This post is Day 9 in a series of studies about “Nehemiah”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Nehemiah – Day 9

Nehemiah asked not just for leave of absence, but that the king send him. He would then travel under the authority of the king, just as someone travelling today would gain entry to a foreign country, because they carried papers saying they were an emissary of a foreign power.

Nehemiah 2:5-6

“If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favour in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it”.
Then the king asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you be back?”

The Thought

Nehemiah launched in with his request, asking not just for leave of absence as most of us would today, but asking that the king send him. He would then travel under the king’s authority, just as someone travelling today would get through the customs quickly and gain entry to a foreign country, because they carried papers saying they were an emissary of a foreign power.

In verse 7 we read If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe conduct until I arrive in Judah?

The king didn’t give an immediate “yes”, but things were looking promising for Nehemiah so, emboldened by the positive signs, he dared to ask for much more than just time off.

He asked very specifically for timber to remake the city gates and the walls for the city as well as his own family home (Nehemiah 2:8).

Telling the story to his readers/listeners, Nehemiah was careful to acknowledge that God was with Him from beginning to end. Verse 8 ends with the words Because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.

More than just granting Nehemiah’s requests, the king sent army officers and cavalry with him (v9).

Action

Praise God today remembering times when The Lord has given you more than you expected or dared to ask for. When things have gone even better than you dared hope.

Read Psalm 149, one of the psalms of victory, and rejoice throughout your day today.