Whether it was for letters or for timbers, the king willingly granted it. So we may picture Nehemiah receiving a number of letters for the king, complete with his seal, which the cupbearer may show to the governors he meets, authorizing rite of passage through their district, as well as to Asaph, authorizing trees. With these letters in hand, Nehemiah is set to depart from Susa and begin the work in Jerusalem.
8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.