a deep faith that he
will answer - pretty important when your life is on the line.
- * It was part of a pattern of prayer. This is not the only occasion
when Nehemiah stops and prays (see Nehemiah 1:5-9; 4:4-5; 5:19) at
important moments.
- To think about
- Prayer is about acknowledging the power and presence of God in our
lives. One practical way we can put this into practice is by starting
the day with a time of prayer. I know it's not always easy in a
busy household, but let's remember Nehemiah was very busy himself
yet made time to commit his decision to the Lord.
- It's a good thing to commit each day to the Lord, asking for
help and strength, for guidance in decision making and asking that we
might know his presence. I find that doing this makes an enormous
difference to the day. I recommend it!
- Prayer
- Lord, forgive me for the times when I am too busy to pray. Help me,
like Nehemiah, to put you first and to commit each day and each
decision to you. Amen.