Nehemiah 1:1

KJV

¶ The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

KJV (with Strong's)

The words {H1697} of Nehemiah {H5166} the son {H1121} of Hachaliah {H2446}. And it came to pass in the month {H2320} Chisleu {H3691}, in the twentieth {H6242} year {H8141}, as I was in Shushan {H7800} the palace {H1002},

Complete Jewish Bible

The words of Nechemyah the son of Hakhalyah: It was in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the capital,

Berean Standard Bible

These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,

American Standard Version

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 1:1 serves as the concise and pivotal opening to the Book of Nehemiah, immediately establishing the author, the precise historical context, and the initial geographical setting. This foundational verse sets the stage for a profound narrative of divine providence, courageous leadership, fervent prayer, and the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, signaling the beginning of a crucial chapter in the post-exilic restoration of God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 1:1 functions as a direct and immediate prologue, introducing the reader to the first-person account of Nehemiah. It seamlessly continues the narrative of the post-exilic period, following the returns to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel (recorded in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the First Return")) and Ezra (detailed in [Ezra 7](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Ezra's Return to Jerusalem")). Unlike the more detached historical accounts found elsewhere, this verse immediately immerses the reader into Nehemiah's personal experience, setting a highly intimate and authentic tone for the entire book, which reads much like a personal memoir or diary. The "words of Nehemiah" immediately precede his profound prayer in [Nehemiah 1:4-11](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem"), indicating that this opening is not merely biographical but a prelude to the deep spiritual burden that drives the subsequent narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse firmly places the events in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Artaxerxes I Longimanus, specifically in his "twentieth year," which corresponds to 445 BC. This period is crucial for understanding the geopolitical landscape, as the Jewish people were living under Persian suzerainty, allowed to return to their homeland but still subject to imperial authority. "Shushan the palace" (Susa) was one of the four major capital cities of the vast Persian Empire, serving as a prominent administrative and royal center. Nehemiah's presence there, likely in his influential role as the king's cupbearer (as revealed in [Nehemiah 2:1](/nehemiah/2-1 "Nehemiah 2:1 - Nehemiah's Request to the King")), highlights his proximity to power and his strategic placement within the imperial court. This setting is also famously featured in the [Book of Esther](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - Ahasuerus's Feast in Susa"), underscoring Susa's significance for the Jewish diaspora. The condition of Jerusalem, particularly its broken walls, was not just a matter of security but of national and religious identity for the returning exiles.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse, though brief, introduces several foundational themes that permeate the Book of Nehemiah. It immediately highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**, as God's overarching plan for His people's restoration is about to unfold through the specific actions and burden of an individual, Nehemiah. The identification of "Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah" underscores the theme of **Leadership and Vision**, presenting a specific individual called and equipped for a monumental task. Furthermore, Nehemiah's location in "Shushan the palace" while his heart is clearly with Jerusalem foreshadows the theme of **Burden for God's People and City**, which will drive his fervent prayer and subsequent actions. The precise historical anchoring ("in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year") also emphasizes the biblical truth that God works within real, verifiable history, not abstract concepts, thereby reinforcing the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises** through tangible historical events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Words (Hebrew, _divrei_):** The phrase "The words of Nehemiah" (דִּבְרֵי נְחֶמְיָה) is a common literary device in the Old Testament, often used to introduce prophetic or historical accounts (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - The Words of Jeremiah"), [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - The Words of Amos")). It signifies an authoritative compilation of experiences, messages, and actions, suggesting that the following narrative is not merely a personal diary but a divinely inspired record of significant events and a personal testimony to God's work.
* **Chisleu (Hebrew, _kislev_):** This refers to the ninth month of the Jewish civil calendar, corresponding to late November or early December. The specification of this month is crucial, as it sets the precise timing for when Nehemiah received the distressing news about Jerusalem's condition, triggering his immediate and prolonged period of prayer and mourning before he approached the king in the month of Nisan (four months later, [Nehemiah 2:1](/nehemiah/2-1 "Nehemiah 2:1 - Nehemiah's Request to the King")).
* **Shushan (Hebrew, _shushan_):** Also known as Susa, this was one of the four royal capitals of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Its mention highlights Nehemiah's geographical distance from Jerusalem and, more significantly, his influential position within the heart of imperial power. His presence in "the palace" (הַבִּירָה, _habirah_) indicates his high status and access to the king, which will prove instrumental in his mission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah."**: This opening clause immediately identifies the author and protagonist of the book, establishing it as a first-person account. The inclusion of his father's name, Hachaliah, provides lineage and authenticity, rooting Nehemiah within the community of returning exiles and setting the stage for a personal, rather than purely historical, narrative.
* **"And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year,"**: This phrase provides the precise chronological setting for the events that are about to unfold. "The twentieth year" refers to the reign of Artaxerxes I Longimanus (445 BC), anchoring the narrative in a specific historical period. The mention of "Chisleu" pinpoints the exact month when Nehemiah received the news that ignited his burden and subsequent actions, emphasizing the providential timing of God's work.
* **"as I was in Shushan the palace,"**: This final clause establishes Nehemiah's geographical location at the outset of the narrative. His presence in the Persian capital, particularly "the palace," underscores his prominent position within the empire. This detail is significant because it highlights the contrast between his comfortable and influential life in a foreign court and the dire condition of his homeland, setting the stage for his deep burden and willingness to sacrifice for Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 1:1 employs several literary devices to effectively introduce its narrative. The most prominent is **Autobiographical Narrative**, immediately signaled by the first-person pronoun "I" and the declaration "The words of Nehemiah." This establishes an intimate, personal perspective, inviting the reader into the protagonist's direct experience and emotional journey. The verse also utilizes **Precise Chronological and Geographical Anchoring**, grounding the spiritual and historical events in verifiable time ("in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year") and space ("in Shushan the palace"). This technique lends credibility and realism to the account. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Juxtaposition** at play; Nehemiah's comfortable and powerful position in the heart of the Persian Empire is subtly contrasted with the implied desolation of Jerusalem, which will become the central focus of his burden and mission. This sets up the tension and motivation for the entire book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 1:1, as a foundational verse, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in orchestrating history and raising up leaders for specific redemptive purposes. It reveals that God can place His chosen servants in positions of influence, even within seemingly secular or foreign environments, to accomplish His will. Nehemiah's high office in the Persian court was not an accident but a strategic placement by divine providence, preparing him for the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem. This highlights the theological truth that God works through individuals who are both burdened by His concerns and strategically positioned to act, demonstrating that no location or circumstance is outside the scope of His redemptive plan. The verse also implicitly introduces the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as the restoration of Jerusalem was a fulfillment of prophecies regarding the return from exile.

* [Ezra 7:6](/ezra/7-6 "Ezra 7:6 - Ezra's Return and God's Hand")
* [Esther 2:5-6](/esther/2-5 "Esther 2:5-6 - Mordecai in Susa")
* [Daniel 1:19-20](/daniel/1-19 "Daniel 1:19-20 - Daniel and His Friends Serving the King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 1:1 serves as a powerful reminder that God often calls and uses individuals who are strategically placed, even in environments that seem far removed from "spiritual" work. Nehemiah, serving as a cupbearer in the heart of the Persian Empire, was deeply connected to his heritage and burdened by the condition of his people and their distant homeland. This verse challenges us to consider our own current circumstances and positions, no matter how ordinary or secular they may appear, as potential platforms for God's purposes. It encourages us to cultivate a heart sensitive to the needs of God's kingdom and His people, allowing ourselves to be burdened by what burdens Him. Just as Nehemiah's initial location set the stage for a powerful story of leadership, fervent prayer, and divine provision, this verse demonstrates that God's grand plans unfold within specific times and places, often through the faithfulness and obedience of dedicated individuals who respond to His call.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nehemiah's position in "Shushan the palace" challenge our assumptions about where God's work happens or who God uses?**
* **What "burdens" for God's kingdom, His people, or your community might God be placing on your heart today?**
* **In what ways can your current circumstances or professional role be seen as a strategic placement by God for His purposes?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "twentieth year" mentioned in Nehemiah 1:1?**

Answer: The "twentieth year" refers to the twentieth year of the reign of King Artaxerxes I Longimanus, which corresponds to 445 BC. This precise dating is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it firmly anchors the events of Nehemiah's mission within verifiable historical chronology, demonstrating the Bible's historical accuracy. Secondly, it places Nehemiah's work approximately 13 years after Ezra's return to Jerusalem (Ezra returned in Artaxerxes' seventh year, [Ezra 7:7](/ezra/7-7 "Ezra 7:7 - Ezra's Arrival in Jerusalem")), indicating that despite Ezra's reforms, Jerusalem's physical defenses remained in a dire state. This specific date sets the stage for Nehemiah's request to the king in [Nehemiah 2:1](/nehemiah/2-1 "Nehemiah 2:1 - Nehemiah's Request to the King"), highlighting the time lapse between his initial burden and his opportunity to act.

**Why is Nehemiah's location in "Shushan the palace" important?**

Answer: Shushan (Susa) was one of the four major capital cities of the vast Persian Empire, serving as a primary royal residence and administrative center. Nehemiah's presence "in Shushan the palace" is crucial because it establishes his high position and proximity to the center of imperial power. As the king's cupbearer (a role revealed in the next chapter), Nehemiah held a position of significant trust and influence, with direct access to Artaxerxes I. This strategic placement, far from Jerusalem, highlights God's sovereign hand in positioning His servant where he could best serve His purposes. It also underscores the contrast between Nehemiah's comfortable and influential life in the palace and the broken state of his homeland, which would fuel his burden and motivate his extraordinary mission. The city of Susa is also famously the primary setting for the [Book of Esther](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - The Setting of Esther in Susa"), further emphasizing its importance in the history of the Jewish diaspora.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 1:1, by introducing a divinely appointed leader burdened for his people and city, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate leader, Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah, from a position of comfort and influence in Shushan, was moved by the brokenness of Jerusalem and felt a divine compulsion to act, so too did Christ, from His eternal glory, "empty himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")) to address the brokenness of humanity and restore His people. Nehemiah's mission to rebuild the physical walls of Jerusalem, though significant, points to Christ's far greater work in building His spiritual temple, the Church, with Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as Cornerstone")). The deep compassion Nehemiah felt for his people mirrors the profound compassion of Jesus for the lost sheep of Israel and for all humanity, seeing them "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion")). Ultimately, the restoration initiated by Nehemiah finds its complete and eternal fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, where Christ reigns supreme, and there is no more brokenness, sorrow, or separation from God ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Nehemiah's story is a testament to God's faithfulness through a human agent, a faithfulness perfectly embodied and eternally secured in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 10:1

¶ Now those that sealed [were], Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,

Zechariah 7:1

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, [that] the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth [day] of the ninth month, [even] in Chisleu;

Esther 1:2

[That] in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which [was] in Shushan the palace,

Daniel 8:2

And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

Ezra 7:7

And there went up [some] of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

Ezra 10:9

Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It [was] the ninth month, on the twentieth [day] of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of [this] matter, and for the great rain.

Esther 3:15

The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.