1. verba Neemiæ filii Echliæ et factum est in mense casleu anno vicesimo et ego eram in Susis castro
2. et venit Anani unus de fratribus meis ipse et viri ex Juda et interrogavi eos de Judæis qui remanserant et supererant de captivitate et de Hierusalem
3. et dixerunt mihi qui remanserunt et derelicti sunt de captivitate ibi in provincia in adflictione magna sunt et in obprobrio et murus Hierusalem dissipatus est et portæ ejus conbustæ sunt igni
4. cumque audissem verba hujuscemodi sedi et flevi et luxi diebus et jejunabam et orabam ante faciem Dei cæli
5. et dixi quæso Domine Deus cæli fortis magne atque terribilis qui custodis pactum et misericordiam cum his qui te diligunt et custodiunt mandata tua
6. fiat auris tua auscultans et oculi tui aperti ut audias orationem servi tui quam ego oro coram te hodie nocte et die pro filiis Israël servis tuis et confiteor pro peccatis filiorum Israël quibus peccaverunt tibi et ego et domus patris mei peccavimus
7. vanitate seducti sumus et non custodivimus mandatum et cærimonias et judicia quæ præcepisti Mosi servo tuo
8. memento verbi quod mandasti Mosi famulo tuo dicens cum transgressi fueritis ego dispergam vos in populos
9. et si revertamini ad me et custodiatis mandata mea et faciatis ea etiam si abducti fueritis ad extrema cæli inde congregabo vos et inducam in locum quem elegi ut habitaret nomen meum ibi
10. et ipsi servi tui et populus tuus quos redemisti in fortitudine tua magna et in manu tua valida
11. obsecro Domine sit auris tua adtendens ad orationem servi tui et ad orationem servorum tuorum qui volunt timere nomen tuum et dirige servum tuum hodie et da ei misericordiam ante virum hunc ego enim eram pincerna regis
Footnotes:
1:1-3 - Nehemiah receives news of the desolation of Jerusalem, which causes him great sadness. The city of God lies in ruins, and this reflects the spiritual state of Israel. Nehemiah is moved by compassion and zeal for the house of the Lord (see also Psalm 137:5-6 and Jeremiah 52:12-14).
1:4-6 - Nehemiah responds to the news with prayer and fasting, demonstrating his deep dependence on God. He recognizes that repentance and seeking God are fundamental to Israel's restoration (see also Daniel 9:3-5 and Joel 2:12-13).
1:7-9 - Nehemiah confesses Israel's sins and clings to God's promises to the nation, emphasizing that returning to obedience will bring restoration. He acknowledges God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises (see also Deuteronomy 30:1-3 and 1 John 1:9).
1:10-11 - Nehemiah intercedes for the people of Israel and asks God to grant them favor before the king. This demonstrates his faith in divine intervention and his role as a leader of restoration (see also Exodus 33:16 and James 5:16).
Verses related to Liber Nehemiae, 1:
Nehemiah chapter 1 introduces Nehemiah's mission. What moves this leader's heart? The text narrates how Nehemiah, the king's cupbearer in Persia, receives news about the precarious situation in Jerusalem. The chapter highlights Nehemiah's deep compassion and his response of prayer and fasting. Nehemiah 1 reveals the heart of a leader who identifies with the suffering of his people and seeks divine intervention. This chapter sets the tone for the reconstruction narrative that follows. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that elucidate the themes of compassion and intercession present in this fundamental chapter.
Daniel 9:3: "I turned to the Lord God with prayers and supplications, fasting, in sackcloth and covered in ashes." - This verse reflects Nehemiah's attitude in Nehemiah 1:4, showing a pattern of godly response to national distress.
Psalms 137:5-6: "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill! My tongue will cling to my taste if I don't remember you, if I don't consider Jerusalem my greatest joy!" - These verses echo Nehemiah's love and concern for Jerusalem expressed in Nehemiah 1:3-4.
2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - This promise reflects the hope underlying Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 1:5-11.
Ezra 9:6-7: "Oh my God! I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift my face before you, my God, because our sins cover our heads and our guilt reaches to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors until today, our guilt has been great." - This confession of Ezra is similar to Nehemiah's prayer of confession in Nehemiah 1:6-7.
Isaiah 62:6-7: "On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have placed sentries that will not remain silent day or night. You who cry out to the Lord, do not rest and do not allow him to rest until he restores Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth." - This prophetic call to intercession for Jerusalem reflects Nehemiah's attitude in Nehemiah 1.
FAQ:
What led Nehemiah to pray for Jerusalem?
Nehemiah was deeply saddened when he heard about the destruction of Jerusalem's walls. He prayed to God for forgiveness for Israel's sins and for help in restoring the city. (Nehemiah 1:3-4)
How did Nehemiah demonstrate his leadership in prayer?
Nehemiah, upon learning of Jerusalem's condition, humbled himself before God in fervent prayer and asked for the city's restoration. He acknowledged the people's sins and trusted in God's power. (Nehemiah 1:5-11)
What was God's answer to Nehemiah's prayer?
God answered Nehemiah's prayer, opening the door for him to be sent to King Artaxerxes to help rebuild Jerusalem. Divine providence was evident in the fulfillment of this plan. (Nehemiah 1:11)
What did Nehemiah ask King Artaxerxes?
Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes for permission to go to Jerusalem, materials to rebuild the walls, and protection during the journey. The king granted his request, demonstrating divine intervention. (Nehemiah 2:4-8)
How did Nehemiah demonstrate courage in speaking to the king?
Nehemiah demonstrated courage by expressing his sorrow and making a bold request to the king, trusting that God was with him and that the mission was part of God’s plan. (Nehemiah 2:1-8)
