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Commentary on Nehemiah 1 verses 5–11
We have here Nehemiah's prayer, a prayer that has reference to all the prayers which he had for some time before been putting up to God day and night, while he continued his sorrows for the desolations of Jerusalem, and withal to the petition he was now intending to present to the king his master for his favour to Jerusalem. We may observe in this prayer,
I. His humble and reverent address to God, in which he prostrates himself before him, and gives unto him the glory due unto his name, Neh 1:5. It is much the same with that of Daniel, Dan 9:4. It teaches us to draw near to God, 1. With a holy awe of his majesty and glory, remembering that he is the God of heaven, infinitely above us, and sovereign Lord over us, and that he is the great and terrible God, infinitely excelling all the principalities and powers both of the upper and of the lower world, angels and kings; and he is a God to be worshipped with fear by all his people, and whose powerful wrath all his enemies have reason to be afraid of. Even the terrors of the Lord are improvable for the comfort and encouragement of those that trust in him. 2. With a holy confidence in his grace and truth, for he keepeth covenant and mercy for those that love him, not only the mercy that is promised, but even more than he promised: nothing shall be thought too much to be done for those that love him and keep his commandments.
II. His general request for the audience and acceptance of all the prayers and confessions he now made to God (Neh 1:6): "Let thy ear be attentive to the prayer, not which I say (barely saying prayer will not serve), but which I pray before thee (then we are likely to speed in praying when we pray in praying), and let they eyes be open upon the heart from which the prayer comes, and the case which is in prayer laid before thee." God formed the eye and planted the ear; and therefore shall he not see clearly? shall not he hear attentively?
III. His penitent confession of sin; not only Israel has sinned (it was no great mortification to him to own that), but I and my father's house have sinned, Neh 1:6. Thus does he humble himself, and take shame to himself, in this confession. We have (I and my family among the rest) dealt very corruptly against thee, Neh 1:7. In the confession of sin, let these two things be owned as the malignity of it - that it is a corruption of ourselves and an affront to God; it is dealing corruptly against God, setting up the corruptions of our own hearts in opposition to the commands of God.
IV. The pleas he urges for mercy for his people Israel.
1.He pleads what God had of old said to them, the rule he had settled of his proceedings towards them, which might be the rule of their expectations from him, Neh 1:8, Neh 1:9. He had said indeed that, if they broke covenant with him, he would scatter them among the nations, and that threatening was fulfilled in their captivity: never was people so widely dispersed as Israel was at this time, though at first so closely incorporated; but he had said withal that if they turned to him (as now they began to do, having renounced idolatry and kept to the temple service) he would gather them again. This he quotes from Deu 30:1-5, and begs leave to put God in mind of it (though the Eternal Mind needs no remembrancer) as that which he guided his desires by, and grounded his faith and hope upon, in praying this prayer: Remember, I beseech thee, that word; for thou hast said, Put me in remembrance. He had owned (Neh 1:7), We have not kept the judgments which thou commandedst thy servant Moses; yet he begs (Neh 1:8), Lord, remember the word which thou commandedst thy servant Moses; for the covenant is often said to be commanded. If God were not more mindful of his promises than we are of his precepts we should be undone. Our best pleas therefore in prayer are those that are taken from the promise of God, the word on which he has caused us to hope, Psa 119:49.
2.He pleads the relation wherein of old they stood to God: "These are thy servants and thy people (Neh 1:10), whom thou hast set apart for thyself, and taken into covenant with thee. Wilt thou suffer thy sworn enemies to trample upon and oppress thy sworn servants? If thou wilt not appear for thy people, whom wilt thou appear for?" See Isa 63:19. As an evidence of their being God's servants he gives them this character (Neh 1:11): "They desire to fear thy name; they are not only called by thy name, but really have a reverence for thy name; they now worship thee, and thee only, according to thy will, and have an awe of all the discoveries thou art pleased to make of thyself; this they have a desire to do," which denotes, (1.) Their good will to it. "It is their constant care and endeavour to be found in the way of their duty, and they aim at it, though in many instances they come short." (2.) Their complacency in it. "They take pleasure to fear thy name (so it may be read), not only do their duty, but do it with delight." Those shall graciously be accepted of God that truly desire to fear his name; for such a desire is his own work.
3.He pleads the great things God had formerly done for them (Neh 1:10): "Whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, in the days of old. Thy power is still the same; wilt thou not therefore still redeem them and perfect their redemption? Let not those be overpowered by the enemy that have a God of infinite power on their side."
Lastly, He concludes with a particular petition, that God would prosper him in his undertaking, and give him favour with the king: this man he calls him, for the greatest of men are but men before God; they must know themselves to be so (Psa 9:20), and others must know them to be so. Who art thou that thou shouldst be afraid of a man? Mercy in the sight of this man is what he prays for, meaning not the king's mercy, but mercy from God in his address to the king. Favour with men is then comfortable when we can see it springing from the mercy of God.
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SUMMARY
Nehemiah 1:6 captures the profound essence of Nehemiah's intercessory prayer, revealing his deep anguish and unwavering commitment to stand before God on behalf of the exiled Israelites. Following the devastating news of Jerusalem's desolate state, Nehemiah dedicates himself to a period of intense weeping, fasting, and continuous prayer. This verse encapsulates his humble posture, his persistent intercession for his people, and his courageous willingness to engage in both corporate and deeply personal confession of sin, acknowledging the collective failings of Israel alongside those of his own household.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Nehemiah 1:6 is strategically placed at the commencement of Nehemiah's pivotal prayer, which forms the spiritual bedrock of the entire book. The preceding verses establish the dire circumstances that provoke Nehemiah's fervent intercession. Nehemiah 1:1-3 recounts Hanani's report of Jerusalem's shattered walls and the profound "affliction and reproach" faced by its inhabitants. This distressing news immediately plunges Nehemiah into a state of deep mourning, prompting him to dedicate himself to weeping, fasting, and prayer for several days, as described in Nehemiah 1:4. Verse 6 then initiates the actual content of this exemplary prayer, which unfolds as a model of intercession, continuing through Nehemiah 1:11. This prayer masterfully weaves together adoration, confession, remembrance of God's covenant promises, and specific petitions, laying a crucial spiritual foundation for the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and restoring its people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of the book of Nehemiah are set in the mid-5th century BC, during the zenith of the Persian Empire's dominion. The Jewish people were in their post-exilic phase, with some having already returned to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and later Ezra. However, Jerusalem, particularly its defensive fortifications, remained in a state of utter ruin, a stark symbol of national disgrace, vulnerability, and a constant source of ridicule from surrounding peoples. Without protective walls, the city was exposed to attacks and its inhabitants lived in perpetual insecurity and shame. Nehemiah's esteemed position as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I granted him unique access and influence, yet his heart was profoundly burdened by the plight of his compatriots. The cultural significance of city walls, which served not only for defense but also as markers of a city's honor, identity, and sovereignty, underscores the severity of Jerusalem's condition. Nehemiah's prayer reflects a deep understanding of Israel's covenant history, including the warnings of judgment for disobedience and the promises of restoration upon genuine repentance, as articulated in foundational texts such as Deuteronomy 30:1-5.
Key Themes: Nehemiah 1:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that resonate throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies Earnest and Persistent Prayer, showcasing Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to seek God's intervention "day and night." This profound dedication highlights a deep reliance on divine power and guidance, rather than mere human strategy, as the primary means for addressing overwhelming challenges. Secondly, the verse provides a compelling illustration of Corporate and Personal Confession of Sin. Nehemiah's profound identification with the national sin, expressed in his confession, "the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned," serves as a model of humble, empathetic leadership. It powerfully underscores the biblical truth that sin carries communal consequences and that genuine repentance often necessitates acknowledging one's own complicity within a broader spiritual decline. This resonates deeply with other profound prayers of national confession found in Scripture, such as that offered by Daniel in Daniel 9. Thirdly, the verse subtly yet powerfully emphasizes God's Covenant Faithfulness and His Enduring Relationship with His Servants. Nehemiah's repeated references to the Israelites as "thy servants" are not merely polite addresses but appeals to God's covenant obligations and His steadfast love for His chosen people, even in the midst of their profound disobedience. This theme serves as a foundational underpinning for the entire narrative of restoration, reminding the reader that God's redemptive plan for Israel persists despite their failures and His just judgments.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 1:6 is rich with impactful literary devices that amplify the prayer's urgency and sincerity. Anthropomorphism is prominently displayed in the opening plea, "Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open," where human physical attributes (ears, eyes) are ascribed to God. This device makes the divine accessible and relatable, emphasizing God's capacity for active perception and responsive engagement with the plight of His people. Hyperbole is evident in the phrase "day and night," which, while possibly literal given Nehemiah's distress, primarily conveys the extreme intensity, ceaselessness, and profound burden driving his intercession. This highlights his unwavering commitment to prayer. Furthermore, the Repetition of key phrases such as "thy servant" (referring to himself and the "children of Israel") serves to reinforce Nehemiah's humble posture and his consistent appeal to God's covenant relationship with His chosen people. The repeated emphasis on the verb "sinned" ("which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned") powerfully underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the thorough, unsparing quality of Nehemiah's confession, leaving no room for self-justification.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 1:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of prayer, the necessity of confession, and the spiritual principle of identification with God's people. It reveals that effective intercession is not merely a rote exercise but is rooted in a deep, empathetic awareness of both human brokenness and divine sovereignty. Nehemiah's remarkable willingness to include himself and his family in the national confession ("both I and my father's house have sinned") is a powerful testament to humility, solidarity, and spiritual integrity, recognizing that sin is a pervasive human condition that affects all, irrespective of status or personal piety. This corporate confession is not an act of self-flagellation but a necessary, biblically mandated step towards genuine repentance and restoration, acknowledging God's justice in judgment while simultaneously appealing to His boundless mercy. It powerfully underscores the biblical principle that true spiritual revival and societal renewal often begin with a humble recognition of sin and a collective turning back to God, a pattern vividly illustrated throughout Israel's covenant history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 1:6 offers a timeless and compelling blueprint for personal and corporate spiritual engagement in the face of adversity. It profoundly challenges believers to cultivate a deep, empathetic burden for the brokenness, suffering, and spiritual decay within their communities and the wider world, allowing that burden to propel them into persistent and fervent prayer, even "day and night." Nehemiah's exemplary conduct teaches us that genuine intercession is far more than a mere request for blessings; it often begins with a humble, honest, and comprehensive confession of sin—both our own individual transgressions and our complicity in the collective failures of the church or society at large. This willingness to identify with the sins of others, and to acknowledge our own part in them, is a powerful act that breaks down pride, fosters solidarity, and opens the door for God's transformative grace and healing. It serves as a potent reminder that true spiritual renewal and societal restoration frequently commence with a contrite heart that recognizes its profound need for divine intervention and mercy. By embracing Nehemiah's posture of humble, persistent, and self-identifying prayer, we can become powerful conduits for God's redemptive work in a world desperately in need of His healing touch and restoration.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Nehemiah confess sins for "the children of Israel" and his "father's house" when he himself was not directly involved in the idolatry or rebellion of past generations?
Answer: Nehemiah's confession is an act of profound spiritual identification, solidarity, and prophetic intercession. While he personally may not have participated in the specific sins of previous generations that led to the Babylonian exile, he recognizes that he is an integral part of the covenant community that collectively broke faith with God. This concept of corporate solidarity is a recurring and vital theme throughout the Old Testament, where the actions and covenant faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) of one generation or leader can have profound consequences for subsequent generations, as seen in Lamentations 5:7. Furthermore, Nehemiah acknowledges that sin is a pervasive human condition, and even if he avoided the gross idolatry of the past, he and his family were still part of a fallen humanity that continually falls short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). His confession demonstrates genuine humility and a profound understanding of the shared human condition of sinfulness, as well as the collective responsibility of the covenant people before a holy God. It is an act of intercession that seeks to bridge the gap between God's justice and His mercy on behalf of a guilty nation, laying the groundwork for divine restoration.
What is the significance of Nehemiah praying "day and night"?
Answer: The phrase "day and night" in Nehemiah's prayer signifies the extraordinary intensity, unwavering persistence, and profound dedication of his intercession. It is far more than a casual or occasional prayer; it is a sustained, fervent cry born out of deep burden, anguish, and an unshakeable commitment to seek God's face. This continuous prayer reflects Nehemiah's absolute dependence on God and his acute recognition that the dire situation facing Jerusalem—its broken walls and demoralized people—was beyond human remedy and required extraordinary divine intervention. It also highlights Nehemiah's personal anguish and his unwavering focus on the spiritual and physical restoration of his people. This kind of persistent prayer is a powerful biblical model for believers, emphasizing that some burdens require sustained, fervent intercession, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His faithful servants, as Jesus Himself taught in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's fervent intercession and profound, self-identifying confession in Nehemiah 1:6 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Nehemiah, as a faithful servant and leader, stands in the gap for his people, humbly confessing their sins as if they were his own. This remarkable act of identification powerfully foreshadows the perfect Intercessor and High Priest, Jesus Christ, who not only fully identifies with humanity in its sinfulness but, unlike Nehemiah, actually bears and atones for the sins of the world. While Nehemiah could only confess for his people, Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, perfectly offered Himself as the singular, all-sufficient atoning sacrifice, definitively taking away the sin that separated humanity from a holy God (Hebrews 9:26). Nehemiah's "day and night" prayer for the restoration of a broken city and people points to Christ's ongoing, ceaseless intercession for His church, praying for His disciples to be kept from evil and sanctified in truth (John 17:15-17). Furthermore, Nehemiah's profound willingness to confess "both I and my father's house have sinned" underscores the universal human need for a Savior, a need perfectly and completely met by Christ, who knew no sin but became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the very righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Thus, Nehemiah's powerful prayer, while deeply significant in its own right, ultimately directs our gaze to the one who perfectly fulfills the role of intercessor, sin-bearer, and the divine restorer of all things, bringing about a spiritual rebuilding far greater than any physical wall.