Nehemiah 2:7

Nehemiah 2:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I 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.

King James Version KJV

Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

American Standard Version ASV

Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through till I come unto Judah;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Further, I said to the king, If it is the king's pleasure, let letters be given to me for the rulers across the river, so that they may let me go through till I come to Judah;

Free Bible Version FBV

I also asked him, “If it pleases Your Majesty, let letters be provided to give to the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will allow me to pass safely until I reach Judah.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

After I saide vnto the King, If it please the King, let them giue mee letters to the captaines beyond the Riuer, that they may conuay me ouer, till I come into Iudah,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I say to the king, 'If to the king [it be] good, letters let be given to me for the governors beyond the River, that they let me pass over till that I come in unto Judah:

World English Bible WEB

Moreover I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Moreover, I said to the king, If it should please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I said to the king: If it seem good to the king, let him give me letters to the governors of the country beyond the river, that they convey me over, till I come into Judea:

Translation for Translators T4T

I also said to the king, “If you are willing to do it, write letters for me to take to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River. Tell them to allow me to travel safely through their province until I arrive in Judah.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 2:7

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 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אוֹמַר֮ לַ/מֶּלֶךְ֒ אִם עַל הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב אִגְּרוֹת֙ יִתְּנוּ לִ֔/י עַֽל פַּחֲו֖וֹת עֵ֣בֶר הַ/נָּהָ֑ר אֲשֶׁר֙ יַעֲבִיר֔וּ/נִי עַ֥ד אֲשֶׁר אָב֖וֹא אֶל יְהוּדָֽה

וָ/אוֹמַר֮ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

לַ/מֶּלֶךְ֒ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

ט֔וֹב ṭôwb H2895 be pleasing Adj

אִגְּרוֹת֙ ʼiggereth H107 letter N-fp

יִתְּנוּ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

לִ֔/י Prep | Suff

עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פַּחֲו֖וֹת pechâh H6346 governor N-mp

עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 side N-ms

הַ/נָּהָ֑ר nâhâr H5104 river Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יַעֲבִיר֔וּ/נִי ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff

עַ֥ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אָב֖וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 2:7

וָ/אוֹמַר֮ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

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.

לַ/מֶּלֶךְ֒ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | 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.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

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.

ט֔וֹב ṭôwb H2895 "be pleasing" Adj

In the Bible, this word means to be good or pleasing, often used to describe God's actions or human behavior. It appears in Genesis 1, where God sees that creation is good, and in Psalm 100, where the psalmist says that God is good and his love endures forever.

Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favourable, be happy, be right 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleasant, be delightful 1a2) to be glad, be joyful 1a3) to be better 1a4) to be well with, be good for 1a5) to be pleasing 1b) (Hiphil) to do well, do good, act right, act rightly

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be (do) better, cheer, be (do, seem) good, (make) goodly, [idiom] please, (be, do, go, play) well. See also: Numbers 11:18; Nehemiah 2:7; Psalms 119:68.

אִגְּרוֹת֙ ʼiggereth H107 "letter" N-fp

This word refers to a written message or letter, like the ones sent by kings or prophets. In the Bible, it appears in Ezra and Nehemiah, describing official letters. The KJV translates it as letter.

Definition: letter, missive Aramaic equivalent: ig.g.ra (אִגְּרָא "letter" H0104)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: letter. See also: 2 Chronicles 30:1; Nehemiah 6:5; Esther 9:29.

יִתְּנוּ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

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.

לִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff

עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

פַּחֲו֖וֹת pechâh H6346 "governor" N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to a governor or leader of a city or region. In the Bible, it describes officials in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as those appointed by King Solomon or King David.

Definition: governor Aramaic equivalent: pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6347)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: captain, deputy, governor. See also: 1 Kings 10:15; Esther 8:9; Isaiah 36:9.

עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 "side" N-ms

This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.

Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.

הַ/נָּהָ֑ר nâhâr H5104 "river" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.

Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.

אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יַעֲבִיר֔וּ/נִי ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

עַ֥ד 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.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

אָב֖וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 2:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 2:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:7
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:7
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:7
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:7
Sermons on Nehemiah 2:7

Context — Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem

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. 9Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezra 7:21	I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly,
2	Ezra 8:36	They also delivered the king’s edicts to the royal satraps and governors of the region west of the Euphrates, who proceeded to assist the people and the house of God.
3	Nehemiah 2:9	Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.
4	Ezra 6:6	Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place!
5	Ezra 8:22	For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.”

Nehemiah 2:7 Summary

[Nehemiah 2:7 shows us that Nehemiah was a careful planner who wanted to make sure he had everything he needed to complete his journey to Judah safely. He asked the king for letters to give to the governors of the regions he would be traveling through, which would allow him to pass through safely. This shows us that it's okay to plan and prepare, but we should also trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can have confidence that God will guide and provide for us, just as He did for Nehemiah.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nehemiah ask for letters to be given to the governors west of the Euphrates?

Nehemiah asked for these letters so that he would have safe passage to Judah, as seen in Nehemiah 2:7, which shows his prudence in planning his journey, similar to how Joseph prepared for the famine in Genesis 41:33-36.

What was the significance of the Euphrates River in this context?

The Euphrates River marked the western boundary of the Persian Empire, and the governors west of it would have been responsible for the regions Nehemiah needed to travel through, as indicated in Nehemiah 2:7, which is why he needed letters to ensure his safe passage.

How did Nehemiah's request demonstrate his faith in God?

Nehemiah's request for letters and his overall planning demonstrate his practical faith, but it is also clear that he recognized God's sovereignty, as seen in Nehemiah 2:8, where he acknowledges the gracious hand of his God upon him, similar to how Daniel recognized God's hand in his life in Daniel 2:23.

What can we learn from Nehemiah's example about preparation and faith?

We can learn that faith and planning are not mutually exclusive, and that we should trust God while also using the wisdom and resources He provides, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

How do I balance faith and planning in my own life, and what can I learn from Nehemiah's example?
In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty while still taking practical steps to achieve my goals?
How can I, like Nehemiah, recognize the gracious hand of God in my life and give Him glory for the successes I experience?
What are some areas where I need to trust God more and worry less, and how can I apply the principles from this verse to those situations?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:7

Moreover, I said unto the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river,.... The river of Euphrates, on that side of it towards the land of Judea: that they may convey me over till

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:7

Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah; Let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:7

That they may safely conduct me through their several territories.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:7

Nehemiah 2:7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;Ver. 7. Moreover I said unto the king] He taketh further boldness upon the former encouragement; so may we with Almighty God, the Sun of our righteousness, the Sea of our salvation. Conclude as she did, A company comes. God never left bating till Abraham left begging. Let letters be given me to the governors] Those nearest neighbours, but greatest enemies. That they may convey me over] He committed himself to God, and yet petitions the king for a convoy. In all our enterprises God is so to be trusted as if we had used no means; and yet the means is so to be used as if we had no God to trust in.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:7

(7) To the governors beyond the river.—Between the Euphrates and Susa protection was not needed.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:7

7. letters] see note on Ezra 4:8. the governors beyond the river] The ‘Pekhahs’ of the province on the west bank of the Euphrates (Ezra 8:36). A reference to Ezra 4:7-10; Ezra 4:17 shows the importance of securing the recognition of these provincial governors. convey me over … into Judah] R.V. let me pass through … unto Judah. Letters of safe conduct through their territory. The governors would not be asked to assist the journey, but to secure that Nehemiah should not be hindered or molested on the way.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:7

7. Let letters be given me — This was a wise precaution on the part of Nehemiah, for the governors beyond the river were generally hostile to the Jews. Comp. Ezra 4, 5.

Sermons on Nehemiah 2:7

	Sermon	Description
	Bristol Conference 1975-10 Nehemiah - His Plan by Stan Ford	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a plan when doing God's work. He uses the example of Nehemiah, a saint who revealed his heart and hope to the king. N
	Nehemiah 2:7 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in all circumstances, as demonstrated by Nehemiah's response to the dire state of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's sorrow led
	(Through the Bible) Ezra by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker talks about a man who had been bragging to the king about the power and greatness of God. As a result, the king gave him a lot of gold and silver, but n
	Nehemiah #2: Chapter 2-6 by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of vision and discernment among the people regarding the state of the city walls. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's
	(Through the Bible) 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen	The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced.
	Ezra 8:22 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of seeking God, asserting that those who earnestly seek Him will experience His good hand upon their lives. He highlights that true strength

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