V.2 The king notices that Nehemiah looks sad, and asks the reason. To appear sad in the presence of the king might mean death.
V.4-5 Between the question and the answer, there was a quick silent prayer to the Lord. What a good habit for any of us!
V.5-8 The king hears his request and it is promptly granted.
V.10 Signs of trouble ahead. Two men, Sanballat and Tobiah hear about Nehemiah’s visit and they are very upset. Sanballat was of Moab. Tobiah was of Ammon. Their wicked beginning is told in Genesis 19:32-38.
V.12-18 Nehemiah makes a tour of inspection and finds the conditions to be very bad. But in verse 18, he speaks with confidence of the hand of God. We too are living in a similar day of indifference, but we can also count on the Lord to be with us, and we can also rise up and build up (encourage) one another.
V.19 Those 2 enemies and one more join to laugh and to mock.