Nehemiah 1:11

KJV

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

KJV (with Strong's)

O Lord {H136}, I beseech {H577} thee, let now thine ear {H241} be attentive {H7183} to the prayer {H8605} of thy servant {H5650}, and to the prayer {H8605} of thy servants {H5650}, who desire {H2655} to fear {H3372} thy name {H8034}: and prosper {H6743}, I pray thee, thy servant {H5650} this day {H3117}, and grant {H5414} him mercy {H7356} in the sight {H6440} of this man {H376}. For I was the king's {H4428} cupbearer {H8248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai, please, let your ear now be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take joy in fearing your name: please let your servant succeed today and win this man's compassion"- for I was the king's personal attendant.

Berean Standard Bible

O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)

American Standard Version

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who delight to fear thy name; and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. Now I was cupbearer to the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 1:11 marks a crucial turning point in Nehemiah's profound prayer, shifting from a broad confession of Israel's sins and a general appeal for God's covenant faithfulness to a deeply personal and specific petition. Having received devastating news about Jerusalem's desolate state, Nehemiah now earnestly implores the Lord to grant him divine favor and success in his impending approach to King Artaxerxes, recognizing that his unique position as cupbearer is providentially ordained for this monumental task of restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Nehemiah's extended prayer, which began in Nehemiah 1:5. After receiving the distressing report of Jerusalem's broken walls and burned gates in [Nehemiah 1:3](/nehemiah/1-3 "Nehemiah 1:3 - Report of Jerusalem's Condition"), Nehemiah weeps, mourns, fasts, and prays for days ([Nehemiah 1:4](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah 1:4 - Nehemiah's Initial Response")). His prayer transitions from a magnificent invocation of God's character as the covenant-keeping God ([Nehemiah 1:5](/nehemiah/1-5 "Nehemiah 1:5 - Invocation of God's Character")) to a heartfelt confession of the sins of Israel, including his own family's transgressions ([Nehemiah 1:6-7](/nehemiah/1-6 "Nehemiah 1:6-7 - Confession of Sins")). He then appeals to God's promises of restoration for those who return and obey ([Nehemiah 1:8-9](/nehemiah/1-8 "Nehemiah 1:8-9 - Appeal to God's Promises")), reminding God that the exiles are His people whom He redeemed ([Nehemiah 1:10](/nehemiah/1-10 "Nehemiah 1:10 - God's Redeemed People")). Verse 11, therefore, is the culmination of this prayer, where Nehemiah, having laid a robust theological foundation, now brings his specific, personal request to the Lord, demonstrating his absolute reliance on divine intervention for the daunting mission ahead.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nehemiah served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia (465-424 BC). This was a position of immense trust, intimacy, and influence, far beyond merely serving wine. The cupbearer was a highly vetted, confidential advisor, often a eunuch, who protected the king from poison and had direct, daily access to him. This role demanded absolute loyalty and discretion, making Nehemiah's distress over Jerusalem's condition particularly sensitive, as any sign of disloyalty or distraction could be dangerous. The Persian Empire was vast and powerful, and its kings held absolute authority. Approaching the king with a request, especially one involving a significant undertaking like rebuilding a city's defenses, required careful planning, courage, and, as Nehemiah understood, divine favor. Jerusalem at this time was a vulnerable, post-exilic community, struggling to re-establish itself without proper defenses, making the task of rebuilding the walls not just a construction project but a matter of national security, dignity, and spiritual identity.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 1:11 powerfully underscores several core themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **power and necessity of specific, fervent prayer**, demonstrating Nehemiah's deep dependence on God rather than human strategy alone. His prayer is not vague but targets a precise need: favor with the king. Secondly, the phrase "who desire to fear thy name" emphasizes the theme of **reverential obedience and awe toward God's character and commands**. This "fear" is not terror but a profound respect and devotion that undergirds genuine worship and righteous living, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). Thirdly, the verse showcases **God's sovereignty over human authorities**. Nehemiah understands that even a mighty king's heart is ultimately in the Lord's hand, to be directed as He wills, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand"). Finally, Nehemiah's concluding statement about being the "king's cupbearer" introduces the theme of **God's providential placement and use of individuals in strategic positions** for His redemptive purposes. Nehemiah recognizes his unique access as a divinely appointed platform for God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beseech (אָנָּא, _'anna'_):** This Hebrew interjection is a strong, urgent plea, often translated as "O now!" or "I pray!" It conveys a sense of earnestness and immediacy, indicating the depth of Nehemiah's desperation and the intensity of his petition. It's not a casual request but a fervent cry for divine intervention.
* **Fear thy name (יִרְאֵי שְׁמֶךָ, _yire'ei shemecha_):** This phrase signifies a profound reverence, awe, and obedient respect for God's revealed character, authority, and reputation. It's not about being terrified of God, but holding His person and purposes in the highest esteem, leading to a life of humble submission and devotion. It implies a desire to honor God in all things.
* **Cupbearer (מַשְׁקֶה, _mashqeh_):** This term denotes a highly trusted and influential official in a royal court. The cupbearer's primary duty was to serve the king's wine and taste it to ensure it wasn't poisoned, but the role often extended to that of a confidential advisor and confidant, granting direct and regular access to the monarch. Nehemiah's mention of this role highlights his unique strategic position.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name:"** Nehemiah begins with an urgent, direct address to God, emphasizing his personal plea ("thy servant") while also extending it to encompass the wider community of faithful Israelites ("thy servants"). The phrase "let now thine ear be attentive" is a humble yet insistent request for God's focused attention and favorable response, specifically from those who are characterized by a genuine, reverential desire to honor and obey God's revealed character and commands.
* **"and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man."** This is the heart of Nehemiah's specific request. He asks for "prosper" (success, good fortune) for himself ("thy servant") on "this day," indicating an imminent and crucial encounter. The "mercy in the sight of this man" refers to King Artaxerxes, signifying a plea for the king's favor, compassion, and willingness to grant Nehemiah's request, recognizing that such human disposition ultimately stems from divine influence.
* **"For I was the king's cupbearer."** This concluding statement is not an afterthought but a crucial justification and contextualization of his prayer. Nehemiah acknowledges his unique, divinely appointed position of proximity and influence with the king. He understands that his current secular role is a strategic platform God can use to accomplish His will for Jerusalem, underscoring his trust in God's providence and sovereignty over human affairs.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 1:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Intercession**, as Nehemiah stands in the gap, pleading on behalf of himself and his people before God. This intercession is marked by **Earnestness**, conveyed through the strong plea "I beseech thee" and the request for God's "attentive ear." There is a clear element of **Anticipation**, as Nehemiah's prayer is strategically timed before his crucial encounter with King Artaxerxes, highlighting his belief in God's active involvement in human affairs. The phrase "thy servant" is used repeatedly, establishing a strong sense of **Humility** and **Dependence** on God, contrasting with the immense power of the "king" mentioned later in the verse. Finally, the concluding statement, "For I was the king's cupbearer," serves as a form of **Contextual Justification**, explaining the unique position from which Nehemiah is making his specific request, implicitly acknowledging God's **Providence** in placing him in such a strategic role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 1:11 beautifully illustrates the profound truth that God is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives and their endeavors for His kingdom. Nehemiah's prayer is a model of how to approach God with both general adoration and specific, urgent requests, recognizing that divine favor is essential for navigating human systems and authorities. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine reverence for God ("fear thy name") is a prerequisite for effective prayer and that God's sovereignty extends even to the hearts of kings, inclining them according to His purposes. This passage encourages believers to pray boldly and specifically for divine intervention in their daily tasks and interactions, especially when facing significant challenges or seeking to advance God's work in the world.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [1 Peter 3:12](/1_peter/3-12 "The Lord's Eyes are on the Righteous")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 1:11 provides a powerful blueprint for contemporary believers navigating complex challenges and seeking to live purposefully for God. It teaches us the importance of moving beyond general anxieties to specific, faith-filled petitions, understanding that God delights in hearing the prayers of those who genuinely desire to honor His name. Like Nehemiah, we are called to recognize that our vocations, even seemingly secular ones, can be strategic platforms for God's kingdom work. We should approach our daily interactions, especially those with influential figures or in significant decision-making moments, with a deep reliance on God's ability to incline hearts and open doors. This verse encourages us to be courageous in our requests, knowing that our God is sovereign over all circumstances and can grant us favor even in the most unlikely situations, all for the advancement of His divine plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How specific are my prayers when facing significant challenges or seeking to accomplish God's will?**
* **In what ways does my daily life demonstrate a genuine "desire to fear God's name"?**
* **How can I recognize and leverage my current position or influence, however small, as a strategic platform for God's purposes?**
* **What "man" or "situation" do I need to seek God's mercy and favor for today, trusting in His sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Nehemiah's role as the "king's cupbearer"?**

Answer: The role of the king's cupbearer was far more than a mere servant; it was a position of immense trust, intimacy, and influence within the Persian court. The cupbearer was responsible for ensuring the king's safety from poison, but this close proximity often led to them becoming a highly confidential advisor and confidant to the monarch. Nehemiah's access to Artaxerxes was unparalleled, granting him a unique opportunity to present his case for Jerusalem's rebuilding directly to the most powerful man in the known world. His mention of this role in his prayer highlights his understanding that God had providentially placed him in this strategic position for a divine purpose.

**What does it mean to "fear thy name" in this context?**

Answer: To "fear thy name" (יִרְאֵי שְׁמֶךָ) does not imply being terrified of God, but rather holding Him in profound reverence, awe, and obedient respect. It encompasses a deep understanding of His character, His holiness, His power, and His covenant faithfulness. Those who "fear His name" are committed to honoring Him, living according to His commands, and seeking His glory above all else. This concept is foundational in biblical wisdom literature, where the fear of the Lord is often described as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Nehemiah uses this phrase to describe himself and his fellow faithful Israelites, implying that their prayers are heard because of their devotion.

**Why did Nehemiah specifically pray for "mercy in the sight of this man"?**

Answer: Nehemiah understood that while he had a strategic position, the ultimate success of his mission depended on the king's favor and willingness to grant his requests. Kings in the ancient world held absolute power, and their decisions could be arbitrary. By praying for "mercy in the sight of this man" (King Artaxerxes), Nehemiah acknowledged that God's sovereignty extends even over the hearts of rulers. He was not relying on his own persuasive abilities or the king's inherent benevolence, but on God's divine influence to incline the king's heart towards his petition, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"). This prayer demonstrates Nehemiah's complete dependence on God to open the necessary doors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 1:11, with its earnest plea for divine favor and recognition of a providentially placed servant, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. Nehemiah, as a faithful servant and intercessor, sought mercy from an earthly king to restore a broken city. Christ, however, is the perfect Servant of God, who came not to rebuild physical walls but to reconcile humanity to God, restoring the broken relationship caused by sin. He is the ultimate intercessor, standing before the heavenly Father on behalf of His people, not just for a specific task but for their eternal salvation ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). Jesus perfectly "feared the Father's name," demonstrating absolute obedience and reverence even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philipians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His entire life and ministry were marked by divine favor, culminating in His resurrection and exaltation, where all authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Just as Nehemiah's strategic position as cupbearer was used by God, so too was Christ's unique position as the Son of God the perfect means through which God's ultimate plan of redemption was accomplished. Through Christ, we, as God's servants, receive not just mercy from an earthly ruler, but eternal mercy and grace from the King of Kings, enabling us to participate in His ongoing work of spiritual restoration ([2 Corinthians 5:17-18](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17-18 - New Creation and Ministry of Reconciliation")).

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 1:6

Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

Nehemiah 2:8

And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which [appertained] to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Nehemiah 2:1

¶ And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that] wine [was] before him: and I took up the wine, and gave [it] unto the king. Now I had not been [beforetime] sad in his presence.

Hebrews 13:18

¶ Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Psalms 130:2

Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

Ezra 7:6

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.