Nehemiah finally presents his request to the king (2:1–8). The month Nisan (March–April) marks four months since Nehemiah received news of the difficult situation in Jerusalem. The account does not tell us if it is a special feast or perhaps a family or staff dinner; it does mention that the queen is sitting beside the king. Why has the king not noticed his cupbearer’s sadness before? The last sentence in Nehemiah’s prayer (1:11) suggests that prior to this he has hidden his sadness but now he senses that it is time to approach the king with his concerns. Although Nehemiah has prayed and planned, he is afraid (2:2), for he knows the danger of anything that might raise the king’s suspicion.

Nehemiah’s reply has been well planned. The king apparently understands that Nehemiah wants to make…