Nehemiah 2:1-20

2:1-4 | When God’s people are given a mission, He provides everything needed for their work, including opportunities and favor. Nehemiah seized this moment with the king, even though he was potentially putting his own life in jeopardy (had never been sad in his presence before). Although his role as cupbearer was intimate, there was danger in upsetting the king.

2:4-8 | While he prayed, Nehemiah prepared, determining what would be needed to rebuild Jerusalem. Consequently, when God moved the king to seek a solution for his sadness, Nehemiah was ready – requesting both the king’s permission and his provision for the work, including the letters needed to authorize it.

2:8 | How easy it is for people to pray that God will intervene for them and then take the credit themselves. Yet Nehemiah attributed nothing to his own wisdom or stewardship. What man could never do, the good hand of God did.

2:11-16 | Once everything was in order, Nehemiah went on a retreat for three days to determine the plan of action and prepare himself. This preparation included inspecting the problem firsthand (viewed the wall) in order to clearly visualize the solution.

2:17-18 | Nehemiah’s public use of we and us (these terms are also found in his private intercessory prayer in 1:6-7) reveals how deeply he identified with the people. The people, survivors of the exile, will play a significant role throughout the book, just as they did in the Book of Ezra.

2:19-20 | Geshem the Arab joins Sanballat and Tobiah as a third antagonist. Together, the three posed a real threat to Judah. What the latter two could not stop legally, they attempted to stop through intimidation and ridicule.

2:21 | Any work for God will face opposition. The wisest response is Nehemiah’s: “We are doing this for God; He will prosper us.” God of heaven suggests His sovereignty – the Lord would oversee and guard the project.