Nehemiah 1:4
Nehemiah 1:4 in Multiple Translations
When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
¶ And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,
Then, after hearing these words, for some days I gave myself up to weeping and sorrow, seated on the earth; and taking no food I made prayer to the God of heaven,
When I heard the news, I sat down, weeping and mourning for days, fasting and praying to the God of heaven.
And when I heard these wordes, I sate downe and wept, and mourned certeine dayes, and I fasted and prayed before the God of heauen,
And it cometh to pass, at my hearing these words, I have sat down, and I weep and mourn [for] days, and I am fasting and praying before the God of the heavens.
When I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned several days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
And when I had heard these words, I sat down, and wept, and mourned for many days: and I fasted, and prayed before the face of the God of heaven.
When I heard that, I sat down and cried. For several days I mourned, and I ◄fasted/abstained from eating food►, and I prayed to our God, who is/rules in heaven.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 1:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 1:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֞י
כְּ/שָׁמְעִ֣/י
אֶת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
הָ/אֵ֗לֶּה
יָשַׁ֨בְתִּי֙
וָֽ/אֶבְכֶּ֔ה
וָ/אֶתְאַבְּלָ֖/ה
יָמִ֑ים
וָֽ/אֱהִ֥י
צָם֙
וּ/מִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
וַ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/שָׁמְעִ֣/י
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֗לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
יָשַׁ֨בְתִּי֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וָֽ/אֶבְכֶּ֔ה
bâkâh
H1058
to weep
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
וָ/אֶתְאַבְּלָ֖/ה
ʼâbal
H56
to mourn
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
וָֽ/אֱהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
צָם֙
tsûwm
H6684
to fast
V-Qal
וּ/מִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Conj | V-Hithpael
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 1:4
וַ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/שָׁמְעִ֣/י
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֗לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
יָשַׁ֨בְתִּי֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
וָֽ/אֶבְכֶּ֔ה
bâkâh
H1058
"to weep"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.
וָ/אֶתְאַבְּלָ֖/ה
ʼâbal
H56
"to mourn"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To mourn or lament, as seen in human and inanimate objects, like gates or land, and used in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mourn, lament 1a) (Qal) to mourn, lament 1a1) of humans 1a2) of inanimate objects (fig.) 1a2a) of gates 1a2b) of land 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mourn, cause to mourn (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to mourn 1c2) play the mourner
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 33:9; Isaiah 3:26.
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וָֽ/אֱהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
צָם֙
tsûwm
H6684
"to fast"
V-Qal
To fast or abstain from food, often for spiritual reasons. In the Bible, fasting is a way to show devotion to God, as seen in the examples of Moses and Elijah.
Definition: (Qal) to abstain from food, fast
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, fast. See also: Judges 20:26; 1 Kings 21:27; Isaiah 58:3.
וּ/מִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Conj | V-Hithpael
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 1:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 1:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 1:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 1:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:4
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 1:4
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 1:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:4
- Sermons on Nehemiah 1:4
Context — Nehemiah’s Prayer
2Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah. So I questioned them about the remnant of the Jews who had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
3And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
5Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, 6let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 9:3 | So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. |
| 2 | Psalms 137:1 | By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. |
| 3 | Ezra 10:1 | While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him, and the people wept bitterly as well. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 2:4 | “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven |
| 5 | Psalms 102:13–14 | You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor— the appointed time has come. For Your servants delight in her stones and take pity on her dust. |
| 6 | Zephaniah 3:18 | “I will gather those among you who grieve over the appointed feasts, so that you will no longer suffer reproach. |
| 7 | Psalms 69:9–10 | because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach. |
| 8 | Romans 12:15 | Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. |
| 9 | Daniel 2:18 | urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. |
| 10 | Jonah 1:9 | “I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.” |
Nehemiah 1:4 Summary
[Nehemiah was very sad when he heard that the city of Jerusalem was in trouble, so he sat down and wept, and then he fasted and prayed to God, as seen in Nehemiah 1:4. This shows that he cared deeply about his people and his city, and he wanted to ask God for help, much like the Psalmist in Psalm 102:13-14, who prays for God to have compassion on Zion. Nehemiah's example teaches us to respond to difficult situations with humility and prayer, trusting in God's power and goodness, as mentioned in Romans 8:28. By doing so, we can find comfort and guidance in God's presence, just like Nehemiah did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nehemiah weep and mourn when he heard about the condition of Jerusalem?
Nehemiah wept and mourned because he was deeply grieved by the suffering of his people and the desecration of the city, as seen in Nehemiah 1:4, and this emotional response is similar to what we see in Psalm 119:136, where the Psalmist weeps over those who do not keep God's law.
What does it mean to fast and pray before the God of heaven?
Fasting and praying before the God of heaven, as seen in Nehemiah 1:4, is an act of humility and seeking God's presence, as mentioned in Ezra 8:21-23, where Ezra fasts and prays for protection and provision.
How did Nehemiah's response to the news about Jerusalem demonstrate his faith?
Nehemiah's response demonstrates his faith by showing that he trusted in God's power and goodness, as seen in his prayer in Nehemiah 1:5-6, and this trust is rooted in God's character, as described in Deuteronomy 7:9-10.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's example of mourning and praying in response to bad news?
We can learn the importance of responding to difficult situations with humility, prayer, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are exhorted to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I hear about the suffering of others or the desecration of what is sacred, and what can I learn from Nehemiah's example?
- In what ways can I practice humility and seek God's presence in my own life, as Nehemiah did through fasting and prayer?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and goodness, and how can I cultivate that trust?
- How can I balance my emotional response to difficult news with a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 1:4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words,.... This sad and melancholy account of things: that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; sat down upon the ground in dust and ashes, after the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 1:4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, When I heard these words ... I sat down ... and
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:4
Nehemiah 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,Ver. 4. And it came to pass when I heard] It was not without a special providence that these good men thus met, and by mutual conference kindled one another; and that thereby God provided a remedy. Things fall not out by haphazard, but by God’ s most wise dispose and appointment. That I sat down and wept] He was even pressed down with the greatness of his grief, whereto be gave vent by his eyes, Zephaniah 3:17-18, Expletur lachrymis, egeriturque dolor (Ovid) He was filled with tears and grief was shown. God promises much mercy to such to whom the reproach of the solemn assemblies was a burden. Nehemiah cannot stand under it, but sits down and weeps. And mourned certain days] viz. For three months’ time; for so long he was preparing himself to petition the king, Nehemiah 1:1; Nehemiah 2:1. And fasted, and prayed] This was a sure course, and never miscarried, as hath been noted, Ezra 9:1-15. Before the God of heaven] With face turned toward his holy temple, 1 Kings 8:44; 1 Kings 8:48, with heart lifted up to the highest heavens, those hills whence should come his help.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:4
(4-11) Nehemiah’s appeal to God. The prayer is a perfect example of the private and individual devotion with which the later Hebrew Scriptures abound. It begins with formal and appropriate invocation (Nehemiah 1:5-8), flows into earnest confession (Nehemiah 1:6-7), pleads the covenant promises (Nehemiah 1:8-10), and supplicates a present answer (Nehemiah 1:11). The extant Scriptures, freely used, are the foundation of all. (4) Fasted.—Like Daniel, Esther, and Ezra, Nehemiah fasted: fasting appears in later Judaism a prominent part of individual devotion, as it is in the New Testament. (6) Both I and my father’s house have sinned.—The supplication was for the nation; and in such cases of personal intercession the individual assumes the sin of all the past. (8) The spirit of many threatenings and promises is summed up, as in the prayer of Nehemiah 9. (11) This day . . . this man.—During his “certain days” of mourning Nehemiah had fixed upon his plan, suggested by his God. “This day” is “this occasion”: the appeal itself was deferred for some months. The king becomes “this man” in the presence of the “God of heaven.” For I was the king’s cupbearer.—One of his cupbearers, therefore in high authority, having confidential access to him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:4
Verse 4. And mourned certain days] From the month Chisleu to the month Nisan; about four months from the time he received the above information, till the time that Artaxerxes noticed his grief, Ne 2:1. All this time he probably spent in supplication to God; waiting for a favourable opening in the Divine providence. Every good work is not to be undertaken hastily; prayer and watchfulness are necessary to its completion. Many good works have been ruined by making haste.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 1:4
Nehemiah 1:1 to Nehemiah 7:73 a. Extract from the memoirs of Nehemiah1. The Superscription. ‘In many MSS. and editions the beginning of this book is closely united with the last verse of Ezra, and in some it appears without line or interval between as part of Ezra’ (Davidson’s Hebrew Text). The words] R.V. marg. the history. (a) The rendering ‘words’ merely calls attention to the fact that we here have a portion of the writings of Nehemiah himself. (b) The rendering ‘history’ is more formal, and is capable of being understood in two different ways, (1) as a reference to a well-known work of history from the pen of Nehemiah, as in ‘the histories (marg. Heb. words) of Shemaiah, the prophet, and Iddo, the seer’ (2 Chronicles 12:15) and ‘the history (marg. Heb. words) of Jehu, the son of Hanani’ (2 Chronicles 20:34); (2) as a descriptive heading of the present book, ‘the history of Nehemiah’ being equivalent to ‘the acts of Nehemiah’; the common expression ‘the acts of,’ e.g. Solomon (1 Kings 11:41), is literally ‘the words of.’ In order to choose between these renderings, we must remember that the clause is probably an editorial heading, inserted by the Chronicler in the compilation of his work. Perhaps the preference should be given to (a) ‘the words of,’ on the ground that when Ezra and Nehemiah formed one continuous work it was not likely that a heading (whether giving the title of a work that is quoted, or describing the remainder of the Chronicler’s book) would be inserted in the middle of the text.
But the insertion of a note, to explain the transition from the 1st person, used in the extracts from Ezra’s memoirs, to the 1st person used in the memoirs of Nehemiah, is only what we might expect. For superscriptions introduced by editorial hands, compare Isaiah 1:1; Jeremiah 1:1; Hosea 1:1; Amos 1:1; Micah 1:1. This, however, is the only superscription of the kind in an historical book. Hachaliah] R.V. Hacaliah, cf. Nehemiah 10:1. The father’s name enables us to distinguish Nehemiah from the men of the same name mentioned in Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 3:16. The name Hacaliah does not occur elsewhere in the O.T. We are not told what tribe Nehemiah belonged to. Some have supposed the tribe of Levi; and in favour of this suggestion should be observed (a) the mention of his ‘brother’ Hanani’s appointment (Nehemiah 7:2) along with the appointment of the porters, singers, and Levites; (b) the prominent consideration paid by Nehemiah to the interests of the priests and Levites.
Others have suggested the tribe of Judah, and in support of their view refer to the mention of his ‘house’ (Nehemiah 1:6). Nehemiah 1:1 to Nehemiah 2:11. Nehemiah’s Commission1–4. The Evil Tidings from Jerusalem1b. And] R.V. Now. See note on Ezra 1:1. The copula implies that something has preceded. The Memoirs of Nehemiah did not open with these words. The Chronicler only gives us extracts (Nehemiah 1:1 b–7:73a, Nehemiah 12:27-43, Nehemiah 13:4-31).
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 1:4
The God of heaven - This title of the Almighty, which is Persian rather than Jewish (see 2 Chronicles 36:23; Ezra 1:2 note; Ezra 6:10; Ezra 7:12, Ezra 7:21), is a favorite one with Nehemiah, who had
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:4
’S GRIEF AND PRAYER, Nehemiah 1:4-11. 4. I sat down and wept — Perhaps now for the first time a deep, keen sense of his people’s woes came over his soul.
Sermons on Nehemiah 1:4
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A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson | This sermon is a powerful call to anguish, urging listeners to move beyond concern to a deep sense of inner pain and distress for the state of the church and society. It emphasizes |
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Losing the Anointing - Part 2 (High Quality) by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a fresh anointing from God, recounting personal experiences of revival and the need for a renewed passion for ministry. The speaker |
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Lessons From Nehemiah by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for spiritual revival in a society where moral values have been destroyed. He compares the state of the country to the broken walls |
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A Hindrance to Revival by William McCrea | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the lack of concern and tears among believers for the cause of Christ and the affliction of God's people. He highlights the indifference tow |
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What Makes a Man of God by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dedication and hard work of mechanics who work tirelessly for a meager wage, contrasting it with the lack of commitment shown by some Chr |
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The Passion (Compilation) - Part 2 by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of running from false teachings and practices that do not align with the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. It urges believers to flee from churches |
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Nehemiah 6 - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing hindrances that come in the way of fulfilling God's promises, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's response to the fallen walls of J |