Question 1

Who is Nehemiah in this passage and what is his role?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah is introduced as the son of Hachaliah and the king’s cupbearer in the Persian palace at Shushan. Being cupbearer means he serves closely beside the king and holds a trusted place in the royal court. Even though he is far from Jerusalem and in a high position, he still cares deeply about his own people, the Jews who have returned from exile. This passage shows him not first as a builder, but as a humble servant who hears bad news, weeps, fasts, and prays earnestly to the God of heaven.

Question 2

What bad news does Nehemiah hear about Jerusalem and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah hears from Hanani and other men from Judah that the Jews who have returned to the land are in great trouble and shame. They tell him that the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire. This matters because an unwalled city is weak and open to enemies, and it shows that the place where God chose to set His name is still lying in ruins. The report reveals both physical danger and disgrace for the people, which deeply burdens Nehemiah’s heart.

Question 3

Why did Nehemiah sit down, weep, fast, and pray when he heard this report?

Accepted Answer

When Nehemiah hears how badly things are going in Jerusalem, he does not shrug it off or blame others. The news hits him so hard that he sits down, weeps, and mourns for days. His grief leads him to fasting and prayer before the God of heaven. This shows genuine love for God’s people and concern for God’s honor. Instead of rushing into action on his own, he first humbles himself, seeks God’s face, and pours out his sorrow and desire for help in prayer.

Question 4

What does Nehemiah’s confession of sin teach about how to approach God?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah does not come to God pretending that Israel’s trouble is only caused by enemies. He openly confesses “we have sinned,” including himself and his father’s house. He admits that they have acted corruptly and have not kept God’s commandments, statutes, or judgments given through Moses. This teaches that real prayer, especially when asking for help, should be humble and honest. We approach God by owning our sin, not excusing it, trusting that He shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His ways.

Question 5

What covenant promise does Nehemiah remind God of in his prayer?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah reminds God of the word spoken through Moses: if the people transgressed, God would scatter them among the nations, but if they returned to Him and kept His commandments, He would gather them again, even from the farthest places, and bring them back to the place He chose to set His name. By repeating this promise, Nehemiah is not trying to force God, but is holding onto what God Himself has said, asking God to remember His mercy now that the people are turning back to Him.

Question 6

What does this passage show about God’s character as “the God of heaven”?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah calls on “the Lord God of heaven,” the great and terrible God who keeps covenant and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments. This shows God as high and to be feared, yet also faithful and kind. He judges sin, which is why the people were scattered, but He also gathers and redeems by His great power and strong hand. Nehemiah’s whole prayer rests on God’s unchanging character: mighty, holy, and yet ready to listen when His servants confess and return to Him.

Question 7

Why does Nehemiah ask for mercy in the sight of “this man,” the king?

Accepted Answer

Although Nehemiah prays to the God of heaven, he knows that any practical help for Jerusalem will likely involve the earthly king he serves. When he says, “grant him mercy in the sight of this man,” he means he needs God to move the king’s heart to show favor and allow him to help his people. Calling the king “this man” reminds us that even powerful rulers are only human before God. Nehemiah trusts that God can guide the king’s decisions and give success to his request.

Question 8

How can Nehemiah’s prayer help believers today in their own struggles?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah’s prayer gives a clear pattern. When faced with painful news about God’s people, he does not become cold or bitter. He feels it deeply, mourns, and brings it to God with fasting. He confesses sin, including his own, instead of only pointing at others. He remembers God’s promises and asks for God’s help in very specific ways, including favor with human authorities. Believers today can follow this by grieving over the troubles of the church, confessing honestly, clinging to God’s words, and praying for both spiritual mercy and practical help.

Nehemiah 1:1

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

Nehemiah’s Prayer

Nehemiah’s Prayer

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Nehemiah 1:1

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

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Nehemiah’s Prayer

Nehemiah’s Prayer

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