Nehemiah 2:6
Nehemiah 2:6 in Multiple Translations
Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time.
And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
And the king said unto me (the queen also sitting by him), For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
And the king said to me (the queen being seated by his side), How long will your journey take, and when will you come back? So the king was pleased to send me, and I gave him a fixed time.
The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you come back?” The king agreed to send me, and I told him how long I would be gone.
And the King sayd vnto me, (the Queene also sitting by him) How long shall thy iourney be? and when wilt thou come againe? So it pleased the King, and he sent me, and I set him a time.
And the king saith to me (and the queen is sitting near him), 'How long is thy journey? and when dost thou return?' and it is good before the king, and he sendeth me away, and I set to him a time.
The king said to me (the queen was also sitting by him), “How long will your journey be? When will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time for him.
And the king said to me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
And the king said to me, and the queen that sat by him: For how long shall thy journey be, and when wilt thou return? And it pleased the king, and he sent me: and I fixed him a time.
While the queen was sitting beside the king, he asked, “If I allow you to go, how long will you be gone? When will you return?” I told the king how long I would be gone, and the king gave me permission to go, and I told him what day I wanted to leave.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 2:6
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 2:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩
לִ֨/י
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
וְ/הַ/שֵּׁגַ֣ל
יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת
אֶצְל֗/וֹ
עַד
מָתַ֛י
יִהְיֶ֥ה
מַֽהֲלָכֲ/ךָ֖
וּ/מָתַ֣י
תָּשׁ֑וּב
וַ/יִּיטַ֤ב
לִ/פְנֵֽי
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
וַ/יִּשְׁלָחֵ֔/נִי
וָֽ/אֶתְּנָ֥/ה
ל֖/וֹ
זְמָֽן
וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ֨/י
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/שֵּׁגַ֣ל
shêgâl
H7694
queen
Conj | Art | N-fs
יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
אֶצְל֗/וֹ
ʼêtsel
H681
beside
Prep | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָתַ֛י
mâthay
H4970
how
Part
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מַֽהֲלָכֲ/ךָ֖
mahălâk
H4109
journey
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מָתַ֣י
mâthay
H4970
how
Conj | Part
תָּשׁ֑וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וַ/יִּיטַ֤ב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּשְׁלָחֵ֔/נִי
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וָֽ/אֶתְּנָ֥/ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
זְמָֽן
zᵉmân
H2165
time
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 2:6
וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ֨/י
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/הַ/שֵּׁגַ֣ל
shêgâl
H7694
"queen"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This word refers to a queen, often implying a close relationship with a king. It is used to describe powerful women in the Bible.
Definition: consort, queen, (queen-)consort Aramaic equivalent: she.gal (שֵׁגָל "consort" H7695)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: queen. See also: Nehemiah 2:6; Psalms 45:10.
יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
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.
אֶצְל֗/וֹ
ʼêtsel
H681
"beside"
Prep | Suff
Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.
Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מָתַ֛י
mâthay
H4970
"how"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
מַֽהֲלָכֲ/ךָ֖
mahălâk
H4109
"journey"
N-ms | Suff
A journey or walk, describing a passage or distance traveled. It is similar to the word for path, and is used to convey the idea of moving from one place to another, like a walk or a journey.
Definition: 1) walk, journey, going, place to walk 1a) walk 1b) journey 1c) goings, free access Also means: mah.lekh (מַהְלֵךְ "path" H4108)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: journey, walk. See also: Nehemiah 2:6; Jonah 3:3; Jonah 3:4.
וּ/מָתַ֣י
mâthay
H4970
"how"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
תָּשׁ֑וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וַ/יִּיטַ֤ב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
לִ/פְנֵֽי
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.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וַ/יִּשְׁלָחֵ֔/נִי
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וָֽ/אֶתְּנָ֥/ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
זְמָֽן
zᵉmân
H2165
"time"
N-ms
This word refers to a specific time or occasion, like a scheduled event. It describes a set time for something to happen. The KJV translates it as 'season, time'.
Definition: a set time, appointed time, time Aramaic equivalent: ze.man (זְמַן "time" H2166)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: season, time. See also: Nehemiah 2:6; Esther 9:31; Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 2:6
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Context — Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
4“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven
5and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”
6Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time.
7I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. 8And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 13:6 | While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king |
| 2 | Isaiah 65:24 | Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 5:14 | Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth year until his thirty-second year (twelve years total), neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 2:4 | “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven |
| 5 | Isaiah 58:12 | Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling. |
| 6 | Isaiah 61:4 | They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. |
| 7 | 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.) |
Nehemiah 2:6 Summary
[Nehemiah 2:6 shows us that the king was willing to listen to Nehemiah's request and send him on his journey, which is a great example of how God can work through people in positions of power to accomplish His plans, as seen in Proverbs 21:1. Nehemiah's experience teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to be prepared to share our plans and goals with others, just as Nehemiah did with the king. By seeking God's guidance and wisdom, we can make plans and set goals that align with His will, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. As we trust in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He will work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the king's attitude towards Nehemiah's request?
The king was pleased to send Nehemiah, indicating a favorable attitude towards his request, as seen in Nehemiah 2:6, and this was likely due to God's gracious hand upon Nehemiah, as mentioned in Nehemiah 2:8.
Who was present when the king asked Nehemiah about his journey?
The queen was seated beside the king when he asked Nehemiah about his journey, as stated in Nehemiah 2:6, highlighting the royal court's interest in Nehemiah's plans.
What was the outcome of the king's conversation with Nehemiah?
The king decided to send Nehemiah, and Nehemiah set a time for his journey, as stated in Nehemiah 2:6, demonstrating the king's approval and Nehemiah's responsibility in planning his trip.
How did Nehemiah's faith influence his interaction with the king?
Nehemiah's faith is evident in his prayer to the God of heaven before answering the king, as seen in Nehemiah 2:4, showing his dependence on God and trust in His sovereignty, similar to the example of Daniel's faith in Daniel 2:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate faith and trust in God's sovereignty in my own interactions with those in authority?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, prepare myself for important conversations and decisions by seeking God's guidance and wisdom?
- What are some potential challenges or obstacles I may face in my own journey, and how can I, like Nehemiah, set a time and make plans to overcome them with God's help?
- In what ways can I show respect and humility, like Nehemiah, when interacting with those in positions of power or authority?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:6
And the king said unto me, the queen also sitting by him,.... Which it seems was not very common for the queens of Persia to dine with the kings their husbands; though this may be observed, not so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:6
And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. The queen also sitting by him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:6
The queen also sitting by him; which is here noted, partly as an unusual thing; for commonly the kings of Persia dined alone, and their queens seldom dined with them, as historians note; and peradventure because the queen expressed some kindness to him, and promoted his request with the king. When wilt thou return? this question showed the king’ s respect and affection to him, and that he was not willing to want his attendance longer than was necessary. I set him a time; either that twelve years mentioned 13:6, or rather a far shorter time; for which cause, among others, he built the walls with such despatch, even in fifty-two days, ; and probably not very long after that returned to the king, by whom he was sent a second time with more ample commission, and for the king’ s service, and the government of that part of his dominions.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:6
Nehemiah 2:6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.Ver. 6. And the king said unto me] He yields for the thing, only indents for the time; as being loth to deny Nehemiah his suit, and yet as loth to forego so faithful a servant. Ipse aspectus viri boni delectat (Seneca). The queen also sitting by him] And assisting his cause likely. Some think this was Esther, the queen mother. But the Hebrew word here is, wife: now the kings of Persia were noted for uxorious. For how long, &c.] The departure of a dear friend is so grievous, that death itself is called by that name. So it pleased the king to send me] As a governor, Nehemiah 5:14. This was the fruit of prayer, and, therefore, so much the sweeter.
And I set him a time] sc. Twelve years, Nehemiah 5:14. But more probably a shorter time at first.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:6
(6) The queen also sitting by him.—Probably Damaspia, the one legitimate queen: Shegal, as in Ps. 14:13, where, however, she stands as in the presenco of her Divine-human Lord. This was not a public feast, as in that case the queen would not be present (Esther 1:9-12). I set him a time.—Whatever that was, circumstances afterwards prolonged it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:6
Verse 6. The queen also sitting by him] Who probably forwarded his suit. This was not Esther, as Dean Prideaux supposes, nor perhaps the same Artaxerxes who had taken her to be queen; nor does שגל shegal signify queen, but rather harlot or concubine, she who was chief favourite. The Septuagint translate it παλλακη, harlot; and properly too. See the introduction. I set him a time.] How long this time was we are not told; it is by no means likely that it was long, probably no more than six months or a year; after which he either returned, or had his leave of absence lengthened; for in the same year we find he was made governor of the Jews, in which office he continued twelve years, viz., from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, Ne 5:14. He then returned to Susa; and after staying a short time, had leave to return to rectify some abuses that Tobiah the Ammonite had introduced into the temple, Ne 13:6-7, and several others of which the people themselves were guilty. After having performed this service, it is likely he returned to the Persian king, and died in his office of cup-bearer; but of this latter circumstance we have no mention in the text.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:6
6. The account is very condensed. Nehemiah’s request is favourably received, but only the general results of the conversation are related. The king seems at once to have appointed Nehemiah to be ‘governor’ at Jerusalem (cf. Nehemiah 5:14), and to have approved the policy of restoring the walls. the queen] The royal consort (cf. Psalms 45:10; Daniel 5:2-3; Daniel 5:23) the head of the Harem. She may possibly have been Damaspia, who is mentioned by the historian Ctesias as the consort of Artaxerxes. sitting by him] It was clearly not a public banquet (cf. Esther 1). The position of the queen sitting by or before the king corresponds with representations in the monuments. Compare especially the representation of Assurbanipal reclining at a banquet, his queen being seated on a chair at the foot of his couch (Brit.
Mus.). and I set him a time] The duration of this period is not stated. And the length of Nehemiah’s first residence in Jerusalem has been much disputed, some holding that he returned to the king’s court immediately after the completion of the walls, others saying that he remained as governor (cf. Nehemiah 5:14) for twelve years, having obtained an extension of the time of absence originally agreed upon.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 2:6
The queen - Though the Persian kings practiced polygamy, they always had one chief wife, who alone was recognized as “queen.” The chief wife of Longimanus was Damaspia.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:6
6. The queen also sitting by him — Probably the queen consort, the principal wife, is meant; not one of his concubines, or a mistress, as the Septuagint translates it.
Sermons on Nehemiah 2:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Bible Survey - Malachi by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Malachi, the last Book of the Old Testament, which serves as a bridge to the New Testament. Malachi, God's messenger, delivers the last Word o |
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Powerful Praying by Lou Sutera | This sermon emphasizes the importance of powerful and specific praying, highlighting the need for fervent, believing, and focused prayers. It shares anecdotes of answered prayers, |
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Walk in God's Way by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories about individuals seeking guidance from God. The first story is about a young man praying to find his future wife, and after flippin |
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Prayer Meeting - When the Weak Are Made Strong by Carter Conlon | The video shown during the sermon provided an overview of the events and activities that have taken place at Times Square Church during the recent storm. The church staff and leade |
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Psalms 33 - Christianity Personal Corporate by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of a nation being under God's blessing by acknowledging Him as Lord. It challenges individuals to consider personal and corporate repentance, |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the deep teachings of Isaiah chapters 40 to 66, highlighting the importance of humility, trust in God's ways, and the need for true repentance and righteous |
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Isaiah Chapter 28 the Mystery of Prayer by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the profound teachings of Isaiah on prayer, emphasizing that God is both the Hearer and Answerer of our prayers, always attentive to our needs even before we |