Nehemiah 1:1-11 is about Nehemiah’s prayer of confession, repentance, and intercession for the people of Israel, acknowledging their disobedience and seeking God’s mercy and restoration.
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel,
1 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem.
3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.
7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses.
8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples,
9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’
10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand.
11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.
Setting the Scene for Nehemiah 1:1-11
The scene in Nehemiah 1 opens with Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king of Persia, named Artaxerxes, receiving a visit from some men who had recently come from Judah. These men bring Nehemiah news about the state of Jerusalem, reporting that the city walls are broken down and its gates burned with fire. This news deeply troubles Nehemiah, prompting him to weep, mourn, fast, and pray to God for mercy and guidance.
Nehemiah finds himself in the citadel of Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, where he serves in the royal court. The opulent surroundings of the citadel stand in stark contrast to the desolation of Jerusalem that Nehemiah hears about. As he processes the news and grieves for his homeland, Nehemiah’s heart is burdened with a desire to see Jerusalem restored and its people protected. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Nehemiah’s journey of faith, leadership, and restoration as he seeks to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its people to God.
What is Nehemiah 1:1-11 about?
Imagine standing in the shoes of Nehemiah, a leader filled with a deep sense of responsibility for his people and his beloved city, Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s prayer in this verse represents a profound act of humility, sincerity, and faith. He not only seeks forgiveness for the sins of his people but also pleads for God’s guidance and favor in the process of restoring Jerusalem. This powerful prayer reflects Nehemiah’s deep understanding of the importance of seeking God’s help in times of need and relying on His wisdom to lead his people through challenges. Nehemiah’s prayer reminds us of the significance of confession and seeking God’s favor in times of difficulty. It prompts us to examine our own lives and consider how we approach seeking forgiveness and guidance. Through Nehemiah’s example, we learn the importance of humility, repentance, and faith in our relationship with God. His prayer serves as a timeless reminder that turning to God in times of trouble can bring about restoration, healing, and renewed purpose in our lives.
So, let Nehemiah’s prayer inspire us to approach God with sincerity and faith, just as he did. We should humble ourselves, confess our sins, seek forgiveness, and ask for God’s guidance in our endeavors. May we find strength and restoration in our relationship with God, knowing that He is always ready to listen, forgive, and lead us on the path of righteousness.
Understanding what Nehemiah 1:1-11 really means
Nehemiah 1:1-11 captures a poignant moment in history when Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, learns of the desolation of Jerusalem. This passage serves as a prelude to Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild the city walls, showcasing his deep care for his people and his reliance on God. Living during the Jewish exile in Persia, Nehemiah witnesses the broken walls of Jerusalem, symbolizing the vulnerability and distress of its inhabitants. His role as a cupbearer grants him access to the king, a position he later utilizes to seek permission for the reconstruction project.
In this prayer, Nehemiah’s emotional turmoil is palpable as he weeps, mourns, fasts, and prays before the God of heaven. His immediate turn to fasting and prayer underscores his dependence on God and the spiritual gravity of the situation. By addressing God as the “great and awesome God,” Nehemiah acknowledges God’s sovereignty and power, setting a reverent tone for his supplication. Furthermore, Nehemiah humbly confesses the sins of the Israelites, recognizing the connection between their disobedience and their current plight. His plea for God to remember His promises to Moses reflects Nehemiah’s deep faith in God’s faithfulness.
Parallel passages in the Bible, such as Daniel 9:4-19, Ezra 9:5-15, and Psalm 51, echo Nehemiah’s prayer of confession, intercession, and repentance. These scriptures emphasize the significance of acknowledging sin, seeking forgiveness, and trusting in God’s mercy and restoration. Nehemiah’s immediate recourse to prayer and fasting serves as a compelling example for believers today, highlighting the importance of turning to God in times of crisis. The passage underscores the necessity of personal and communal confession of sins, signaling that spiritual renewal often commences with repentance. Nehemiah’s reminder of God’s promises encourages believers to rely on God’s faithfulness, even amidst challenging circumstances.
To illustrate the relevance of Nehemiah’s prayer today, envision a community grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster. In response to the devastation, a local leader leads the community in prayer, fasting, and confession of their collective failings. This act of seeking God’s guidance and assistance fosters hope and unity among the people, mirroring the impact of Nehemiah’s prayer on the Israelites. Nehemiah 1:1-11 serves as a timeless lesson on the power of prayer, the significance of repentance, and the unwavering faithfulness of God. It prompts us to seek God’s intervention and direction in our lives, particularly during challenging times, drawing strength and assurance from His promises.
How can I intercede for others in prayer?
Nehemiah intercedes for his people in the passage from Nehemiah by confessing their sins and asking for God’s mercy. We can follow Nehemiah’s example by humbling ourselves before God, acknowledging our own sins and the sins of those we are praying for when we intercede for others in prayer. By aligning our hearts with God’s and showing our deep concern for those we are lifting up in prayer, we do so.
Interceding for others in prayer also involves standing in the gap on behalf of those who may not be able to pray for themselves. We can take on the burdens of those we are praying for and bring their needs before the Lord, just as Nehemiah did for his people. Our intercession can make a difference in their lives and can bring about breakthroughs and blessings that they may not have experienced otherwise. Our love and care for others are demonstrated when we intercede for them in prayer. We show that we are invested in their well-being and desire God’s best for them by lifting others up in prayer. Our intercession can be a powerful tool in showing love and support to those in need, and it can be a way of bringing them closer to God’s presence and provision.
Application
Let’s dive into the lesson from Nehemiah 1:1-11, where prayer is a powerful force for seeking divine guidance and assistance in times of trouble. Be like Nehemiah and approach God with humility, confession, and unwavering faith, acknowledging your faults and the struggles of those around you. Let’s not just pray but also step up bravely, just as Nehemiah did, in confronting the obstacles in our path, relying on the strength and wisdom of the Almighty. Will you stand with me today, in prayers and deeds, to shape a better world and sow seeds of progress?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.