Nehemiah 2:8

KJV

And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which [appertained] to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And a letter {H107} unto Asaph {H623} the keeper {H8104} of the king's {H4428} forest {H6508}, that he may give {H5414} me timber {H6086} to make beams {H7136} for the gates {H8179} of the palace {H1002} which appertained to the house {H1004}, and for the wall {H2346} of the city {H5892}, and for the house {H1004} that I shall enter into {H935}. And the king {H4428} granted {H5414} me, according to the good {H2896} hand {H3027} of my God {H430} upon me.

Complete Jewish Bible

and also a letter for Asaf the supervisor of the royal forests, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress belonging to the house, for the city wall and for the house I will be occupying." The king gave me these, according to the good hand of my God on me.

Berean Standard Bible

And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

American Standard Version

and a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the castle which appertaineth to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 2:8 records a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, detailing King Artaxerxes' favorable response to Nehemiah's bold request for resources. The verse highlights the king's provision of a crucial letter to Asaph, the keeper of the royal forest, ensuring the supply of timber for the city's gates, walls, and Nehemiah's own dwelling. Crucially, Nehemiah attributes this extraordinary success not to his own persuasive abilities or the king's benevolence alone, but explicitly to "the good hand of my God upon me," underscoring divine intervention and sovereign favor as the true source of his provision and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 2:8 follows Nehemiah's deeply personal and communal lament over Jerusalem's desolate state, as described in [Nehemiah 1](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Distress"). Having heard of the broken walls and burned gates, Nehemiah was moved to prayer and fasting, confessing the sins of Israel and appealing to God's covenant faithfulness ([Nehemiah 1:4-11](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah 1:4-11 - Nehemiah's Prayer")). This period of intense spiritual preparation culminated in the dramatic encounter with King Artaxerxes in [Nehemiah 2:1-7](/nehemiah/2-1 "Nehemiah 2:1-7 - Nehemiah's Request to the King"). The king, noticing Nehemiah's sadness, inquired about his distress. Nehemiah, after a quick prayer, articulated his request for permission to return to Judah and rebuild the city. Verse 8 then details the immediate and affirmative response of the king, specifically regarding the vital materials needed for the reconstruction, setting the stage for Nehemiah's journey and the commencement of the rebuilding project.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 2 unfold during the Persian Empire's rule, specifically in the reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC). Nehemiah served as the king's cupbearer, a position of immense trust and proximity to the monarch, granting him unique access and influence. Kings of this era held absolute power, and any request to leave royal service or undertake a significant project like rebuilding a city's defenses would require explicit royal decree. Royal letters, sealed with the king's signet, served as official mandates, ensuring safe passage and compliance from provincial governors and officials. The "king's forest" refers to royal preserves, managed by appointed keepers like Asaph, from which timber was supplied for imperial projects or by royal command. Jerusalem itself, having been destroyed by the Babylonians over a century prior, remained in a vulnerable and disgraced state, its walls broken and gates burned, symbolizing the shame and insecurity of the returning exiles.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Nehemiah 2:8](/nehemiah/2-8 "Nehemiah 2:8 - God's Good Hand on Nehemiah") is **Divine Favor and Provision**. Nehemiah explicitly attributes the king's astonishing generosity and compliance to "the good hand of my God upon me," demonstrating a profound theological conviction that God sovereignly orchestrates human affairs, even inclining the hearts of powerful rulers ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")). This theme resonates throughout the book, emphasizing that the rebuilding project was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely initiated and sustained work. Another prominent theme is **Strategic Planning and Boldness in Leadership**. Nehemiah's detailed requests for letters and specific materials for various parts of the city (gates, walls, his own residence, and structures "appertained to the house," likely the Temple complex) reveal his foresight and meticulous preparation, which complemented his fervent prayer life ([Nehemiah 1:4-11](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah 1:4-11 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem")). This verse also underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as the restoration of Jerusalem was a crucial step in the re-establishment of the Israelite community in their land, a testament to God's enduring commitment to His people despite their past failures.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asaph (Hebrew, _'Āsāph'_):** This refers to the specific individual appointed as "the keeper of the king's forest." His role was to manage the royal timber reserves, a critical resource for imperial construction and a valuable commodity. The king's direct command to Asaph, conveyed through a letter, demonstrates the absolute authority of Artaxerxes and the detailed nature of Nehemiah's request. It also highlights the king's genuine commitment to Nehemiah's project, as such a specific order would bypass usual bureaucratic channels and ensure immediate compliance.
* **Timber (Hebrew, _'ēṣîm'_):** Literally "trees" or "wood," this refers to the cut lumber, specifically "beams" (Hebrew, _qōrôt_), needed for structural support. Timber was essential for the gates (which were often massive wooden structures reinforced with metal), and for the internal bracing and roofing of buildings. The mention of timber for the "gates of the palace which [appertained] to the house" (likely referring to the Temple complex) and "the wall of the city" signifies the comprehensive nature of the reconstruction, encompassing both sacred and civic structures, as well as Nehemiah's personal dwelling. This specific provision underscores the practical and material needs of the immense task.
* **Good hand of my God (Hebrew, _yad 'ĕlōhay haṭṭôḇâ'_):** This is a recurring phrase in Ezra-Nehemiah ([Ezra 7:9](/ezra/7-9 "Ezra 7:9 - God's Good Hand on Ezra"), [Ezra 8:22](/ezra/8-22 "Ezra 8:22 - God's Good Hand for Protection"), [Ezra 8:31](/ezra/8-31 "Ezra 8:31 - God's Good Hand on the Journey")). The Hebrew word _yad_ (hand) is a common metonymy for power, agency, and influence. When combined with _ṭôḇâ_ (good), it signifies benevolent, favorable, and providentially active power. Nehemiah's use of this phrase is a profound theological statement: he attributes the king's unprecedented generosity and the successful outcome of his petition not to chance, human diplomacy, or royal whim, but directly to God's active, favorable, and sovereign intervention on his behalf. It is an acknowledgment that God was the ultimate mover of the king's heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which [appertained] to the house,"**: This clause reveals the specific and detailed nature of Nehemiah's request and the king's immediate compliance. The letter served as a royal decree, granting Nehemiah authority to procure essential building materials from the king's own reserves. The "gates of the palace which [appertained] to the house" likely refers to the fortified gates of the Temple precinct or structures closely associated with it, indicating that the restoration encompassed not just the city walls but also the security and dignity of the sacred space.
* **"and for the wall of the city,"**: This specifies the primary objective of Nehemiah's mission: the rebuilding of Jerusalem's defensive walls. This was crucial for the city's security, its identity as a distinct community, and its protection from hostile neighbors. The provision of timber for the wall highlights the practical steps taken to achieve this monumental task.
* **"and for the house that I shall enter into."**: This clause indicates that the king also provided for Nehemiah's personal residence, likely as the appointed governor of Judah. This provision underscores the king's full support for Nehemiah's mission and his welfare, ensuring he had suitable accommodation to carry out his duties. It demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of Nehemiah's needs.
* **"And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me."**: This concluding statement is the theological lynchpin of the verse. It reveals Nehemiah's deep faith and conviction that the king's favorable response was not mere political expediency or personal kindness, but a direct result of God's sovereign and benevolent influence. Nehemiah attributes his success entirely to God's active and guiding presence, acknowledging divine providence as the true source of his authority and provision.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:8 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Divine Providence**, where Nehemiah explicitly attributes the king's favorable disposition and the provision of resources to "the good hand of my God upon me." This is not merely a statement of gratitude but a theological interpretation of events, asserting God's active, sovereign control over human affairs, including the hearts of powerful rulers. The phrase "the good hand of my God" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents God's power, agency, and benevolent influence. It succinctly conveys the idea of God's direct, favorable intervention. The detailed listing of the materials and their purposes ("timber to make beams for the gates... for the wall... for the house") provides a sense of **Verisimilitude** and practical realism, grounding the divine intervention in concrete, logistical details. Furthermore, the king's immediate and comprehensive granting of Nehemiah's requests can be seen as **Foreshadowing** the continued divine favor and provision that will accompany Nehemiah throughout the challenging work of rebuilding, reinforcing the theme that God equips those He calls.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 2:8 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power and His willingness to work through human instruments, even in seemingly secular contexts. It underscores the biblical truth that God can incline the hearts of kings and leaders to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all earthly powers. Nehemiah's unwavering faith, expressed in his attribution of success to "the good hand of my God," teaches us that divine favor is not merely a passive blessing but an active, empowering presence that opens doors and provides resources beyond human expectation. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness, showing His continued care for His people and His commitment to restoring them, even when they are in exile or distress. It highlights the interplay between fervent prayer, strategic planning, and divine intervention in the pursuit of God's kingdom work.

* [Ezra 7:9](/ezra/7-9 "Ezra 7:9 - Ezra's Journey Under God's Good Hand")
* [Ezra 8:22](/ezra/8-22 "Ezra 8:22 - God's Good Hand for Protection")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 2:8 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that our greatest endeavors, especially those aligned with God's will, are ultimately dependent on His "good hand." Nehemiah's example teaches us the critical importance of prayer preceding action; his months of intercession in [Nehemiah 1](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer") laid the spiritual groundwork for the king's astonishing favor. This verse encourages us to be bold and specific in our prayers and plans, trusting that God, who moves the hearts of rulers, can open doors and provide resources in ways we cannot imagine. It challenges us to recognize God's active providence in our lives, attributing our successes not to our own cleverness or circumstances, but to His guiding hand. When faced with daunting tasks or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Nehemiah's experience assures us that God provides for His purposes, equipping us with the necessary means and favor to accomplish His will, whether it's rebuilding a community, starting a ministry, or navigating personal challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you need to explicitly acknowledge "the good hand of my God" at work?**
* **How does Nehemiah's balance of fervent prayer and strategic planning challenge your approach to significant undertakings?**
* **Can you recall a time when God opened a seemingly impossible door or provided unexpected resources, demonstrating His "good hand" upon you?**
* **How does the truth that God can influence authorities (even those who don't know Him) encourage you in praying for leaders today?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of "Asaph the keeper of the king's forest"?**

Answer: Asaph was a high-ranking royal official responsible for managing the king's vast timber reserves. These forests were crucial for imperial construction projects and were under strict royal control. The fact that King Artaxerxes issued a direct letter to Asaph, commanding him to provide Nehemiah with timber, signifies the king's full endorsement of Nehemiah's mission. It ensured that Nehemiah would receive the necessary high-quality materials without bureaucratic delays or opposition, highlighting the king's extraordinary favor and the divine orchestration behind it.

**What does "the good hand of my God upon me" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful theological statement used by Nehemiah (and Ezra in his book) to express God's active, benevolent, and providential intervention. The "hand of God" is a common biblical idiom for God's power, agency, and influence. When described as "good," it emphasizes that God's intervention is favorable, protective, and empowering. In [Nehemiah 2:8](/nehemiah/2-8 "Nehemiah 2:8 - God's Good Hand"), it means that the king's surprising generosity and willingness to grant Nehemiah's audacious requests were not coincidental or merely due to Nehemiah's persuasive skills, but were directly orchestrated by God's sovereign will. It attributes the success of the petition entirely to God's divine influence over the king's heart, as [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart") states, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's divinely empowered mission to rebuild the physical walls of Jerusalem, secured by God's "good hand," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate, spiritual rebuilding work of Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah was sent by a king with authority and resources to restore a broken city, so too was Christ sent by the Heavenly Father with all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")) to build His spiritual kingdom. Nehemiah provided timber for physical gates and walls, but Christ, as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone")), builds the living temple of God, the Church, composed of living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The security Nehemiah sought for Jerusalem's inhabitants through physical walls is ultimately found in Christ, who provides eternal security and salvation for all who believe ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Eternal Security in Christ")). Furthermore, the king's provision for Nehemiah, "according to the good hand of my God," points to the Father's boundless provision for Christ's redemptive work, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower His ongoing mission ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Nehemiah's success, rooted in divine favor, serves as a testament to the greater, eternal work of Christ, who builds an imperishable city and brings true restoration to the souls of humanity.

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

Ezra 7:6

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

Nehemiah 7:2

That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.

Isaiah 66:14

And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies.

Nehemiah 2:17

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in, how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Nehemiah 2:18

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for [this] good [work].

Daniel 1:9

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Ezra 5:5

But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this [matter].