Nehemiah 2:6 - The king said to me (the queen was also sitting by him), “How long will your journey be? When will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time for him.
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What does "Nehemiah 2:6" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 2:6 is a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's quest to rebuild Jerusalem. Let's break down its meaning:
"The king said to me (the queen was also sitting by him)...": This sets the scene. Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, has just revealed his sadness about the state of Jerusalem and requested permission to go and rebuild it (Nehemiah 2:1-5). The presence of the queen suggests that this was a somewhat formal or at least important audience. Her presence likely adds weight to the conversation and implies the king valued her input.
"How long will your journey be? When will you return?": This is the king's response to Nehemiah's request. It shows:
The king's willingness to consider the request: He's not immediately dismissing Nehemiah. Instead, he's asking practical questions to assess the feasibility of allowing Nehemiah to leave his service.
The king's concern about the timeframe: He needs to know how long Nehemiah will be gone so he can plan accordingly. Nehemiah is an important official, and his absence will have consequences.
The king's desire to ensure Nehemiah's return: The question about when Nehemiah will return demonstrates that the king expects him to come back and resume his duties. This indicates a level of trust and perhaps even affection for Nehemiah.
"So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time for him.": This is the key takeaway.
"It pleased the king to send me": This confirms that the king granted Nehemiah's request. This is a significant victory for Nehemiah. The king's agreement is crucial for Nehemiah to be able to return to Jerusalem with the authority and resources needed to rebuild the city.
"and I set a time for him": Nehemiah told the king how long he estimated the journey and rebuilding project would take. This establishes a clear expectation and commitment. Nehemiah is taking responsibility for his mission and giving the king a concrete timeframe to rely on. This also shows Nehemiah's foresight and planning; he had already considered the length of the journey before making his request.
In summary, Nehemiah 2:6 highlights the following:
The King's Favor: Nehemiah had found favor in the eyes of the king, allowing him to ask for such a significant leave of absence.
Practical Considerations: The king's questions emphasize the practical aspects of the request, requiring Nehemiah to plan the duration of his journey.
Negotiation and Agreement: Nehemiah's response shows his forethought and allows the king to make an informed decision. The verse concludes with the agreement, signifying the start of Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem.
The verse sets the stage for the rest of the book of Nehemiah, which details his journey, the challenges he faces, and the eventual rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
Nehemiah 2:6 - The king said to me (the queen was also sitting by him), “How long will your journey be? When will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time for him.
What does "Nehemiah 2:6" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 2:6 is a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's quest to rebuild Jerusalem. Let's break down its meaning:
"The king said to me (the queen was also sitting by him)...": This sets the scene. Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, has just revealed his sadness about the state of Jerusalem and requested permission to go and rebuild it (Nehemiah 2:1-5). The presence of the queen suggests that this was a somewhat formal or at least important audience. Her presence likely adds weight to the conversation and implies the king valued her input.
"How long will your journey be? When will you return?": This is the king's response to Nehemiah's request. It shows:
The king's willingness to consider the request: He's not immediately dismissing Nehemiah. Instead, he's asking practical questions to assess the feasibility of allowing Nehemiah to leave his service.
The king's concern about the timeframe: He needs to know how long Nehemiah will be gone so he can plan accordingly. Nehemiah is an important official, and his absence will have consequences.
The king's desire to ensure Nehemiah's return: The question about when Nehemiah will return demonstrates that the king expects him to come back and resume his duties. This indicates a level of trust and perhaps even affection for Nehemiah.
"So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time for him.": This is the key takeaway.
"It pleased the king to send me": This confirms that the king granted Nehemiah's request. This is a significant victory for Nehemiah. The king's agreement is crucial for Nehemiah to be able to return to Jerusalem with the authority and resources needed to rebuild the city.
"and I set a time for him": Nehemiah told the king how long he estimated the journey and rebuilding project would take. This establishes a clear expectation and commitment. Nehemiah is taking responsibility for his mission and giving the king a concrete timeframe to rely on. This also shows Nehemiah's foresight and planning; he had already considered the length of the journey before making his request.
In summary, Nehemiah 2:6 highlights the following:
The King's Favor: Nehemiah had found favor in the eyes of the king, allowing him to ask for such a significant leave of absence.
Practical Considerations: The king's questions emphasize the practical aspects of the request, requiring Nehemiah to plan the duration of his journey.
Negotiation and Agreement: Nehemiah's response shows his forethought and allows the king to make an informed decision. The verse concludes with the agreement, signifying the start of Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem.
The verse sets the stage for the rest of the book of Nehemiah, which details his journey, the challenges he faces, and the eventual rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.