Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah 2:1

IN the moneth Nisan] Which was the first moneth of the yeer to the Jews, and seventh to the Chaldans and Persians: It contained part of March, and part of April. The news came to him three moneths before, chap. 1. 1. but he staid till his office brought him into the kings presence, and till the king spoke to him.

of Artaxerxes the king] Artaxerxes Memor, mentioned Ezra 7:1. Others think him to be Artaxerxes Longimanus.

Nehemiah 2:2

I was very sore afraid] He was terrified with the kings majesty, the trouble of his people, and the greatnesse of his request.

Nehemiah 2:3

the place of my fathers sepulchres lieth waste] No doubt he was most troubled, because Gods service was interrupted: but he thought an argument taken from naturall compassion would most move an heathen king: and their sepulchres were generally esteemed sacred.

Nehemiah 2:4

I prayed] I desired God in mine heart to prosper mine enterprise, Exodus 14:15.

Nehemiah 2:5

that thou wouldest send me] My request is, That thou wouldest send me.

Nehemiah 2:6

queen] Heb. wife.

I set him a time] The space of twelve yeers. See chapter 5. 14.

Nehemiah 2:7

over] Or, thorow.

Nehemiah 2:8

the palace] That is, the court of the temple, where the priests were to dwell, which yet lay open.

according to the good hand of my God upon me] God that moved me to ask, verse 4. give me good successe.

Nehemiah 2:10

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah] These were great enemies to the Jews, and laboured alwayes, both by force and subtilty, to overcome them: And Tobiah because his wife was a Jewesse, had advertisement ever of their affairs, and so wrought them great trouble.

the servant] It seems he was a slave born, but preserred by the kings favour.

Nehemiah 2:11

and was there three dayes] He rested him three dayes after his journey, as Ezra did, Ezra 8. 31, 32.

Nehemiah 2:13

by the gate of the valley] So called, because it led to the valley of Jehoshaphat. It was next the dung-gate on the left-hand, v. 15. chap. 3. 13. 2 Chron. 26. 9.

dragon-well] A well so called between the valley gate, and the dung-gate, but neerer to the former.

to the dung-port] Either because the rain carried the dirt thorow it to Kidron, or because men carried their dung that way to some common lay-stall, chap. 3. 13. and 12. 3.

Nehemiah 2:14

to the gate of the fountain] Which led toward the fountain of the river Siloah, chap. 3. 15. and 12. 37.

to the kings pool] Pool of Siloah by the kings garden, chap. 3. 15.

no place for the beast] By reason of stones and rubbish faln out of the wall.

that was under me to passe] Or, to passe under me. That is, I was forced to go on foot.

Nehemiah 2:15

by the brook] The brook Kidron, 2 Samuel 15:23.

by the gate of the valley] Which I went out at, v. 13.

and so returned] To my lodging.

Nehemiah 2:16

nor to the nobles] So called, because they were white robes, Esth. 8. 15.

Nehemiah 2:17

that we be no more a repreach] That is, contemned of other nations, as though God had forsaken us.

Nehemiah 2:18

which was] Or, that it was.

good upon me] Vers. 8.

they strengthned their hands] They were encouraged, and gave themselves to do well, and to travell in this worthy enterprise.

Nehemiah 2:19

Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant the Amnite, and Geshem the Arabian] These were three chief governours under the king of Prha, beyond Euphrates.

will ye rebell against the king?] Thus the wicked when they will discredit the children of God, use to lay rebellion unto their charge, both because it maketh them most odious unto the world, and also stirreth the hatred of princes most against them, Ezra 4:15.

Nehemiah 2:20

no portion] Ezra 4:3.

nor memoriall in Jerusalem] Neither are ye of the number of the people of God (to whom onely he hath appointed this city) neither did any of your predecessors ever fear God.