What happensPermalink
Nehemiah hears from Hanani about the troubled state of the exiles in Jerusalem. He weeps, fasts, mourns, and prays to God. He confesses the sins of Israel, his family, and himself, and he asks God to remember His promises to restore His people if they repent and return to Him.
Why it mattersPermalink
Nehemiah begins where Ezra left off, about thirteen years after Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem. Although the exiles have returned and the temple has been rebuilt, Jerusalem remains vulnerable and disgraced. Nehemiah responds first with prayer, showing that the restoration of God’s people depends on confession, covenant faithfulness, and trust in God’s promises.
Key versePermalink
“O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.