This verse from Nehemiah 2:8 describes Nehemiah's strategic planning and God's favor in helping him rebuild Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest...": Nehemiah, acting as a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes, requests official letters of introduction and authorization. This specific request is for a letter to Asaph, who was in charge of the king's forests. The forests were royal property, so Nehemiah needed permission to extract timber from them.
"...that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house that I will occupy.": This details the specific purpose for the timber. Nehemiah outlines the rebuilding project:
Gates of the Citadel by the Temple: The citadel (or fortress) next to the temple needed strong gates, which were crucial for security.
Wall of the City: Rebuilding the city walls was vital for protecting Jerusalem from enemies. It symbolized restoration and security.
House that I will Occupy: This refers to a residence for Nehemiah himself, likely a necessary base of operations for overseeing the rebuilding project.
"The king granted my requests, because of the good hand of my God on me.": This is the key point. Nehemiah acknowledges that King Artaxerxes granting his requests was a result of God's favor and influence. Nehemiah believed God was guiding him and working behind the scenes to make the rebuilding possible. The phrase "good hand of my God" indicates God's blessing, provision, and protection.
In summary, the verse means:
Nehemiah strategically requested the necessary resources (timber) from the king by asking for an official letter of authorization to Asaph. He clearly outlined the use of the timber for rebuilding key structures in Jerusalem – the citadel gates, the city walls, and his own residence. Ultimately, Nehemiah attributes the success of obtaining these resources to God's grace and favor, recognizing that God was working in his favor to make his mission possible. It emphasizes the importance of planning and seeking God's blessing in undertaking a significant task.
This verse from Nehemiah 2:8 describes Nehemiah's strategic planning and God's favor in helping him rebuild Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest...": Nehemiah, acting as a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes, requests official letters of introduction and authorization. This specific request is for a letter to Asaph, who was in charge of the king's forests. The forests were royal property, so Nehemiah needed permission to extract timber from them.
"...that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house that I will occupy.": This details the specific purpose for the timber. Nehemiah outlines the rebuilding project:
Gates of the Citadel by the Temple: The citadel (or fortress) next to the temple needed strong gates, which were crucial for security.
Wall of the City: Rebuilding the city walls was vital for protecting Jerusalem from enemies. It symbolized restoration and security.
House that I will Occupy: This refers to a residence for Nehemiah himself, likely a necessary base of operations for overseeing the rebuilding project.
"The king granted my requests, because of the good hand of my God on me.": This is the key point. Nehemiah acknowledges that King Artaxerxes granting his requests was a result of God's favor and influence. Nehemiah believed God was guiding him and working behind the scenes to make the rebuilding possible. The phrase "good hand of my God" indicates God's blessing, provision, and protection.
In summary, the verse means:
Nehemiah strategically requested the necessary resources (timber) from the king by asking for an official letter of authorization to Asaph. He clearly outlined the use of the timber for rebuilding key structures in Jerusalem – the citadel gates, the city walls, and his own residence. Ultimately, Nehemiah attributes the success of obtaining these resources to God's grace and favor, recognizing that God was working in his favor to make his mission possible. It emphasizes the importance of planning and seeking God's blessing in undertaking a significant task.