Nehemiah 2:1-6

2:1

Nisan <05212> [Nisan.]

twentieth <06242> [the twentieth.]

took <05375> [I took up.]

2:2

appear <06440> [Why is thy.]

sadness <07455> [sorrow.]

very <03966> [Then I.]

Probably the king spoke as if he had some suspicion that Nehemiah harboured some bad design, and that his face indicated some conceived treachery, or remorse; and, indeed, the words rendered sad, and sorrow of heart, might be rendered evil, and wickedness of heart.

2:3

king ... king <04428> [Let the king.]

Far from wishing ill to my master, I wish him to live for ever.

city <05892> [the city.]

O .......... dejected <01004> [the place.]

2:4

seeking <01245> [For what.]

prayed <06419> [So I prayed.]

2:5

inclined <02895> [If it please.]

servant <05650> [and if thy.]

2:6

consort <07694> [the queen. Heb. the wife.]

It was probably Esther who was present at this time, and who seconded Nehemiah's request.

<03190> [So it pleased.]

gave .... time <02165 05414> [I set him a time.]

It is probable that this time was no more than six months, or a year; after which he either returned, or had his leave of absence lengthened, as we find he was twelve years governor of the Jews.