Nehemiah 2:3

And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

And said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, Let the king {H4428} live {H2421} for ever {H5769}: why should not my countenance {H6440} be sad {H3415}, when the city {H5892}, the place {H1004} of my fathers {H1}' sepulchres {H6913}, lieth waste {H2720}, and the gates {H8179} thereof are consumed {H398} with fire {H784}?

as I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why shouldn't I look sad, when the city, the place where my ancestors' tombs are, lies in ruins; and its gates are completely burned up?"

and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

And I said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

Commentary

Nehemiah 2:3 records Nehemiah's profound and diplomatic response to King Artaxerxes, explaining the visible sadness that had troubled him. This verse marks a pivotal moment where Nehemiah, empowered by prayer, articulates the desperate state of Jerusalem, setting the stage for his mission to rebuild.

Context

This verse follows King Artaxerxes' observation of Nehemiah's sorrow, a rare occurrence for a royal cupbearer (see Nehemiah 2:2). Nehemiah, having spent days in prayer and fasting over the desolate state of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4), finally reveals the cause of his distress. The city of Jerusalem had lain in ruins since its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC, with its walls broken down and gates burned, leaving it vulnerable and dishonored. Nehemiah's careful address, "Let the king live for ever," is a traditional and respectful salutation, demonstrating his wisdom and reverence before making a bold plea to the powerful Persian monarch, King Artaxerxes I Longimanus.

Key Themes

  • Profound Grief and Patriotism: Nehemiah's sorrow was not feigned but a deep, visible manifestation of his burden for his homeland. His grief stemmed from the physical ruin of Jerusalem and the spiritual dishonor it represented for God's people.
  • Respectful Diplomacy: Nehemiah's opening words, "Let the king live for ever," illustrate his strategic and respectful approach to authority. This diplomatic wisdom was crucial for gaining the king's favor and permission for his monumental task.
  • Significance of Jerusalem: The phrase "the place of my fathers' sepulchres" highlights Jerusalem's deep ancestral and spiritual importance. The desecration of burial sites was a grave insult in ancient cultures, emphasizing the profound shame and desolation of the city.
  • Vulnerability and Desolation: The specific mention of the city lying "waste" and its "gates ... consumed with fire" paints a vivid picture of complete ruin and defenselessness. City gates and walls were vital for security, commerce, and identity in ancient times; their destruction symbolized utter collapse and vulnerability.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "my countenance be sad" translates the Hebrew paniym ra'im, literally meaning "face bad" or "evil face." This indicates a visible, undeniable deterioration of Nehemiah's appearance due to his internal anguish, rather than just a feeling of sadness. It was evident to the king that something was deeply troubling his trusted cupbearer.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 2:3 offers several powerful applications for believers today:

  • Carrying a Burden for God's Work: Nehemiah's profound sorrow for Jerusalem exemplifies a heart burdened for the brokenness in the world and the needs of God's people. It challenges us to identify what moves us to action for God's kingdom.
  • Wisdom in Approaching Authority: Nehemiah's respectful and strategic address to the king teaches us the importance of wisdom, prayer, and proper etiquette when seeking help or advocating for a cause, especially with those in positions of power.
  • Valuing Heritage and Spiritual Roots: The reference to "fathers' sepulchres" reminds us of the importance of our spiritual heritage, our roots in faith, and the significance of places that hold sacred meaning.
  • Responding to Desolation: Like Jerusalem's ruined state, there are many "waste" places in our world—spiritual, social, or physical—that need restoration. Nehemiah's example inspires us to not just lament but to seek God's will and take action for rebuilding and renewal, trusting in God's provision as he did in Nehemiah 2:8.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 1:3 (7 votes)

    And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

  • Daniel 2:4 (5 votes)

    Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

  • 1 Kings 1:31 (5 votes)

    Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

  • Psalms 137:6 (4 votes)

    If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

  • Daniel 5:10 (4 votes)

    ¶ [Now] the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: [and] the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

  • 2 Chronicles 21:20 (3 votes)

    Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:27 (3 votes)

    And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, [even] in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.