Nehemiah 13:6

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:

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}:

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

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

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

Nehemiah 13:6 (KJV) marks a crucial transition point in the book of Nehemiah, explaining the prophet-governor's temporary absence from Jerusalem and setting the stage for the spiritual decline he discovers upon his return. This verse highlights Nehemiah's accountability to King Artaxerxes and his subsequent renewed commitment to the reforms in Judah.

Context

After successfully rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and implementing significant religious and social reforms, Nehemiah was bound by his original agreement with King Artaxerxes I to return to Susa, the Persian capital. His initial mission, detailed in Nehemiah 2:1-8, granted him leave for a specific period. Verse 6 reveals that his departure from Jerusalem occurred "in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes," which translates to approximately 433/432 BC. This means Nehemiah had been in Jerusalem for about twelve years since his arrival in the 20th year of Artaxerxes (around 445 BC). During his absence, the community, particularly its leaders, began to neglect the covenant commitments they had solemnly made, leading to widespread spiritual and moral decay, which Nehemiah addresses upon his return in the subsequent verses of Nehemiah chapter 13.

Key Themes

  • Accountability and Stewardship: Nehemiah, despite his vital role in Jerusalem, remained accountable to his earthly king, Artaxerxes. His return to the king demonstrates his integrity and faithfulness to his original terms of service, even as he served God's purposes.
  • The Impact of Leadership Presence: The verse implicitly underscores the vital role of consistent, godly leadership. Nehemiah's absence created a vacuum that allowed previously addressed issues, such as temple defilement, Sabbath breaking, and intermarriage, to resurface. This highlights the ongoing need for vigilant spiritual oversight.
  • Divine Providence: While Nehemiah's return to Artaxerxes was a duty, his subsequent permission to return to Jerusalem was a crucial part of God's plan to correct the nation's backsliding. It allowed him to resume his work of calling the people back to faithfulness to the Mosaic Law and the covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "king of Babylon" used for Artaxerxes is notable. While Persia had conquered Babylon, the Persian kings often adopted the titles of previous rulers, including "king of Babylon," to legitimize their rule over that significant territory. This doesn't indicate a shift in Persian power or a change in the capital, but rather a customary royal designation reflecting the vastness of their empire.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 13:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the importance of sustained spiritual vigilance and accountability. Just as the absence of a strong leader led to decline in Jerusalem, our personal spiritual lives and communities can falter without consistent attention to God's Word and active participation in righteous living. It emphasizes that reforms, once initiated, require ongoing commitment and maintenance. We are called to be vigilant stewards of our faith, recognizing that spiritual health requires continuous effort and a willingness to return to God's standards when we stray, much like Nehemiah returned to address the issues in Jerusalem. This commitment aligns with the call to put on the full armor of God and stand firm in faith against spiritual complacency.

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 5:14 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Nehemiah 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.