Nehemiah’s concern for that little remnant in Jerusalem, and the state of that city, was reflected in his countenance. It has been observed that facial expressions reveal the inward state of the soul, and furthermore, as humans, it is impossible to truly hide those feelings in our expressions. In Nehemiah’s case, this was especially dangerous; one was not permitted to look downcast in the presence of a Persian king! “The king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid” (Neh. 2:2). Nevertheless, God used these circumstances to provide an opportunity for Nehemiah to reveal to the king the burden of his heart. “Why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?” (Neh. 2:3). When Artaxerxes’ response proves favorable, Nehemiah immediately prays to the God of Heaven — the One who even now rules over the affairs of men. Nebuchadnezzar had to learn that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will ... after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule” (Dan. 4:25-26). Nehemiah, with spiritual discernment, correctly addresses the God of Heaven.
With his confidence placed in God, Nehemiah is not afraid to make an audacious request of the king — let me return to Jerusalem and rebuild it! When we ask according to the will of God, then there is no doubt as to God’s answering our request. Since when did a cup bearer have the know-how to build a city, or to govern a province? Nehemiah is not the least bit daunted by the task that lay ahead; he trusted in God. The king, by way of reply, simply inquires as to how long Nehemiah would be absent.
In contrast to Ezra, Nehemiah asks for a safe passage through the various provinces. Ezra had told the king, “The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him” (Ezra 8:22), and for that reason, he would not request a band of soldiers for protection (Neh. 2:9). Should we fault Nehemiah for his request? We each must walk in the measure of faith that we have; I cannot walk according to another man’s faith — to do so would be mere pretension. One thing that characterized these men of faith is their lack of pretension. Nevertheless, one should never use this as an excuse for faithlessness — the attitude expressed in, “Oh, this is just the way I am.” As we have noted, Nehemiah’s bold request of the king was not itself without faith.