Bible Question: In Nehemiah 2:2, was Nehemiah afraid because of the fact that King Artaxerxes saw him "downcast" (1:4) or fear from what the King's response would be of his request (2:5)? |
Bible Answer: Nolan- According to my bible's commentary "Nehemiah is afraid to appear sad at an inappropriate time before the king because cupbearers were to hide their emotions for the king's sake. To violate this was punishable by death." So in Chapter 1 he was afraid, but in chapter two I think he was afraid the king would refuse. As a cupbearer, he was privy to a lot of the king's confidential conversation and was very trusted, not someone easily replaced. Debbie |