Nehemiah 2:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto me,(the queen {H7694} also sitting {H3427} by him {H681},) For how long shall thy journey {H4109} be? and when wilt thou return {H7725}? So it pleased {H3190}{H6440} the king {H4428} to send {H7971} me; and I set {H5414} him a time {H2165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With the queen sitting next to him, the king asked me, "How long is your trip going to take? When will you return?" So it pleased the king to send me, and I gave him a time.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 2:6 marks a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's mission, where King Artaxerxes I directly engages with his unspoken request to return to Jerusalem. The king's questions regarding the duration of Nehemiah's journey and his return demonstrate a serious consideration of the matter, further underscored by the queen's presence. Nehemiah's prepared response, in which he "set him a time," reveals his strategic foresight, leading to the king's favorable decision to grant his audacious request, thereby illustrating profound divine favor and the importance of prayerful, practical planning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Nehemiah's deep anguish and fervent prayer in [Nehemiah 1](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Distress"), where he laments the desolate state of Jerusalem's walls and seeks God's favor. In [Nehemiah 2:1-5](/nehemiah/2-1 "Nehemiah 2:1-5 - Nehemiah's Distress and Request"), Nehemiah's sadness becomes evident to King Artaxerxes, prompting the king's inquiry. Nehemiah, after a quick prayer, makes his bold request to rebuild Jerusalem. Verse 6 is the crucial turning point, representing the king's direct engagement and the subsequent granting of the request, setting the stage for Nehemiah's departure and the commencement of the rebuilding project. It transitions from Nehemiah's internal burden and prayer to the external, practical steps of his God-ordained mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nehemiah served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, a position of immense trust and proximity to the monarch, yet one that typically confined him to the Persian court. The Persian Empire, at its height, was vast and powerful, and its kings wielded absolute authority. For a servant to request an extended leave of absence, particularly for a mission to rebuild a city that had previously been a source of rebellion against Persian rule (as seen in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")), was an extraordinary and potentially dangerous proposition. The presence of "the queen also sitting by him" (likely Damaspia, the king's chief wife, though not named in the text) suggests a formal royal audience and perhaps even her influence or endorsement, adding significant weight to the king's decision. This interaction occurs during the post-exilic period, when the Jewish people had returned to Judah but still faced challenges in fully restoring their homeland and religious life.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 2:6 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, as God orchestrates events, moving the heart of a powerful pagan king to fulfill His purposes for His people, echoing the principle in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand") that "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." Another prominent theme is **Strategic Planning and Prudence**, demonstrated by Nehemiah's ability to "set him a time," indicating he had carefully considered the logistics and duration required for his ambitious undertaking. This highlights the importance of combining fervent prayer with wise, practical preparation. Finally, the verse underscores **Courageous Faith and Boldness**, as Nehemiah, despite the inherent risks, bravely presents his vision, trusting God for favor. This royal approval also signifies the theme of **Royal Authority and Support**, which would prove critical for the success of the mission, as seen later with the letters of safe passage and provision in [Nehemiah 2:7-8](/nehemiah/2-7 "Nehemiah 2:7-8 - Nehemiah's Request for Letters").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek_):** Refers to Artaxerxes I, the powerful Achaemenid ruler of the Persian Empire. His absolute authority is paramount; his decision is final and carries immense weight. The fact that such a king would engage Nehemiah and grant his request underscores the extraordinary nature of God's intervention.
* **Queen (Hebrew, _shegal_):** While the specific Hebrew word for "queen" used here (_shegal_) can sometimes refer to a royal concubine, in this context, given her prominent presence alongside the king during an official discussion, it is widely understood to refer to the chief queen, likely Damaspia. Her presence lends additional formality and gravity to the proceedings, suggesting either her personal interest, her role as a witness, or even a subtle indication of her influence in the court.
* **Set him a time (Hebrew, _nathan lo zeman_):** This phrase literally means "gave him a fixed time" or "appointed him a season." It signifies Nehemiah's preparedness and foresight. He didn't make a vague request but had a clear, well-thought-out timeline for his mission, demonstrating not only faith but also practical wisdom and strategic planning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,)":** This opening sets the scene for a direct, personal, and formal interaction between the monarch and his cupbearer. The parenthetical mention of the queen's presence is significant, elevating the importance of the discussion and suggesting a royal council setting, perhaps indicating the gravity of the king's consideration or even a measure of support from the queen herself.
* **"For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return?":** These are not questions of dismissal but of genuine inquiry and concern. They indicate that the king is seriously contemplating Nehemiah's request and is concerned about the duration of his absence. The king values Nehemiah's service and wants to know the practical implications of granting his leave.
* **"So it pleased the king to send me;":** This clause is the climactic moment of divine favor. Despite the unprecedented nature of the request and the political sensitivities surrounding Jerusalem, the king's disposition was favorable. The phrase "it pleased the king" conveys not merely reluctant permission but a willing and positive endorsement, a clear sign of God's hand at work in the king's heart.
* **"and I set him a time.":** This final clause highlights Nehemiah's readiness and strategic acumen. He was not caught off guard but had already calculated the necessary duration for the journey and the rebuilding project. This preparedness likely instilled confidence in the king and contributed to his willingness to grant the request, demonstrating that faith and meticulous planning are not mutually exclusive but complementary.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Dialogue** as the primary literary device, capturing the direct exchange between the king and Nehemiah, which brings the pivotal moment to life. The king's questions serve as a form of **Interrogation**, not for accusation, but for clarification and serious consideration of Nehemiah's proposal. The parenthetical inclusion of "the queen also sitting by him" functions as a subtle form of **Setting Description**, adding detail and weight to the royal audience. The phrase "it pleased the king to send me" can be seen as a form of **Understatement**, as the simple declaration belies the immense significance of this decision, which was nothing short of miraculous given the political climate and Nehemiah's position. Finally, the entire interaction is imbued with **Divine Irony** and **Providence**, as a pagan king is moved by God to facilitate the restoration of His covenant people's capital.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 2:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over all earthly authorities and circumstances. It illustrates that when God's people pray and prepare, God can open doors in the most unexpected places, even through powerful rulers who do not acknowledge Him. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes for His people and His kingdom. It teaches us that God's favor is not limited by human limitations or political obstacles, and that He can turn the hearts of kings to accomplish His will.
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [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")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 2:6 offers profound lessons for believers today, demonstrating the powerful synergy between fervent prayer and strategic, practical action. Nehemiah did not merely pray; he prepared, he observed, and when the divine door opened, he was ready with a clear vision and a well-thought-out plan. This teaches us that while we are to depend entirely on God's sovereignty, we are also called to be diligent stewards of the opportunities He provides. When we sense God calling us to a task, we should engage in deep prayer, but also consider the practical steps, the resources needed, and a realistic timeline. This verse encourages us to be bold in our requests, trusting that God can move the hearts of those in authority or influence, even those outside of our faith, to advance His kingdom purposes. It reminds us that God's favor can manifest in unexpected ways, empowering us to step out in faith with both courage and wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nehemiah's example encourage you to combine fervent prayer with careful planning in your own life or ministry?**
* **In what areas do you need to trust God's sovereign hand to move the hearts of those in authority or influence for His purposes?**
* **When God opens a door for a significant task, are you prepared to "set a time" and articulate a clear vision for the steps ahead?**

### FAQ
**Who was the queen mentioned in Nehemiah 2:6?**

Answer: While the biblical text does not name her, historical and scholarly consensus suggests the queen sitting by King Artaxerxes I was likely Damaspia, his chief wife. Her presence indicates a formal royal setting and adds significant weight to the king's decision. In ancient Persian courts, the queen's presence could signify the importance of the discussion, her role as a witness, or even her potential influence on royal decrees. Her presence here underscores the gravity and official nature of Nehemiah's audience and the king's subsequent approval.

**Why was it so significant that the king "pleased to send" Nehemiah?**

Answer: The king's willingness to send Nehemiah was profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, Nehemiah was the king's cupbearer, a highly trusted and indispensable position that typically required constant proximity to the monarch. Granting a prolonged leave was an extraordinary concession. Secondly, Jerusalem had a history of rebellion against Persian rule, and any request to rebuild its walls could have been viewed with suspicion. The fact that the king was "pleased" (not merely coerced) to grant this audacious request highlights remarkable divine favor. It demonstrates God's sovereign power to incline the hearts of even pagan rulers to accomplish His will for His people, as seen in [Ezra 7:27-28](/ezra/7-27 "Ezra 7:27-28 - God's Hand on Ezra and the King") where Ezra praises God for putting it into the king's heart to beautify the house of the Lord. This divine intervention was crucial for the success of Nehemiah's mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 2:6, with its depiction of a king sending his trusted servant on a mission of restoration, provides a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of God the Father sending His Son, Jesus Christ, on the ultimate mission of redemption and spiritual rebuilding. Just as Nehemiah was "sent" by King Artaxerxes with authority and provision to rebuild the physical walls of Jerusalem, Jesus was "sent" by God the Father with all authority in heaven and on earth to rebuild broken humanity and establish a spiritual kingdom (e.g., [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son"), [John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - Jesus Sent by the Father")). Nehemiah's journey was for a temporary, earthly restoration, but Christ's journey culminated in the cross and resurrection, securing eternal life and a spiritual city, the New Jerusalem (e.g., [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). The king's favor upon Nehemiah, a seemingly impossible act, points to the Father's ultimate favor and love demonstrated in sending Jesus, the Lamb of God, to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus, as the mediator of a better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")), came to build not just walls of stone, but the living temple of God, His church, against which the gates of hell will not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")).

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 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:

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.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Nehemiah 2:4

Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

Isaiah 58:12

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Isaiah 61:4

¶ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

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.