Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Nehemiah
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 2
Overview:
Nehemiah's request to the
King.
(1-8) Nehemiah comes to
Jerusalem.
(9-18) The opposition of the adversaries.
(19,20)
1-8 Our prayers must be seconded with serious endeavours, else
we mock
God. We are not limited to certain moments in our
addresses to the
King of
Kings, but have liberty to go to him at
all times; approaches to the
Throne of
Grace are never out of
season. But the sense of
God's displeasure and the
Afflictions
of his people, are causes of sorrow to the children of
God,
under which
No earthly delights can comfort. The
King encouraged
Nehemiah to tell his mind. This gave him boldness to speak; much
more may the invitation
Christ has given us to pray, and the
promise that we shall speed, encourage us to come boldly to the
Throne of
Grace.
Nehemiah prayed to the
God of
Heaven, as
infinitely above even this mighty monarch. He lifted up his
Heart to that
God who understands the language of the
Heart. Nor
should we ever engage in any pursuit in which it would be wrong
for us thus to seek and expect the Divine direction, assistance,
and blessing. There was an immediate answer to his
Prayer; for
the seed of
Jacob never sought the
God of
Jacob in vain.
9-18 When
Nehemiah had considered the matter, he told the Jews
that
God had
Put it into his
Heart to build the
Wall of
Jerusalem. He does not undertake to do it without them.
By
stirring up ourselves and one another to that which is good, we
strengthen ourselves and one another for it. We are weak in our
duty, when we are cold and careless.
19,20 The
Enmity of the
Serpent's seed against the cause of
Christ is confined to
No Age or nation. The application to
ourselves is
Plain. The
Church of
God asks for our help. Is it
not desolate, and exposed to assaults? Does the consideration of
its low estate cause you any grief? Let not business, pleasure,
or the support of a party
So engage attention, as that Zion and
her welfare shall be nothing to you.