Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Nehemiah Ch.2 / 13 Ch.s
NE:2
* Nehemiah's request to the king. (1-8) Nehemiah comes to
Jerusalem. (9-18) The opposition of the adversaries. (19,20)
#1-8 Our prayers must be seconded with serious endeavours, else
we mock God. We are not limited to certain moments in our
addresses to the King of kings, but have liberty to go to him at
all times; approaches to the throne of grace are never out of
season. But the sense of God's displeasure and the afflictions
of his people, are causes of sorrow to the children of God,
under which no earthly delights can comfort. The king encouraged
Nehemiah to tell his mind. This gave him boldness to speak; much
more may the invitation Christ has given us to pray, and the
promise that we shall speed, encourage us to come boldly to the
throne of grace. Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven, as
infinitely above even this mighty monarch. He lifted up his
heart to that God who understands the language of the heart. Nor
should we ever engage in any pursuit in which it would be wrong
for us thus to seek and expect the Divine direction, assistance,
and blessing. There was an immediate answer to his prayer; for
the seed of Jacob never sought the God of Jacob in vain.
#9-18 When Nehemiah had considered the matter, he told the Jews
that God had put it into his heart to build the wall of
Jerusalem. He does not undertake to do it without them. By
stirring up ourselves and one another to that which is good, we
strengthen ourselves and one another for it. We are weak in our
duty, when we are cold and careless.
#19,20 The enmity of the serpent's seed against the cause of
Christ is confined to no age or nation. The application to
ourselves is plain. The church of God asks for our help. Is it
not desolate, and exposed to assaults? Does the consideration of
its low estate cause you any grief? Let not business, pleasure,
or the support of a party so engage attention, as that Zion and
her welfare shall be nothing to you.