Nehemiah 2:6

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 2:1-10

1:1-2:10 NEHEMIAH RETURNS TO JERUSALEMThirteen years had now passed since Artaxerxes issued his decree giving Ezra authority to go to Jerusalem and reform Israel (Ezra 7:7; Nehemiah 2:1). Ezra’s work had some early success, but when the Jews tried to strengthen Jerusalem’s defences by rebuilding the city wall, their enemies accused them of planning to rebel against Persia. They reported the matter to Artaxerxes, with the result that the king issued a decree commanding that the work stop... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Nehemiah 2:6

the queen. Hebrew. ha-shegal = wife. Occurs only here and in Psalms 45:9 . Daniel 5:2 , Daniel 5:3 , Daniel 5:23 . Not a Hebrew word, but borrowed from the Akkadian sha = a bride, and gal = great. Used of a foreign queen. Here it would exactly suit "the great bride" or "foreign (Jewish) queen", Esther. (See notes on the Chronological Structure of Ezra-Nehemiah, p. 618.) Esther is introduced here (parenthetically) because of her sympathy and interest, which Nehemiah so greatly needed at this... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 2:6

Nehemiah 2:6. And I set him a time— How long this was is not certain. It is said, indeed, that he was governor of the land of Judah for twelve years, chap. Neh 5:14 Nehemiah 13:6. But, considering what haste he made for dispatching the building of the walls, which he finished in fifty-two days, the leave that he asked might be but for a year, or perhaps half so long; after which time, it is likely, he returned to Shushan according to his promise; but some time after was sent back again by the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Nehemiah 2:6

6-9. the queen also sitting by him—As the Persian monarchs did not admit their wives to be present at their state festivals, this must have been a private occasion. The queen referred to was probably Esther, whose presence would tend greatly to embolden Nehemiah in stating his request; and through her influence, powerfully exerted it may be supposed, also by her sympathy with the patriotic design, his petition was granted, to go as deputy governor of Judea, accompanied by a military guard, and... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Nehemiah 2:1-8

3. The request of Nehemiah 2:1-8Nehemiah prayed for four months about conditions in Jerusalem before he spoke to Artaxerxes about them (cf. Nehemiah 1:1; Nehemiah 2:1). Artaxerxes’ reign began in the seventh Jewish month, Tishri (late September and early October), of 464 B.C. [Note: Edwin R. Thiele, The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings, pp. 28-30, 161.] Therefore Nehemiah presented his request in late March or early April of 444 B.C.Nehemiah was probably very fearful (Nehemiah 2:2)... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 2:1-20

Nehemiah’s Resolve to rebuild JerusalemThis chapter gives an account of Nehemiah’s request for leave to rebuild Jerusalem, his arrival there, and his survey of the ruined walls, which it was decided to restore.1. Wine was before him] LXX has ’wine was before me,’ implying that it was Nehemiah’s turn to act as cup-bearer (the king having several). This would explain why Artaxerxes had not observed his servant’s sadness during the four months that had elapsed since the arrival of the news from... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Nehemiah 2:1-8

II.(1-8) Nehemiah’s appeal to the king. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Nehemiah 2:6

(6) The queen also sitting by him.—Probably Damaspia, the one legitimate queen: Shegal, as in Ps. 14:13, where, however, she stands as in the presenco of her Divine-human Lord. This was not a public feast, as in that case the queen would not be present (Esther 1:9-12).I set him a time.—Whatever that was, circumstances afterwards prolonged it. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Nehemiah 2:1-20

Purpose in Life Nehemiah 2:12 Nehemiah was called to a great work, but he kept his own counsel and waited for the time to declare the purpose that lay in his heart like a glowing seed in good soil. I. The Secret of Strength; As you start out upon life's cross-roads be sure that your heart's purpose is prompted by the Lord. How can we tell whether the secret purpose hidden away in our heart's deepest desire is implanted by God? 1. Look at the purpose in your heart, the one thing which, if you... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 2:1-8

THE PRAYER ANSWEREDNehemiah 2:1-8NEHEMIAH’S prayer had commenced on celestial heights of meditation among thoughts of Divine grace and glory, and when it had stooped to earth it had swept over the wide course of his nation’s history and poured out a confession of the whole people’s sin, but the final point of it was a definite request for the prospering of his contemplated interview with the king. Artaxerxes was an absolute despot, surrounded with the semi-divine honours that Orientals... read more

Group of Brands