Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)

Study Bible

O Lord
The Hebrew word for "Lord" here is "Adonai," which signifies God's sovereign authority and power. Nehemiah begins his prayer by acknowledging God's supreme rule over all creation. This invocation sets the tone for a prayer of humility and dependence, recognizing that all success and mercy come from the divine will of God.

let Your ear be attentive
This phrase is a plea for God to listen closely, derived from the Hebrew verb "qashab," meaning to incline or pay attention. Nehemiah is earnestly seeking God's focused attention, emphasizing the urgency and sincerity of his request. It reflects a deep faith that God is a personal and responsive deity who hears the cries of His people.

to the prayer of Your servant
The term "servant" (Hebrew: "ebed") denotes a position of humility and dedication. Nehemiah identifies himself as God's servant, highlighting his submission and loyalty. This self-identification underscores the relationship between God and His people, where believers are called to serve and honor God in all aspects of life.

and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name
Here, Nehemiah includes others who share his reverence for God, indicating a community of faith. The word "delight" (Hebrew: "chaphets") suggests a deep pleasure and commitment to honoring God's name. This collective reverence is a powerful testament to the shared faith and devotion among God's people, emphasizing the importance of communal prayer and worship.

Give Your servant success this day, I pray
The request for "success" (Hebrew: "tsalach") implies a desire for prosperity and favorable outcomes. Nehemiah is asking for God's blessing on his endeavors, recognizing that true success is granted by God. The phrase "this day" indicates the immediacy of his need, reflecting a trust in God's timely provision.

and grant him mercy in the sight of this man
"Mercy" (Hebrew: "racham") is a plea for compassion and favor, particularly in the context of Nehemiah's position before the king. The phrase "in the sight of this man" refers to King Artaxerxes, highlighting the human authority Nehemiah must navigate. This request acknowledges God's sovereignty over human affairs and the belief that God can influence the hearts of rulers.

(For I was the cupbearer to the king.)
This parenthetical note provides historical context, identifying Nehemiah's role as a trusted official in the Persian court. The position of cupbearer was one of significant responsibility and influence, as it involved close proximity to the king. This detail underscores the gravity of Nehemiah's request and the potential impact of his mission to rebuild Jerusalem. It also illustrates how God places His servants in strategic positions to fulfill His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
A Jewish exile serving as the cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes. He is deeply concerned about the welfare of Jerusalem and its people.

2. The Lord (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, whom Nehemiah addresses in his prayer, seeking divine intervention and favor.

3. The Servants
Refers to Nehemiah and those who, like him, revere God's name and are committed to His purposes.

4. The King (Artaxerxes)
The Persian ruler whom Nehemiah serves. Nehemiah seeks favor in his sight to gain permission to return to Jerusalem.

5. Jerusalem
The city of God, whose walls are broken down, prompting Nehemiah's prayer and subsequent mission.

Teaching Points

The Power of Prayer
Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates the importance of earnest and humble prayer in seeking God's intervention in our lives.

Reverence for God's Name
Nehemiah and his companions delight in revering God's name, reminding us to prioritize worship and reverence in our relationship with God.

Seeking God's Favor
Nehemiah's request for success and mercy highlights the need to seek God's favor in our endeavors, trusting in His sovereignty.

Courage in Leadership
Nehemiah's role as a leader begins with prayer, showing that effective leadership is rooted in dependence on God.

God's Sovereignty Over Authorities
Nehemiah's situation reminds us that God can move the hearts of those in authority to accomplish His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer influence his approach to prayer and leadership?

2. In what ways can we incorporate reverence for God's name into our daily lives, as Nehemiah and his servants did?

3. How does Nehemiah's prayer reflect a balance between personal responsibility and reliance on God's sovereignty?

4. What can we learn from Nehemiah about seeking God's favor in our professional and personal endeavors?

5. How does Nehemiah's example encourage us to pray for those in authority, and what other scriptures support this practice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 7-10
Provides context for the return of the exiles and the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, which Nehemiah continues.

Daniel 9
Daniel's prayer for his people parallels Nehemiah's intercession, showing a pattern of seeking God's favor for Israel.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, similar to Nehemiah's approach.

Proverbs 21:1
Highlights God's sovereignty over the hearts of kings, relevant to Nehemiah's request for favor with Artaxerxes.

James 5:16
Emphasizes the power of a righteous person's prayer, as demonstrated by Nehemiah's effective intercession.