What happensPermalink
Nehemiah petitions King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem and rebuild it, and the king grants his request. After praying to God and receiving support from the king, Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem, inspects the ruined walls by night, and calls the people to rebuild despite opposition and mockery from local officials.
Why it mattersPermalink
Nehemiah repeatedly credits “the good hand” of God for the king’s favor and the success of his mission, showing that God providentially directs even powerful rulers to accomplish His purposes. The chapter also introduces the opposition that will continue throughout the book whenever God’s people seek restoration and faithfulness.
Key versePermalink
And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.