‏ Nehemiah 2

* 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.