Nehemiah was grieved over Jerusalem because the city of God lay in ruin, its walls broken down and its people in great distress. His sorrow was not just nationalistic, but spiritual. He understood that Jerusalem’s condition reflected the spiritual state of the people and the dishonor it brought to God’s name among the nations.
While serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia, Nehemiah received a report from his brethren:
“The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”
(Nehemiah 1:3)
Nehemiah’s response was immediate and intense:
“So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
(Nehemiah 1:4)
He confessed the sins of Israel and pleaded with God for mercy and restoration, appealing to God’s covenant and promises:
“Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses… ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you… but if you return to Me… I will bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.’”
(Nehemiah 1:8–9)
Nehemiah’s grief stemmed from his reverence for God’s name, his love for his people, and his burden for the holy city. Jerusalem’s desolation signified more than physical ruin; it was a reproach to God’s people and an obstacle to worship and national identity.
God granted Nehemiah favor with the king, who permitted him to return and rebuild the walls. Nehemiah’s sorrow moved him to action, and through his leadership, the walls were restored, and the people were renewed in covenant.
His example teaches that godly grief should lead to prayerful action, not despair.
