Chapter 1: A Thousand Miles Away

In the citadel of Susa, capital of the Persian Empire, a Jewish man named Nehemiah held one of the most trusted positions in the ancient world. He was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. This was not a servant's role. The cupbearer tasted the king's wine before every meal, stood in the king's presence daily, and had his ear on matters no general or governor would ever hear. Nehemiah had security, influence, and comfort. He had everything a man in exile could want.

Then his brother Hanani arrived from Judah with a group of men. Nehemiah asked them about the Jews who survived the exile and about the condition of Jerusalem.

HANANI“Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”— Nehemiah 1:3

Nehemiah sat down and wept. For days he mourned, fasted, and prayed. His prayer was not a quick request. It was a confession on behalf of his entire nation. He laid bare the sins of his people and then reminded God of a promise.

NEHEMIAH“Lord, remember the instruction You gave Your servant Moses: if you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to Me and obey My commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.”— Nehemiah 1:8-9

Then he added one final line. A line that revealed what was already forming inside him.

NEHEMIAH“Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant. Give Your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”— Nehemiah 1:11

"This man" was King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah was going to ask the most powerful ruler on earth for permission to leave, travel a thousand miles, and rebuild a city that Persia itself had allowed to fall. Four months passed. And every day, Nehemiah served the king's wine with a steady hand, carrying the weight of Jerusalem's ruins behind a calm face.