Nehemiah 2:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, If it please {H2895} the king {H4428}, and if thy servant {H5650} have found favour {H3190} in thy sight {H6440}, that thou wouldest send {H7971} me unto Judah {H3063}, unto the city {H5892} of my fathers {H1}' sepulchres {H6913}, that I may build {H1129} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

then said to the king, "If it pleases the king, if your servant has won your favor, send me to Y'hudah, to the city of my ancestors' tombs, so that I can rebuild it."

Berean Standard Bible

and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 2:5 marks the pivotal moment when Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, finally articulates his deep burden and audacious request. After months of prayer and fasting over the desolate state of Jerusalem, he humbly yet courageously appeals to the most powerful man in the world, asking for permission to be sent to Judah to rebuild the walls of his ancestral city. This verse encapsulates Nehemiah's blend of spiritual preparation, diplomatic wisdom, and clear vision, setting the stage for the remarkable restoration of Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 2:5 is the climax of Nehemiah's internal struggle and spiritual preparation detailed in the preceding chapters. Chapter 1 opens with Nehemiah receiving devastating news about Jerusalem's broken walls and burned gates, prompting him to weep, mourn, fast, and pray for days ([Nehemiah 1:3-4](/nehemiah/1-3 "Nehemiah 1:3-4 - News of Jerusalem's Desolation and Nehemiah's Response")). His extended prayer (Nehemiah 1:5-11) is a model of confession, remembrance of God's covenant, and petition for favor before the king. Chapter 2 begins four months later, with Nehemiah's sadness evident to King Artaxerxes. Before responding to the king's inquiry, Nehemiah offers a silent prayer ([Nehemiah 2:4](/nehemiah/2-4 "Nehemiah 2:4 - Nehemiah's Silent Prayer")). This verse, then, is the direct, Spirit-prompted articulation of the request that has been brewing in his heart and refined through fervent prayer, demonstrating the critical link between spiritual preparation and courageous action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 2:5 unfold in Susa, the winter capital of the vast Persian Empire, during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC). Nehemiah held the highly trusted and intimate position of cupbearer, a role that granted him close proximity to the king but also demanded absolute loyalty and discretion. For a cupbearer to show sadness or make a significant personal request was unusual and potentially risky, as it could be misconstrued as disloyalty or discontent. Jerusalem, at this time, was a vulnerable post-exilic city, its walls still in ruins from the Babylonian destruction of 586 BC. Previous attempts to rebuild had been met with opposition and even royal decrees to cease work ([Ezra 4:7-24](/ezra/4-7 "Ezra 4:7-24 - Opposition to Rebuilding Jerusalem")). Nehemiah's reference to "the city of my fathers' sepulchres" would have resonated culturally, as reverence for ancestral burial grounds was a widely understood and respected concept in the ancient Near East, adding a layer of personal and sacred legitimacy to his plea.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Favor**, as Nehemiah's appeal to the king's "favour" suggests his belief that God was orchestrating the circumstances and inclining the king's heart, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"). Secondly, it highlights **Burden for God's People and City**, revealing Nehemiah's profound spiritual and emotional connection to Jerusalem and his ancestral heritage, driving his desire for its restoration. Thirdly, Nehemiah demonstrates **Boldness and Strategic Planning**, moving from prayer to decisive action with a clear objective ("that I may build it"), showcasing the qualities of effective, God-led leadership. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the overarching theme of **Restoration and Rebuilding**, not just of physical walls, but of community, identity, and hope for the Jewish exiles returning to their homeland, a theme found throughout post-exilic prophetic books like [Haggai](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Call to Rebuild the Temple") and [Zechariah](/zechariah/1 "Zechariah 1 - Call to Repentance and Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chen_):** This word signifies grace, goodwill, or acceptance. While often used to describe God's favor upon individuals (e.g., Noah finding favor in God's eyes in [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah Finds Favor")), here Nehemiah seeks human favor from the king. However, in the context of Nehemiah's preceding prayer, it implicitly acknowledges that such human favor is ultimately divinely granted, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in inclining the king's heart towards Nehemiah's petition.
* **Sepulchres (Hebrew, _qivrot_):** Meaning "graves" or "burial places," this term emphasizes the deep ancestral and spiritual connection Nehemiah felt towards Jerusalem. It was not merely a city in ruins, but the sacred ground where his forefathers were buried, linking him to the covenant heritage of Israel. This phrase elevates his mission from a mere construction project to a profoundly personal and religiously significant undertaking, appealing to a universal respect for ancestral ties.
* **Build (Hebrew, _banah_):** This verb means "to build," "to rebuild," or "to establish." In this context, it refers specifically to the reconstruction of Jerusalem's protective walls and gates. However, the act of "building" carried broader implications for the post-exilic community: it signified the restoration of security, identity, dignity, and the re-establishment of a functioning city, crucial for the spiritual and physical well-being of the Jewish remnant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said unto the king":** This brief clause marks the decisive moment of Nehemiah's direct address to Artaxerxes. It follows Nehemiah's silent prayer in [Nehemiah 2:4](/nehemiah/2-4 "Nehemiah 2:4 - Nehemiah's Silent Prayer"), indicating that his words were carefully considered, Spirit-led, and delivered with a blend of courage and humility appropriate for addressing an absolute monarch.
* **"If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight":** This is a highly diplomatic and respectful opening, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern courtly address. Nehemiah acknowledges the king's absolute authority and seeks his gracious permission. The phrase "if thy servant have found favour" subtly attributes any positive reception to the king's benevolence, while for Nehemiah, it would have been understood as God's favor working through the king.
* **"that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres":** Nehemiah clearly states his desired destination: Judah, specifically Jerusalem. His use of "the city of my fathers' sepulchres" is a powerful and personal appeal, highlighting his deep connection to the city not just as a political entity, but as the sacred burial place of his ancestors, thus lending a profound, almost familial, urgency and legitimacy to his request.
* **"that I may build it":** This final, concise clause articulates Nehemiah's precise purpose. He doesn't merely want to visit; he has a clear, actionable plan: to rebuild the city, specifically its defenses. This demonstrates his vision, determination, and readiness to take direct responsibility for the daunting task, showing himself to be a leader with a defined objective.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:5 employs several effective literary devices. The opening phrase, **Diplomatic Language** or **Politeness Formula**, "If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight," is a classic example of courtly address designed to show deference and respect to an absolute monarch, while subtly paving the way for a significant request. This formal politeness serves to mitigate the inherent risk of Nehemiah's audacious petition. The phrase "the city of my fathers' sepulchres" functions as a powerful form of **Metonymy** or **Euphemism**, referring to Jerusalem not by its common name but by a deeply personal and culturally resonant characteristic. This choice emphasizes the sacred, ancestral, and emotional significance of the city to Nehemiah, elevating his mission beyond a mere political or architectural project to a spiritual and familial imperative. Finally, the overall structure of the verse, moving from a deferential preamble to a direct and concise statement of purpose ("that I may build it"), showcases Nehemiah's **Strategic Communication** and **Conciseness**, demonstrating a leader who knows how to present a bold vision effectively.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 2:5 stands as a testament to God's sovereign hand in human affairs and His faithfulness to His covenant people. Nehemiah's careful preparation, including intense prayer and fasting, underscores the principle that divine favor often accompanies human diligence and dependence on God. His humble yet bold request to the king demonstrates a profound trust that God, who controls the hearts of rulers, would open the way for His purposes to be fulfilled. This moment highlights that God uses ordinary individuals, burdened by His concerns, to accomplish extraordinary tasks for His kingdom. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was not merely a physical construction project but a crucial step in the spiritual and national restoration of Israel after the exile, signifying renewed hope, security, and identity for God's people.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Ezra 7:6](/ezra/7-6 "Ezra 7:6 - Ezra's Favor with the King")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 2:5 offers profound lessons for believers today, demonstrating the powerful synergy between fervent prayer, courageous action, and divine orchestration. Nehemiah's months of prayer before approaching the king teach us the indispensable value of spiritual preparation and seeking God's will before embarking on significant undertakings. When God places a burden on our hearts—whether for a community, a social injustice, a family member, or a specific ministry—this verse calls us to respond with a blend of strategic planning and audacious faith. We are reminded that our God is sovereign over all circumstances, including the hearts of those in authority, and He can open doors that seem humanly impossible. Like Nehemiah, we are invited to articulate our God-given visions with clarity and purpose, trusting that He will provide the necessary favor, resources, and timing for His work to be accomplished through us. This verse encourages us to move beyond mere concern to active, Spirit-led engagement in the areas where God has called us to "build."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "burdens" has God placed on your heart for His kingdom, your community, or your family?**
* **How can you integrate Nehemiah's commitment to prayer and strategic planning into your own response to these burdens?**
* **In what specific situations are you called to trust God for "favor" and opportune timing to accomplish His will?**

### FAQ
**Why was it risky for Nehemiah to make this request to King Artaxerxes?**

Answer: Nehemiah's request was inherently risky for several reasons. As the king's cupbearer, his role demanded unwavering loyalty and constant presence. Requesting a prolonged leave of absence from such a vital, intimate position could be perceived as disinterest in his duties or, worse, disloyalty. Furthermore, Jerusalem was a distant province with a history of rebellion; previous attempts to rebuild its walls had been met with opposition and even royal decrees to cease work ([Ezra 4:7-24](/ezra/4-7 "Ezra 4:7-24 - Opposition to Rebuilding Jerusalem")). A request to rebuild its defenses could easily be interpreted as an attempt to fortify a rebellious outpost, posing a direct threat to the king's authority. In an absolute monarchy, any perceived slight or challenge could result in severe punishment, even death. Nehemiah's courage, therefore, was not merely personal but deeply rooted in his faith that God had prepared the king's heart.

**What is the significance of Nehemiah referring to Jerusalem as "the city of my fathers' sepulchres"?**

Answer: This phrase carries profound significance, highlighting Jerusalem's sacred and ancestral importance to Nehemiah. By referring to it as "the city of my fathers' sepulchres," Nehemiah emphasizes that Jerusalem was not merely a geographical location or a political entity, but the burial place of his ancestors, linking him directly to the covenant heritage and history of Israel. This personal connection underscored his deep emotional and spiritual investment in its restoration, elevating the project beyond mere civic duty to a sacred calling. It also appealed to the king's understanding of ancestral reverence, a concept widely respected in the ancient world, lending a layer of legitimacy and pathos to Nehemiah's otherwise bold request. It communicated that his burden was deeply personal and tied to his identity and heritage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's burden for the broken walls of Jerusalem and his mission to rebuild them powerfully foreshadow the ultimate work of Christ. Just as Nehemiah interceded for his people and physically restored their city's defenses, Jesus Christ came to intercede for a spiritually broken humanity and to rebuild the spiritual walls of salvation and communion with God. Nehemiah's journey from the king's court to a desolate city mirrors Christ's condescension from heavenly glory to a fallen world to accomplish redemption. The security and identity that the rebuilt walls offered to ancient Israel find their ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual security and new identity believers have in Christ, who is our sure foundation and protective wall ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). Moreover, Nehemiah's vision for a restored Jerusalem points forward to the New Jerusalem, the eternal city of God, where no walls are needed for defense because God Himself is its glory and protection, and where there is no more sorrow or crying ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Jerusalem")). Ultimately, Nehemiah's work of rebuilding the physical city is a type of Christ's greater work of building His Church, a spiritual temple, and establishing His eternal kingdom, ensuring a secure and glorious future for all who are found in Him ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")).

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.