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.

And it came to pass in the month {H2320} Nisan {H5212}, in the twentieth {H6242} year {H8141} of Artaxerxes {H783} the king {H4428}, that wine {H3196} was before {H6440} him: and I took up {H5375} the wine {H3196}, and gave {H5414} it unto the king {H4428}. Now I had not been beforetime sad {H7451} in his presence {H6440}.

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of Artach'shashta the king, it happened that I took the wine and brought it to the king. Prior to then I had never appeared sad in his presence.

Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence,

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

Nehemiah 2:1 marks a pivotal moment in Nehemiah’s story, transitioning from his deep sorrow and prayer to the beginning of his mission to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. This verse sets the stage for Nehemiah's bold request to King Artaxerxes.

Context

This verse opens thirteen years after the events of Ezra chapter 7, during the reign of King Artaxerxes I Longimanus of Persia. Nehemiah served as the king's cupbearer, a highly trusted and influential position. A cupbearer was responsible for tasting the king's wine to ensure it wasn't poisoned, but also had close personal access to the monarch, often acting as an advisor. The "month Nisan" corresponds to March/April in the modern calendar, indicating a specific season. Nehemiah had previously received distressing news about the desolate state of Jerusalem, specifically that its walls were broken down and its gates burned (Nehemiah 1:3). This news had plunged him into deep grief, leading him to mourn, fast, and pray for days (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Despite his inner turmoil, Nehemiah had maintained a cheerful demeanor before the king, as was expected of those in royal service. His visible sadness in this instance was therefore highly unusual and significant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Timing and Providence: The specific mention of "the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes" highlights God's perfect timing. After months of prayer, the opportunity arises precisely when Nehemiah is in the king's presence.
  • Nehemiah's Burden and Vulnerability: His inability to hide his sorrow, despite his professional custom, underscores the depth of his grief for Jerusalem. This vulnerability, paradoxically, opens the door for divine intervention.
  • The King's Observation and Favor: Artaxerxes, a powerful gentile ruler, notices Nehemiah's unusual sadness. This observation sets the stage for the king's inquiry and Nehemiah's subsequent request, demonstrating God's ability to move the hearts of leaders (Proverbs 21:1).
  • Transition to Action: This verse marks the crucial moment when Nehemiah's fervent prayer and inner burden begin to manifest in outward action, initiated by the king's perception.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 2:1 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God Hears and Answers Prayer: Nehemiah's months of prayer were not in vain. This verse shows God opening a door at the right time. Continue to pray earnestly for burdens on your heart.
  • God Uses Ordinary People in Strategic Places: Nehemiah, as a cupbearer, was not a prophet or priest, yet God used him in a position of influence to accomplish His will. God can use you where you are, regardless of your title or position.
  • Our Burdens Can Be God's Opportunities: Nehemiah's deep sadness was not a weakness but a catalyst for God's plan to unfold. When we feel deeply burdened for a cause or a need, it may be God stirring us to action.
  • Vulnerability Can Lead to Breakthrough: Sometimes, our genuine emotion or struggle, when expressed appropriately, can open doors for crucial conversations and divine interventions.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezra 7:1

    ¶ Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

  • Nehemiah 1:11

    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.

  • Nehemiah 1:1

    ¶ 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,

  • 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.

  • Esther 3:7

    ¶ In the first month, that [is], the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that [is], the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Adar.

  • Genesis 40:21

    And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:

  • Genesis 40:11

    And Pharaoh's cup [was] in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.

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