“grant him mercy in the sight of this man,” meaning Artaxerxes. After the prayer, the one addition al sentence with which the chapter closes makes clear the reason why Nehemiah needed the king’s direct assent — he was cupbearer to Ar taxerxes. Authorities state that in ancient times, this official tasted food and wine and then passed it to the H Y PO C R IT E S " I won't go to church with hypo crites," I've heard some people say; But in the church, or out of the church They're with them every day. Did you ever see a business place, A home, a lodge, or school Where not a member ever dared To disobey a rule? A hypocrite, as you must know. Pretends what he is not; And you will find him in the church, The school, the club— or what. It doesn't matter where you go. Some hypocrites you'll find, But always where there're counter feits There must be genuine. So, my friend, take my advice, Behind none try to hide. You'd have to be quite small, you know, And then, 'twould ne'er abide. You answer for the one that wears Your shoes; I'll do the same. If you miss heaven, hear it now, You are the one to blame. people at the king’s table. He was chosen for his handsome appearance and was a person of noble birth and rank. Usually he possessed consider able influence with the king, being often very near him. It may be re called that in Bible history the cup bearer of Pharaoh was instrumental in bringing Joseph before the king of Egypt (Gen. 40:41).
this, he presented his special peti tion to the Lord. Then Nehemiah reminded the Lord of His gracious promise, also given through Moses, that if after transgression and divine scattering among the nations, the people would turn back to Him and keep His com mandments, then He would regather and restore them to Jerusalem, “the place that I have chosen to set my name there.” These statements of TH E W A IT IN G T IM E There are days of deepest sorrow In the seasons of our life, There are wild, despairing moments, There are hours of greatest strife. There are times of stormy anguish When the tears refuse to fall, But the waiting time, my brother, Is the hardest time of all. Youth and love are oft impatient, Seeking things beyond their reach, And the heart grows sick with hoping E'er it learns what life can teach; For before the fruit is gathered We must see the blossoms fall, And the waiting time, my brother, Is the hardest time of all. But at last we learn the lesson, That God knoweth what is best; And a silent resignation Makes the spirit calm and blest; For perchance a day is coming In the changes of our fate When our hearts will thank Him meekly That He taught us how to wait. Nehemiah summarize the teaching of several passages in the Pentateuch, such as Deu t e r onomy 28:63-67; 30:1-5. At the close of his prayer, Nehe miah brought to the Lord his peti tion. No doubt the resolve had al ready arisen in his mind to go him self to Jerusalem to assist in the work there. To do this he needed special permission from the king. So he prayed that the Lord would
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