Title: Have mercy on me (Nehemiah 05:19)
Content Nehemiah closed the conclusion of this chapter with a prayer, which is an earnest prayer, “Give me grace.” Prayer is gratitude for the past, an example for the present, and a petition for the future.
1. Nehemiah's prayer in this book
1) For God's people and for himself, he frankly admitted and confessed his crimes and asked him to show mercy. (1:5-11) 2) Before answering the question asked in front of the king, he boldly prayed silently to the God of heaven and answered. (2:4) 3) At a time when it was easy to become discouraged and despised, he prayed that he might endure to the end and win. (4:4-5) 4) When the adversaries unite and threaten, they demanded special protection and appealed for security. (4:9) 5) He thought about what he had accomplished, gave him grace, and asked for a reward. (5:19) 6) The adversaries said they would stop working because their hands were tired, so they quietly said, “Strengthen my hands.” (6:9) 7) Remember and stop the entreaties of those who tried to frighten you (Tobiah, Sanballat, etc...). (6:14) 8) He appealed to remember that he did his best for the temple of God and the fulfillment of all his duties. (13:14) 9) God's mercy came upon him, and he longed for great grace. (13:22) 10) Pray for spiritual leaders (priests, Levites) to take on their responsibilities. (13:29) 11) Finally, he prayed for God's favor to him. (13:31)
2. He asked for continued grace.
“Remembering all that I have done for this people… ” means that God has been in control of the history of the people of Israel up to this day, and even though the captivity and the remaining life in the mainland, God has protected them all. While thankful for grace, the current adversaries tried to stop the restoration of the castle by doing everything they could to stop the restoration work, but they were reassured to believe that God exists. Therefore, he prayed that all things would be gracious to him in the future, and that all things would be prosperous. He is a man of prayer, and he believed that what he prayed would be fulfilled.
Conclusion: God is a God who gives what he needs in advance, but even more good things to those who ask for it and hope for it.