Nehemiah 2 Commentary: Prepared, Not Panicked

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Nehemiah’s Foundation for Leadership

What are Nehemiah’s leadership qualities?

Nehemiah’s leadership qualities are centered on the belief that his heart fuels his mind. Solomon teaches us about this in Proverbs 4:23, above all else guard your heart because everything you do flows from it.

• Nehemiah’s Heart: In Nehemiah 1 we discussed how Nehemiah perceived, pondered, and prayed, because He was so passionate about God and His people. This is Nehemiah’s heart at work. His motivation.

• Nehemiah’s Mind: In our Nehemiah 2 commentary, we will see how he patiently prepares and plans. This is Nehemiah’s mind at work. His strategy.

How Did Nehemiah Become Cupbearer?

Nehemiah became cupbearer because he is a man of integrity, humility, and faithfulness who could be completely trusted by King Artaxerxes. It’s the only way a foreigner, with no connections, who is an exile from an enslaved country could work his way into such an influential position. Only the most trusted of servants gets this lifesaving job.

Nehemiah holds a noble position because he possesses a noble character. His rise in the kingdom ladder does not happen overnight or because he “knows someone.” Preparation for God’s opportunities begin with relationship.

Because of Nehemiah’s character, he goes from the business of protecting one life from his enemies (King Artaxerxes) to protecting thousands of lives from their enemies (the Israelites).

What is a cupbearer in the Bible?

A cupbearer in the Bible was a highly influential, trusted official responsible for ensuring the king’s wine was not poisoned, functioning more like a chief of staff. Due to the cupbearers constant access and loyalty to the king, he had even more influence than some military leaders and nobles.

The king had to feel absolutely convinced of the cupbearers loyalty to him alone or risk the cupbearer being bribed to poison him. With so few people the king could trust, it’s understandable he would form a relationship with his loyal cupbearer.

Patient Preparation in Nehemiah 2:1-6

How long did Nehemiah wait?

Nehemiah waited four long months for his opportunity with the king to present itself, from the month of Kislev (Nov/Dec) when he first heard the news about his people to Nisan (Mar/Apr) when he finally got his chance in Nehemiah 2:1.

However, nowhere does it say Nehemiah became frustrated or contemplated giving up in those four months. He has a vision of rebuilding the wall and trusts it will happen, so he hands the whole problem over to God in prayer.

Then he goes on with his business in complete confidence if God wants to use him He will present the opportunity. Nehemiah conveys this in how he ends chapter one, “I was cupbearer to the king.” As if to say, see it could happen. I see the king all day, every day.

What was Nehemiah’s preparation?

Nehemiah was prepared for his mission in three different ways: right relationship with the king, confidence that comes from faith, and mastering the art of diplomacy. 

1. Right relationship.
2. Confidence that comes from faith.
3. Mastering the art of diplomacy.

What relationship did Nehemiah have to King Artaxerxes?

Nehemiah is the king’s cupbearer and through this job he develops a close, highly trusted relationship with King Artaxerxes, who can discern his emotional state. That’s why in Nehemiah 2:2-5 the most powerful king in the world notices Nehemiah’s expression.

Not only does King Artaxerxes notice. He is so familiar with Nehemiah that he is able to infer three things with confidence:

1. Nehemiah is sad.

2. He is not ill.

3. He must therefore be suffering from sadness of the heart.

How does faith relate to confidence?

Nehemiah’s confidence is based on his faith that God can do anything, which makes him bold despite his very real, human fear of upsetting the king. Still, despite his fear, Nehemiah’s confidence that comes from faith prepares him for when he sees his God-given opportunity.

Nehemiah has every right to be afraid. His job as cupbearer is to be calm, cool, collected, and trustworthy. Anything else on the face of the cupbearer could upset the king, because it might imply Nehemiah is nervous about poisoning. If displeased, the king could fire or kill him.

But Nehemiah is prepared with confidence that comes from faith, and his desires are in alignment with God’s will. God wants Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem to protect His people, and Nehemiah is willing to do it.

It is the perfect picture of heaven and earth coming into alignment in preparation for some great work. The only thing standing in the way is a very powerful king. But that isn’t a problem for God, because He is the King of kings. Nehemiah knows it.

How did Nehemiah approach the king?

Nehemiah approached the king as a master of diplomacy, beginning with deference, succinctly presenting the problem from a position of personal grief, and avoiding political outrage. 

1. He begins with deference, “May the king live forever!” He needs to assert his loyalty to the king and avoid the politics of why his people are in this situation, or he could risk offending the king.

2. Then he succinctly states, without political implications, his personal grief over his people’s plight. It’s a great, diplomatic move that avoids getting caught up with who is to blame for the situation and how to seek justice. He just wants to move forward and make his people secure.

The Pivotal Moment

The King’s Question in Nehemiah 2:4

As a result of Nehemiah’s approach, the king is sympathetic. His concern and care for this faithful servant’s suffering diverts his thoughts from the political implications of the Israelites’ situation, and he is moved with a desire to help.

The king asks Nehemiah, “What is it you want?”

Imagine what it was like to be in the room when the king asks Nehemiah what he wants. There are likely many other servants and dignitaries hanging around. Kings are never alone.

• Did the room go silent?

• Are they shocked the king just asked a servant what he wants?

• Are they all holding their breath to hear what Nehemiah will ask for?

• If Nehemiah asks for too much, will the king blow up?

• Can they feel the presence of God, the King of kings, as His spirit moves through the room to move the most powerful king on earth?

The next verse tells us before Nehemiah utters a single word in response he prays to the God of heaven. In that breath of a prayer, the plans of one man lock into place with the plans of God. The room shifts. The earth moves to align with heaven.

What Did Nehemiah Ask the King For?

Using ingenious deference, Nehemiah boldly asks the king for permission to be sent to Judah to rebuild the city where his ancestors are buried.

• “If it pleases the king.” In other words, because you are king and your needs come first.

• “And if your servant has found favor in his sight.” In other words, if I have done a good job.

• “Let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” In other words, I want to serve the ones I love in the same faithful way I have served the king. So rational. No big political deal. I care for the king, and I care for my people. And that is all it took.

Reflection Point

Faith can move mountains, and Nehemiah’s complete and utter dependence on God are about to move his mountain, the king of Persia. Long after Nehemiah, in Matthew 17:20, Jesus says if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. How often do we fail to believe this simple truth?

Nehemiah Finds Favor

It’s clear that Nehemiah earns the favor of two kings: his earthly king and his heavenly King.

• His deeds are faithful, and he finds favor with the earthly king.

• He keeps God’s word and does not deny His name, so he finds favor with the King of kings. As Revelation 3:8 tells us, that’s why God places this opportunity, this open door that no one can shut, in front of this one man, Nehemiah.

It’s intriguing that in Nehemiah 2:6 the queen is there too. It lets our imagination explore a little more.

• Did the king and queen have a little chat?

• Did she weigh in on the subject?

• Had Nehemiah found favor with her too?

What does the Bible say about finding favor?

Finding favor in the Bible is about keeping God’s Word and being faithful to Him, not about strength, talent, or our situation. With favor, God gives us opportunities and open doors that no one can shut.

We know from Luke 2:52 that Jesus grew in favor with God and man. What about you? How and with whom have you found favor? Ponder and pray about it.

Preparation is Key

What are the 6 principles of preparation demonstrated by Nehemiah?

Nehemiah’s success was not luck. It was the result of a deliberate, step-by-step process fueled by his faith. We can replicate his method by following this pattern for strategic, purposeful living.

• Perception

• Pondering

• Passion

• Prayer

• Patience

God can lead one step at a time. We can’t let ourselves be afraid to move forward if we don’t have all the information. We must keep our eyes on the path before us.

If we look up, we must not get confused and look ahead. Instead, look all the way up to the real Director of this show and trust in Him. If that doesn’t work, look back down and hit your knees in prayer until you can look up again.

What are the benefits of preparing?

Preparation is guaranteed paralysis prevention because when we are unprepared we panic, and when we panic, we become paralyzed. Nehemiah never panicked. His reaction to the king’s unexpected question is flawless.

For four months Nehemiah patiently waited for this opportunity, but that’s not to say he sat around doing nothing. Quite the contrary. While we don’t know exactly what he was doing that whole time, based on his response to the opportunity when it arose, it’s clear he was making a plan.

Nehemiah seems to have considered his options and pondered the situation. He is prepared to present as many details of his plan as possible. He leaves nothing to chance.

Nehemiah Takes Charge

Nehemiah’s Preparation Pays Off

The king is pleased to let Nehemiah go and, with the king’s pleasure secured, in verses 7-9 Nehemiah boldly takes his request to the next level. He has never seen the city of Jerusalem or the wall. Still, he knows he’ll need letters to prove he is on a mission with the king’s permission. Letters for authority, security, and resources.

Then, because God is so good and gracious, He moves the king to give Nehemiah something he didn’t even ask for, a royal escort of army officers. It’s such a big gift Nehemiah probably never would have asked for it. Ezra didn’t. He was too afraid to ask this very same king for an escort.

Why did Sanballat and Tobiah oppose Nehemiah?

Sanballat and Tobiah opposed Nehemiah in Nehemiah 2:10 because they were disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites; they did not want Jerusalem to gain power in the region. 

The evil rarely ignores a step forward in God’s plans. Part of being prepared is knowing that when God gives you an opportunity the enemy will notice and initiate a counterplot.

Sanballat and Tobia will serve as the primary forces of opposition for the rest of the story. By verse 19, when they learn people are all-in on Nehemiah’s plan and the project is gathering momentum, they’ll add Geshem the Arab to their team.

Who is Sanballat in the Bible?

Sanballat was the governor of Samaria, a region north of Judah, and was most likely either a Moabite or a Babylonian. The Moabites were descendants of Abraham’s nephew Lot and his older daughter.

Samaria was the former capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the kingdom divided. However, it had become a region of mixed population after the Assyrian deportations, and Sanballat is not an Israelite.

Who was Tobiah in the Bible?

Tobiah was a high-ranking Ammonite official whose people were long-standing enemies of the Israelites, though both are descendants of Abraham. However, the Ammonites are descendants of Lot and his younger daughter, and the Israelites are descendants of the Canaanites.

So Israel, Sanballat, and Tobiah are all related to Abraham. Although Sanballat and Tobiah are closer because they are both descendants of Lot. 

Information Gathering and Team Building (Nehemiah 2:11-18)

Nehemiah Gathers Information

In verses 11-16 Nehemiah sets out on a covert operation that requires keen discernment. He rides into town with what must have been an impressive show for the struggling group of Israelites. Imagine all the army officers and cavalry straight from the king. He visits for three days, or at least they probably think he’s just visiting them, because he doesn’t tell them anything about why he’s there.

Knowing his diplomatic personality, he probably immediately put them at ease and just let them chatter while he covertly took detailed notes for that ever-evolving plan in his mind. No doubt he gathered information from old men woefully complaining about needing a new wall, young men boasting about their dreams beyond the wall, and women gossiping about scandal within the walls.

Then, after he had heard all he needed to hear about the wall, he set out to see the wall for himself….alone! Nehemiah is appropriately sneaky. He uses his well-honed power of discernment to separate fact from fiction so he can correctly assess the problem and the strategy required to address it.

What lessons can we learn about gathering information?

Key lessons include that covert action may be necessary at first, listening is essential to gather context, and unbiased observation (like Nehemiah’s solo ride) is critical for discernment. 

• Covert Action may be necessary. Nehemiah never told anyone why he was in Jerusalem, because he didn’t feel obligated to give information to his people. His plan was still in development and, as the leader, he knew a well-formed plan would be better received. Had he opened up discussion with only half-formed ideas and understanding, the city’s inhabitants may have lost confidence in his ability to lead them. Instead, he listened and observed.

• Listening is essential. Nehemiah listened for three days. To be a good listener, you must be able to get people to talk.

• Unbiased observation is critical. Nehemiah knew a picture is worth a thousand words. He personally examined the wall alone. He didn’t rely solely on reports about the wall.

You almost get the feeling that after three days of listening he was looking for some missing piece of information. Or maybe he was getting conflicting information and needed to verify it.

Think for Yourself Before Consulting Others

Nehemiah did not consult with the few who went with him on the tour of the wall. There is much to be gained from unbiased observation. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek the counsel of others on a subject, but know for yourself as much about the facts as you can first.

Then, if you do ask others, be sure they have carefully weighed and prayed about their guidance, so you are not wrongly influenced. In the end, before you confirm your strategy, pray for the eyes, ears, and mind to understand all you have learned.

What did Nehemiah do for his people?

Nehemiah assessed the situation in Jerusalem, confirmed his strategy, and then built an inclusive team in Nehemiah 2:17-18 by persuasively casting a vision of restoration and security. He uses simple word choices to get immediate buy-in from his people.

A leader needs to be persuasive, like Nehemiah, to convince others of a vision. Otherwise, they must resort to authoritarian control. Rules without a relationship lead to rebellion.

What type of man was Nehemiah?

Nehemiah was a great relational leader who was Inclusive, Associative, a Vision Caster, and Transparent about the source of his blessing.

• Inclusive. Nehemiah says, “Then I said to them.” The people he is referring to were the Jews, priests, nobles, officials, and community who had most likely been gathered in an assembly. This is not the time for secrecy. He wants everyone to be openly compelled to accept or reject his plan without any opportunity to hear it incorrectly from another source.

• Associative. Nehemiah is careful to use pronouns such as we and us to let the people know he has come, not to be a ruler over them, but to be a leader with them.

• A Vision Caster. Though Nehemiah begins by reminding the people of where they are, “Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned,” he finishes by casting a vision of where they could be. “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”

• Transparent. Nehemiah tells the people without hesitation that it is God’s hand and the king’s blessing that have made his vision possible. In doing so, he is being transparent and humbly admitting he can’t do the job alone.

Facing Opposition

What was Nehemiah’s response to Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem?

Nehemiah’s response is to reveal nothing about his royal authority and instead to “throw down the God gauntlet” proclaiming that the God of heaven will give them success.

In Nehemiah 2:19-20, when the arrogant Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem threaten and accuse Nehemiah of rebelling against the king, he doesn’t take the bait. Instead, he holds his cards, or should we say his letters from the king, close to his vest and throws down the God gauntlet essentially daring them to pick it up.

Dive Deeper into Nehemiah’s Leadership

This Nehemiah 2 commentary is a study in effective, God-centered leadership. His success in moving the most powerful king on earth to support the rebuilding of Jerusalem was not a matter of luck, but a direct result of three essential, intertwined concepts that define his character and strategy.

• Right Relationship: Nehemiah’s access and credibility stemmed from his noble character and his established, trust-based relationship with King Artaxerxes. He proved his loyalty daily as cupbearer, earning the king’s personal concern. This earthly relationship, rooted in integrity, mirrored his deeper relationship with God.

• Confidence that Comes from Faith: Despite facing the real, life-threatening danger of upsetting the king, Nehemiah moves forward with boldness. His confidence is not self-generated bravado; it is fueled entirely by his faith that his mission is aligned with God’s will. This conviction allows him to pray a breath of a prayer before making the largest request of his life.

• Mastering the Art of Diplomacy: Nehemiah’s approach is a flawless display of tact and wisdom. He masters deference, carefully positioning his appeal as a matter of personal grief and service, not political demands, thereby diverting the king’s attention from political risk and securing crucial support and resources.

By integrating character (Relationship), conviction (Faith), and strategy (Diplomacy), Nehemiah provides a timeless blueprint. His story assures us that when our passions are aligned with God’s plans, the King of kings will move any mountain necessary to grant success.

Ready to Continue the Journey?

If Nehemiah’s story has inspired you to live with greater purpose and prayer, here is your next step:

🎧 Listen to the Podcast

To understand the full context and meaning of Nehemiah’s restoration efforts, listen to our podcast about the book of Nehemiah:

👉 Listen to the Book of Nehemiah Summary