NOTES for Neh 1:1-2:20

Nehemiah lived prosperously at the court of the Persian king. His court office as cupbearer calls to mind another cupbearer, the Egyptian one, who in Joseph's time likewise won the king's favor after a stay in prison, which may well be compared with Nehemiah's captivity. But Nehemiah uses the king's favor not for personal ends but in the interests of his people, whose needs cannot be obscured for him by prosperity at court.

Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem, but his journey is not arranged with the same solemnity as Ezra's journey would be. Nehemiah does not waste time on conspicuous gestures; at first he acts without informing anyone of his plans. Only after Nehemiah has examined the nature of the destruction and thought through the necessary amount of work does he turn to the elders of the people for support.

What matters most begins unnoticed and is accomplished without advance publicity. Yet this is precisely what reveals the authenticity of what is taking place.