So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days. Before he entered on any business, resting himself from the fatigue of the journey, and receiving the visits of his friends, as Ezra before him did, Ezra 8:32 . read more
And I arose in the might, I and some few men with me ,.... Both the season of the night, and the small number of men to accompany him, were chosen for greater secrecy, that the business he came upon might not as yet be known, and so no schemes formed to obstruct or discourage: neither told I any man what God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem ; he was satisfied that what he had in view was from the Lord, who had stirred him up to it, but thought it prudent for the present to conceal... read more
Ungodly (unchristian) jealousy. Nehemiah, attended by a Persian escort, came safely to Jerusalem. The king had dealt liberally with him; he provided him with a military guard to protect him from the dangers of the road, and with letters of instruction to use at his journey's end (verse 9). But the prophet soon found—what we all find soon enough—that the work we attempt for God can only be accomplished by triumphing over difficulty. The path of holy service lies over many a scorching plain,... read more
Preparation for a great work. A record of the first steps taken by Nehemiah in the execution of his commission. I. HIS JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM (verses 9, 11). He no doubt lost no time in setting out; and he made the journey with suitable dignity, and in safety, owing to the escort granted by the king, and the obedience of the "governors beyond the river" to "the king's letters." II. HIS PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION (verses 12-15). This was— 1. Personal. He would see... read more
True work Divinely succeeded. Here is the enterprise briefly sketched out: the ruin to be built up; the surrounding sea of scorn, hatred, and opposition to be kept back; the co-operation of rulers and people to be maintained. One man evidently to be the life and soul of the whole work. "I told not a man what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem." I. All truly religious work should be accomplished in the spirit of UNCOMPROMISING FAITHFULNESS . 1. Complete independence... read more
I… was there three days . Compare Ezra 8:32 . After the long journey, three days of rest were necessary. STEPS TAKEN BY NEHEMIAH PRELIMINARY TO HIS BUILDING OF THE WALL , AND FIRST APPEARANCE OF OPPOSITION ( Nehemiah 2:12-20 ). Hitherto Nehemiah had communicated his purpose to no one but the king and queen of Persia. He expected opposition, and resolved to baffle his opponents, as long as possible, by concealing his exact designs. Even when further... read more
Wise procedure in presence of a great work. Nehemiah before Jerusalem, the earnest patriot prophet before the city of God, lying waste and exposed, suggests to us— I. THE PRESENCE OF A GREAT WORK AWAITING US . "So I came to Jerusalem" (verse 11). There are to-day many Churches, societies, interests, more or less dear to God, which are "in distress" (verse 17), urgently needing restoration and defence, that they be not open to attack, and that they may" be no more a... read more
Some few men with me . All the arrangements are made to avoid notice. Nehemiah goes out by night, with few attendants, and with only one beast. He is anxious to see with his own eyes what is the extent of the repair needed, but wishes as few as possible to know of his proceedings. read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 2:9-20
We are here told, I. Now Nehemiah was dismissed by the court he was sent from. The king appointed captains of the army and horsemen to go with him (Neh. 2:9), both for his guard and to show that he was a man whom the king did delight to honour, that all the king's servants might respect him accordingly. Those whom the King of kings sends he thus protects, he thus dignifies with a host of angels to attend them. II. How he was received by the country he was sent to. 1. By the Jews and their... read more