And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The fact that the queen was present is highlighted because it was unusual, suggesting her favor might have helped Nehemiah's request. More significantly, the king's question about when Nehemiah would return shows his personal affection and reluctance to lose his trusted cupbearer, revealing the deep relationship underlying this political request.
And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nehemiah, having just nervously asked the king for permission to travel to Jerusalem, now has his request granted after a period of anxious silence. The king, with his queen present, inquires about the duration of Nehemiah's absence, showing a clear personal regard for him. This leads to Nehemiah stating a specific timeframe, securing the king's approval to depart and begin his vital mission.
Ever wonder about the subtle forces that shape big decisions? In this moment, the queen's presence wasn't just incidental.
The text specifically notes the queen's presence: '(the queen also sitting beside him)'. This was unusual for Persian kings, who typically dined alone. Her presence wasn't just decorative; commentators suggest she may have supported Nehemiah's request, possibly due to a personal kindness or a general favor towards the Jewish people. This highlights how unexpected allies and seemingly minor details can play a crucial role in divine purposes. God often works through people and circumstances we might overlook.
Nehemiah didn't just ask for time off; he presented a clear plan. This detail is key to understanding the king's willingness to grant his request.
When the king asks, 'How long will you be gone, and when will you return?', Nehemiah doesn't give a vague answer. Instead, the text says, 'So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time.' This shows Nehemiah was prepared and specific. He likely proposed a reasonable timeframe, demonstrating foresight and trustworthiness. This wasn't a request to abandon his post indefinitely, but a planned absence with a defined return. This calculated approach was crucial for securing the king's approval and demonstrated Nehemiah's responsibility.
The king's questions reveal more than just a desire for an itinerary; they hint at a deeper relationship and a significant level of trust.
Ask a follow-up
The king's direct questions – 'How long will you be gone, and when will you return?' – aren't just administrative. Commentators highlight that these questions likely indicate the king's affection and respect for Nehemiah. He didn't want to be without his trusted cupbearer for longer than necessary. This personal touch suggests a strong bond and a high level of trust the king placed in Nehemiah. Nehemiah wasn't just an employee; he was valued. This favor allowed the king to readily grant Nehemiah's request, setting the stage for the great work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
In Scripture, this term refers to a sovereign ruler, often recognized as possessing ultimate earthly authority within a given context. In Nehemiah, it refers to Artaxerxes I, whose heart and decisions are subject to the sovereignty of God.
tōb · Hebrew Adjective/Verb
In a biblical context, 'pleased' often denotes favorable disposition, acceptance, or approval. When applied to God or a human authority, it indicates that a request or situation aligns with their will or criteria for favor.
The king's question, 'How long will you be gone, and when will you return?', highlights the personal relationship and trust between Nehemiah and Artaxerxes I, framing Nehemiah's mission not just as an official decree but as a personal favor granted by a benevolent, albeit busy, monarch.
c. 465 BC
Accession of Artaxerxes I
Artaxerxes I Longimanus becomes king of the Persian Empire, ruling over a vast territory that included the province of Judah.
c. 450s BC
Nehemiah serves as cupbearer
Nehemiah holds a highly trusted position as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, a role that required close proximity to the king and significant influence.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah learns of Jerusalem's plight
Nehemiah hears disturbing news from Jerusalem about the dilapidated state of its walls and the suffering of the returned exiles, prompting his prayer and sorrow.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's petition to Artaxerxes I
Nehemiah bravely requests leave from King Artaxerxes I to return to Judah and rebuild Jerusalem's walls, a bold request made in the king's presence, possibly with the queen's support.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah's journey to Jerusalem
Having received royal assent and supplies, Nehemiah travels from the Persian capital to Jerusalem to begin his rebuilding project.
c. 445 BC
Walls of Jerusalem rebuilt
Under Nehemiah's leadership, the walls of Jerusalem are miraculously rebuilt in a remarkably short period of 52 days, despite opposition.
c. 445 - 433 BC
Nehemiah's governorship
Nehemiah serves as governor of Judah for a period of twelve years, implementing reforms and addressing the needs of the community.
This passage highlights the significant role a queen could play in approaching the king, much like the queen's presence with Nehemiah seems to have been favorable to his request.
Daniel 2:12-13This shows the precarious position of advisors in the Persian court, making Nehemiah's careful approach and the king's specific questions about his return all the more significant.
1 Kings 10:13The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon and her subsequent interactions with him illustrate the diplomatic and personal relationships that could exist between rulers and important foreign visitors, paralleling Nehemiah's position.
Nehemiah 5:14This verse mentions Nehemiah's twelve-year governorship, providing context for the 'time' he set with the king, suggesting it was likely a temporary leave that was later extended or that he returned to Persia and was re-sent.
clarkeNehemiah 2:6: "And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time."
The queen also sitting by him - Who probably forwarded his suit. This was not Esther, as Dean Prideaux supposes, nor perhaps the same Artaxerxes who had taken her to be queen; nor does שגל shegal signify queen, but rather harlot or concubine, she who was chief favourite. The Septuagint translate it παλ…
wesleyNehemiah 2:6: "And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time."
2:6 The queen - Which is here noted, as an unusual thing; for commonly the kings of Persia dined alone, and perhaps because the queen expressed some kindness to him, and promoted his request. How long - This question shewed the king's affection to him, and that he was not willing to want his attendance…
The fact that the queen was present is highlighted because it was unusual, suggesting her favor might have helped Nehemiah's request. More significantly, the king's question about when Nehemiah would return shows his personal affection and reluctance to lose his trusted cupbearer, revealing the deep relationship underlying this political request.
Nehemiah, having just nervously asked the king for permission to travel to Jerusalem, now has his request granted after a period of anxious silence. The king, with his queen present, inquires about the duration of Nehemiah's absence, showing a clear personal regard for him. This leads to Nehemiah stating a specific timeframe, securing the king's approval to depart and begin his vital mission.
Nehemiah, having just nervously asked the king for permission to travel to Jerusalem, now has his request granted after a period of anxious silence. The king, with his queen present, inquires about the duration of Nehemiah's absence, showing a clear personal regard for him. This leads to Nehemiah stating a specific timeframe, securing the king's approval to depart and begin his vital mission.
"And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time." — The fact that the queen was present is highlighted because it was unusual, suggesting her favor might have helped Nehemiah's request. More significantly, the king's question about when Nehemiah would…
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Last reviewed October 2026