Nehemiah 2:4-8 – Key to finding favor with others

After four months of prayer and fasting, it did not come as a surprise that he should find favor both with God and with his boss, king Artaxerxes. The sadness shown on his face regarding the desolation of Jerusalem did not go unnoticed by the king who then asked what was affecting him. That provided an opportunity for him to reveal to the king his concerns. Instead of punishment, he found favor from the king who asked, what would you request?” In other words, what do you want me to do? What a turn of events! Quickly, Nehemiah sent a quick prayer to the LORD, before he responded.  

Seizing the opportunity, he asked the king for three things. Firstly that he would be given permission to return to Judah to Jerusalem to rebuild that ruined city. To this request, the king asked two pertinent questions. With his queen sitting beside him, he asked him how long his journey would be and how long he would be away? We are not told specifically how Nehemiah answered the king, but he did give him a definite period.

Secondly, he requested a letter to the governor of the province to facilitate his movement back home. He was asking for ease in custom clearance. This was needful so that his travel back home would not be needlessly hindered. Time was of the essence, and he did not want to be delayed.     

Thirdly, he requested a letter to Asaph, the forest keeper of the king to let him have beams so that he could repair “the gates of the fortress which is by the temple, for the wall of the city and for the house to which I will go.” Without any resistance from the king, he was quickly granted all three requests.

Nehemiah was quick to attribute it to the favor of God. It is true that when God favors a man, it is easier to also find favor with man. So here in Nehemiah 2:4-8  Nehemiah proved that to be true. Every one of us wants to be accepted, approved, and appreciated by men. We would often try all means to try to get them. Here in these verses, we are given a key, i.e. to stay connected with God and obtain His favor first of all. Proverbs 16:7 assures us that “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” When we have the favor of God, man’s approval or acceptance would flow easily.