Nehemiah 2:1-3

Nehemiah waited 4 months to approach the king of Persia with his request. This means that day after day, Nehemiah had to hide his emotions and appear to be in good spirits around the king. Ancient history says that all servants were required to be in good spirits around the king and could risk losing their position or worse if they acted otherwise. Nehemiah was taking a calculated risk. Knowing that he could not approach the king, it was his plan to get the king to inquire as to the reason for his sad state. It worked.

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” Nehemiah 2:1-2 NIV

After 4 months of praying and preparing, Nehemiah is finally able to put his plan into action. I believe that he had practiced his response many times.

I was very much afraid but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Nehemiah 2:2b-3 NIV

One key phrase that is included shows us the extreme danger of the situation: “I was very much afraid…” His life was on the line and could be forfeited if the king did not take kindly to his approach.

Scholars point out that it would have been unusual for the queen to be present except for on holidays or a special occasion like the king’s birthday. Here we see another important detail in Nehemiah’s approach: he waited for a special day when the king may be in a good mood in the presence of his wife to make his request. Brilliant!!

Timing is everything and, through months of prayer, Nehemiah found the perfect approach, the perfect time, and the perfect words to make his request. Truly God was directing his every step!!

Questions to consider:

What leadership lessons can we learn from Nehemiah?

When you face a difficult decision or an important opportunity, how much does prayer play a role in your approach?