Nehemiah 13:6

KJV

But in all this [time] was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:

KJV (with Strong's)

But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem {H3389}: for in the two {H8147} and thirtieth {H7970} year {H8141} of Artaxerxes {H783} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} came {H935} I unto the king {H4428}, and after {H7093} certain days {H3117} obtained I leave {H7592} of the king {H4428}:

Complete Jewish Bible

During all this time I wasn't present in Yerushalayim; because in the thirty-second year of Artach'shashta king of Bavel, I went to see the king; then, after some time had passed, I asked permission from the king

Berean Standard Bible

While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king

American Standard Version

But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went unto the king: and after certain days asked I leave of the king,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 13:6 serves as a crucial narrative pivot, explaining Nehemiah's temporary absence from Jerusalem and his mandated return to King Artaxerxes in Susa. This verse elucidates the critical twelve-year period during which the spiritual and moral reforms he had painstakingly established began to unravel, setting the stage for the urgent and decisive actions he would undertake upon his subsequent return to Judah, thereby highlighting both his accountability to the Persian monarch and God's sovereign orchestration of events for the continued restoration of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 13:6 functions as a significant narrative transition within the book of Nehemiah. The preceding chapters (Nehemiah 8-12) meticulously detail Nehemiah's initial arrival in Jerusalem, the successful completion of the city walls, and the implementation of extensive spiritual and social reforms, including the public reading of the Law, a profound covenant renewal ceremony, and the establishment of proper temple procedures and support for the Levites. These chapters depict a period of remarkable spiritual revival and communal order. Verse 6, by noting Nehemiah's departure from Jerusalem, provides the essential explanation for the rapid decline and widespread abuses that subsequently emerged. It directly precedes the detailed catalogue of backsliding—such as the defilement of the Temple by Tobiah, the neglect of tithes leading to the abandonment of the Levites, widespread Sabbath breaking, and the resurgence of forbidden intermarriage—that Nehemiah discovers and rigorously confronts upon his return, initiating a second, more forceful wave of reforms described throughout [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Second Wave of Reforms").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nehemiah's initial commission from King Artaxerxes I, granted in the 20th year of his reign (c. 445 BC), was for a specific, though initially unstated, duration (cf. [Nehemiah 2:6](/nehemiah/2-6 "Nehemiah 2:6 - Nehemiah's Request to Artaxerxes")). Verse 6 reveals that Nehemiah returned to Artaxerxes in the 32nd year of his reign, which corresponds to approximately 433/432 BC. This indicates that Nehemiah had served as governor in Jerusalem for about twelve years. Persian administrative policy typically required provincial governors to periodically return to the royal court to report on their activities, renew their commissions, and ensure their continued loyalty to the king. This practice was crucial for maintaining control over the vast Achaemenid Empire. The reference to Artaxerxes as "king of Babylon" is a customary royal title adopted by Persian monarchs after their conquest of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (539 BC), signifying their legitimate dominion over that historically significant territory, rather than indicating a change in the Persian capital or a shift in power dynamics. Nehemiah's departure created a leadership vacuum, allowing the spiritual and social decay to take root among the Jewish community, particularly among the very leaders who had previously committed to upholding the covenant in [Nehemiah 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Renewal").
* **Key Themes:** This verse subtly underscores several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights the **accountability of leadership**, demonstrating that even those serving God's purposes are often subject to earthly authorities, as Nehemiah dutifully returned to his patron king. Secondly, it implicitly emphasizes the **critical importance of consistent, vigilant leadership** in maintaining spiritual integrity and communal righteousness. Nehemiah's absence directly correlates with the community's swift decline, illustrating the fragility of reforms without sustained oversight and the human tendency to drift from covenant obligations when watchful leadership is removed. This echoes prophetic warnings against spiritual complacency and the dire need for faithful shepherds, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Shepherds of Israel"). Finally, the verse subtly points to **divine providence**, as Nehemiah's return to the king was not merely a bureaucratic duty but also a divinely orchestrated event that allowed him to secure permission to return to Jerusalem, thus enabling God's continued work of restoration and purification among His people, preventing complete apostasy and fulfilling His covenant promises, as seen in [Deuteronomy 30:1-10](/deuteronomy/30-1-10 "Deuteronomy 30:1-10 - Return to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** The capital city of Judah, central to the post-exilic community's identity and the focus of Nehemiah's mission. Its mention here underscores the place of Nehemiah's absence and the subsequent spiritual decline that occurred there. The city's name, likely meaning "founded peaceful," stands in ironic contrast to the turmoil and unfaithfulness that arose in Nehemiah's absence, necessitating his return to restore order and peace.
* **Artaxerxes (Persian, _ʼArtachshashtâʼ'_):** This refers to Artaxerxes I Longimanus, the Persian king who reigned from 465-424 BC. His "two and thirtieth year" precisely dates Nehemiah's return to the Persian court (c. 433/432 BC), providing crucial chronological anchoring for the narrative. The name itself signifies a title rather than a personal name, reflecting the grandeur and authority of the Persian monarch who held dominion over the Jewish exiles and their homeland.
* **obtained I leave (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** This verb means "to inquire," "to request," or "to demand," and in this context, "to obtain leave" or "to receive permission." It signifies that Nehemiah actively petitioned the king and successfully secured the necessary authorization to return to Jerusalem. This was not an automatic right but a granted privilege, highlighting the king's ultimate authority and, more importantly, God's favor working through Nehemiah's diplomatic skill to enable his return and the continuation of the divine work in Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in all this [time] was not I at Jerusalem:"** This opening clause immediately establishes Nehemiah's physical absence from Jerusalem during the period when the spiritual and social decline, detailed in the subsequent verses of chapter 13, began to manifest. The phrase "in all this [time]" refers to the duration of the abuses (e.g., Tobiah's presence in the Temple, neglect of tithes, Sabbath desecration), highlighting the direct correlation between Nehemiah's departure and the community's backsliding from the covenant.
* **"for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king,"** This clause provides the precise chronological marker for Nehemiah's return to the Persian court. The 32nd year of Artaxerxes I (c. 433/432 BC) indicates that Nehemiah had been in Jerusalem for approximately twelve years since his initial appointment in the 20th year of Artaxerxes (c. 445 BC). His journey "unto the king" implies a return to Susa, the Persian capital, fulfilling his administrative obligations as a royal official and governor.
* **"and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:"** This final clause reveals the crucial outcome of Nehemiah's visit to Artaxerxes: he successfully petitioned for and received official permission to return to Jerusalem. The phrase "after certain days" suggests a period of waiting, negotiation, or perhaps deliberation on the king's part, during which Nehemiah likely presented his case for returning to Judah. This demonstrates God's continued favor upon Nehemiah and His people, as the king's permission was absolutely essential for Nehemiah to resume his vital work of restoration and spiritual purification.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 13:6 employs several subtle but effective literary devices that enhance its narrative and thematic impact. It functions as a **Narrative Shift**, marking a distinct transition from the triumphant accounts of wall rebuilding and covenant renewal (Nehemiah 8-12) to the stark reality of spiritual decline and the urgent need for renewed reform (Nehemiah 13). This verse provides the crucial explanation for *why* things went wrong, acting as a powerful **Causal Link** between Nehemiah's absence and the subsequent problems that plagued the community. There is also an **Implicit Contrast** established: the order, devotion, and adherence to the Law meticulously described in earlier chapters are implicitly contrasted with the disorder, apostasy, and moral decay that flourished in Nehemiah's absence, thereby highlighting the indispensable role of his vigilant leadership. Finally, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Nehemiah's successful "obtaining leave of the king" subtly anticipates his imminent return to Jerusalem and the dramatic, confrontational actions he is about to undertake to purge the entrenched evils he discovers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 13:6 profoundly illustrates the enduring theological truth that spiritual vigilance and faithful, consistent leadership are indispensable for maintaining covenant fidelity within a community. Nehemiah's temporary absence created a vacuum that allowed the seeds of apostasy and compromise to sprout rapidly, demonstrating the human propensity to drift from God's standards without consistent accountability and strong, godly oversight. This highlights the ongoing need for both individual and communal commitment to the covenant, recognizing that initial reforms, no matter how profound, require sustained effort and a willingness to confront sin when it resurfaces. The verse also underscores God's sovereign hand in human affairs, as He providentially orchestrated Nehemiah's return to the king and his subsequent re-commissioning, ensuring that His purposes for His people in Jerusalem would continue to be fulfilled despite their failings and the challenges they faced.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11-19 "Judges 2:11-19 - Cycle of Apostasy in Judges")
* [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake the Assembly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 13:6 serves as a potent reminder for believers today about the critical importance of sustained spiritual vigilance, both personally and communally. Just as Nehemiah's absence led to a rapid decline in Jerusalem, our own spiritual lives and the health of our communities can falter without consistent attention to God's Word, active participation in righteous living, and faithful, watchful leadership. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are merely passive observers or active participants in upholding biblical standards and maintaining spiritual integrity. It emphasizes that spiritual reforms, once initiated, require ongoing commitment and diligent maintenance, not just a one-time effort. We are called to be vigilant stewards of our faith, recognizing that spiritual health demands continuous effort, a willingness to confront sin and compromise, and a readiness to return to God's standards when we stray. This commitment aligns with the New Testament call to "walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, making the most of the time" ([Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Ephesians 5:15-16 - Walk Circumspectly")), understanding that spiritual complacency is a dangerous path that can quickly lead to decay.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas in my personal spiritual life or within my community might be susceptible to decline if consistent vigilance and accountability are not maintained?**
* **How does Nehemiah's commitment to return to the king, even for a temporary period, reflect a broader principle of faithfulness to all one's commitments, both earthly and divine?**
* **In what ways can I, as an individual, contribute to the sustained spiritual health and integrity of my local church or Christian community, even in the absence of a specific leader?**
* **How does Nehemiah's discovery of the community's backsliding upon his return encourage me to address sin and compromise in my own life or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Why is Artaxerxes called "king of Babylon" when Persia was the dominant power?**

Answer: The title "king of Babylon" for Artaxerxes I is a reflection of the Persian Empire's vastness and its administrative practices. After Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 BC, Persian kings often adopted the titles of previous rulers of conquered territories, particularly prestigious ones like Babylon, to legitimize their rule and assert their dominion over that significant region. This was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchs to signify universal sovereignty. It does not mean that Babylon was the capital of Persia or that there was a shift in power, but rather highlights Artaxerxes' claim to rule over all the former Neo-Babylonian territories, including Judah.

**How long was Nehemiah absent from Jerusalem, and why is this significant?**

Answer: Nehemiah was absent from Jerusalem for an unspecified period after his initial twelve years of governorship. He returned to King Artaxerxes in the 32nd year of the king's reign (c. 433/432 BC), having initially arrived in Jerusalem in the 20th year (c. 445 BC). The significance of his absence lies in the rapid spiritual and moral decline that occurred in Jerusalem during this time. Without Nehemiah's vigilant leadership, the reforms he had painstakingly implemented began to unravel, leading to issues like the defilement of the Temple, neglect of the Levites, Sabbath breaking, and intermarriage (as detailed in [Nehemiah 13:7-31](/nehemiah/13-7-31 "Nehemiah 13:7-31 - Nehemiah's Reforms Upon Return")). This underscores the critical role of consistent, godly leadership in maintaining the spiritual health and covenant fidelity of a community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 13:6, while detailing a specific historical event, profoundly points forward to the ultimate and perfect "return" of a greater Governor: Jesus Christ. Nehemiah's temporary departure from Jerusalem and subsequent return to the king to "obtain leave" to come back to his people foreshadows Christ's ascension to the Father and His promised second coming. Just as Nehemiah left Jerusalem for a time, entrusting the community to its established leaders, so too did Jesus ascend to heaven after His earthly ministry, leaving His disciples with the Great Commission and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:8-9](/acts/1-8-9 "Acts 1:8-9 - The Great Commission and Ascension")). During Nehemiah's absence, the community in Jerusalem began to backslide, illustrating the human tendency toward spiritual drift and compromise without the immediate, visible presence of a strong, righteous leader. Similarly, in the "absence" of Christ's physical presence, the Church is called to remain vigilant and faithful, resisting the temptations of the world and the decay of spiritual compromise ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober-Minded and Watchful")). However, unlike Nehemiah who had to "obtain leave" from an earthly king, Christ's return is sovereignly determined and absolutely assured by His divine authority ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises His Return")). His present intercession at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")) ensures that His people are sustained and preserved until His glorious return, when He will fully and finally restore all things, bringing an end to all spiritual compromise and establishing His eternal kingdom in perfect righteousness and peace ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 5:14

¶ Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that is], twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

Matthew 13:25

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

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.

Exodus 32:1

¶ And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Ezra 6:22

And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Nehemiah 2:5

And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

Nehemiah 2:6

And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.