“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.” Nehemiah 1:3
The travel distance between Shushan, the ancient capital of Persia, and Jerusalem, is about one thousand miles. In the book of Nehemiah, we find the account of Biblical history, as seen in the Old Testament, brought forth to about 430 B.C. Israel had been destroyed by the Babylonians many years before, and the people were in exile. The city of Jerusalem, reduced in great part to rubble, was now inhabited by those whom the dominant empire did not see as posing a military obstacle to it. Nehemiah’s book opens with a picture of the city, which is a reflection of the spiritual need of its day. He writes, according to a report that he had received from one of his brethren, Hanani, “…the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.” Nehemiah, being located at this time in Shushan, is far from Jerusalem, reacts by sitting down and weeping. This would lead to “mourning certain days, and fasting,” “…praying before the God of heaven.” (Neh.1:4) Nehemiah, and those with him, who are jealous for the well-being of Jerusalem, and in particular the testimony that it should be to the world of the reality, presence, and greatness of the only true and living God, have no recourse but to pray and seek “the God of heaven” for His intervention. As the cupbearer for the Persian King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah, though his position is an elevated one, remains helpless and hopeless, unless God opens a door for him, an opportunity to see the wall of Jerusalem rebuilt. It would be during this time of seeking God, that God would put into his heart a plan by which, if the opportunity afforded itself, would be the means of seeing the wall rebuit, and the reproach upon the people removed. But how would the door open? Nehemiah has but a position, and no resources. It must be said at this point that Nehemiah had proven himself to the King of Persia, to be a trusted servant, faithful and selfless in his duties and devotion. For when the opportunity would come for Nehemiah, it would be because God had made him favorable to the king, one who was trustworthy and faithful.
So, where does the idea, and issue of this wall of Jerusalem, come from? It is a thought, a word if you will, which comes from God, a seed planted in the mind of His servant. That thought is coupled with love and devotion to God, the pursuit of His glory, and the testimony of God in and through His people, specifically in Jerusalem. It is upon hearing of the state of Jerusalem that Nehemiah, and other brethren, are greatly moved to seek the God of heaven for HIS intervention in the matter. Not only did the desire to rebuild the wall come from heaven, but most certainly God used this desire and pursuit, to purify the hearts of those believers in Shushan, who trusted in God. When all things were brought together, and the goal was clear, God would move in answer to prayer, to open the surprising door of opportunity, one that even surpassed Nememiah’s expectations.
The day would come when the King himself, in response to Nehemiah’s acknowledgement of his people, and then describing Jerusalem, which, “…lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire,” (2:3) would grant to Nehemiah, not only the freedom and mandate to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall, but the authority and provision for him to make the voyage, and accomplish the rebuilding of the wall. How did this occur? Nehemiah’s words explain it clearly: “And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.” (Neh. 2:8) Nehemiah’s confidence resounds in his words: “The God of heaven, He will prosper us.” (2:2) Nehemiah’s believing brethren would rise up and build the wall.
Dear Father, Strengthen us to pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.