Nehemiah 1:4
Afrikaans (NLV) 2011
Toe ek dit hoor, het ek gaan sit en huil. Vir dae aaneen het ek getreur, gevas en tot die God van die hemel gebid.
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah is hearing about the troubles of Jerusalem and feels deeply sad. He sits, cries, and prays to God for many days. This shows his deep concern and faith.
Explained for Children
Imagine your favorite toy is broken and you feel really sad. Nehemiah felt like that when he heard about his home city, Jerusalem, being in trouble. He cried and prayed to God, just like you might ask a grown-up for help.
Historical Background
Nehemiah wrote this as part of the book that bears his name, around 445 BC. He was a Jew working in the Persian court when he heard about the troubles in Jerusalem. This was during a time when the city was rebuilding after being destroyed by the Babylonians.
Living It Out Today
When you learn about a problem, whether it affects your community or the world, you can respond by praying and fasting, just as Nehemiah did. This shows dedication and a desire for God's guidance and help.
Topics
prayerfaithrebuildingfastingnational concernemotional response
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nehemiah's reaction teach us about dealing with bad news?
Nehemiah's reaction teaches us to take a moment to process bad news emotionally, and then to turn to God in prayer and fasting for guidance and strength.
Why did Nehemiah fast and pray for so many days?
Nehemiah fasted and prayed to show his dedication and to seek God's help and guidance in solving the problems he had heard about in Jerusalem.
How can we apply Nehemiah's response in our modern lives?
We can apply Nehemiah's response by taking time to pray and fast when we face significant problems or challenges, seeking God's guidance and strength.
What is the significance of Nehemiah sitting down and weeping?
Sitting down and weeping shows Nehemiah's deep emotional response to the news about Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of emotional honesty and responsiveness in faith.