Nehemiah 1 tells us of Nehemiah’s heartfelt prayer to God in response to the pain he felt at the news that the residents of Jerusalem were in great trouble and shame
and that the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire
(Nehemiah 1:3). In his prayer (Nehemiah 1:5–11) he had confessed God’s power and compassion, acknowledged his people’s sin, then reminded God of his promise to show mercy to the repentant. His prayer had ended with a plea that God bless an upcoming interaction with King Artaxerxes (whom he served as cupbearer). Nehemiah 2:1–20 tells us of this anticipated interaction, and so draws out how the Lord God was pleased to answer Nehemiah’s prayers. These two chapters, then, are intimately related.
1 Au mois de Nisan, la vingtième année du roi Artaxerxès, comme le vin était devant lui, je pris le vin et je l'offris au roi. Jamais je n'avais paru triste en sa présence.