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
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Nehemiah 2:7-8
Nehemiah 2:7-8. That they may convey me over till I come into Judah May conduct me with safety through their several territories, and furnish me with necessaries on my journey. And a letter unto Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest The forest of Lebanon, famous for choice trees. That he may give me timber for the gates The gates of the temple. For though the temple itself was built, yet the several courts seem not to have been walled about, nor the gates made leading to the temple. ... read more