Nehemiah 2:3 Commentary and Bible Study

Here is the approach to the king. ‘And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste?’ He doesn't mention Jerusalem. Many people draw much from that; I am not so sure they should. He speaks of the tragedy of the place of his background and of his people. He is saying, ‘I am a Jew. I am an Israelite, and all my forebears are there in that city, and I see now that it's in such a tragic condition.’ It's a very good way of putting it to the king, and softens matters. He is careful; he is polite. He has got to be bold, but it doesn't abandon courtesy and care, and he invites the king to see it from his point of view. His entire background and links are there, ‘and the gates thereof are consumed with fire.’