Nehemiah 1:11
What is written? (ESV)
O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
Now I was cupbearer to the king.
What does it say?
O Lord, hear the prayers of Your servants who delight to fear Your name. Give Your servant success today and grant him mercy before this man. [Nehemiah] was the king’s cupbearer.
What is its immediate context?
Probably around 444-445 BC and Artaxerxes I is on the throne. Nehemiah prays to God and uses his position and favor with the king to petition for his return to Jerusalem. His petition is granted and the king provides a letter sealed by the king. Nehemiah will be the 3rd group of exiles to return to Jerusalem.
How Nehemiah 1:11 is applied across Bible answers
Can the Godly influence ungodly political leaders?
Nehemiah's previous position in the Persian government and the influence he garnered while there is pivotal in his success in facing down political opposition in Jerusalem and leading civic (rebuilding the wall), social and religious reform.
