O LORD, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.
O LORD, I beg you, please listen carefully to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayers of your servants who want to honor your name. Please give your servant success today, and let this man show me kindness. I was the king's cupbearer.
Nehemiah is asking God to listen to his prayer and give him success when he approaches the king, revealing that he served as the king's cupbearer.
📚 Historical Context
Nehemiah was a Jewish exile serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia around 445 BC. As cupbearer, he was a trusted official who tasted the king's food and drink to protect against poison, giving him regular access to the king. Nehemiah had just learned that Jerusalem's walls were broken down and its people were in distress, and he was preparing to ask the king for permission to return and rebuild the city.
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