Definition: Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 2:7. It's a really important and slightly complex verse, but we can understand it in simple terms. Here's what it means: The Basic Idea: Nehemiah was asking the king for permission to send messengers (letters) to the governors who were located beyond the Jordan River – specifically, to the area of Judah. He wanted to be able to travel further into Jerusalem and address the situation there. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Moreover I said unto…” : This is a way of saying “I explained” or “I told.” It's Nehemiah speaking directly to the king. “…the king…” : This refers to the king of Judah, the area that was experiencing problems. “…let letters be given me…” : Nehemiah wanted the king to provide him with a way to communicate with the governors. He didn't want to go alone. "...to the governors beyond the river..." : This is the crucial part. The governors were located outside of Jerusalem, on the opposite side of the Jordan River. This was a strategic location because they had a responsibility for the area around the city. "...that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;" : This means Nehemiah wanted to travel further into Jerusalem to investigate and address the problems he was facing. “Convey” here refers to sending him on a journey. "Till I come into Judah" means he needed to be in the city of Judah (the area that was plagued with problems). In short, Nehemiah was asking for permission to travel further into Jerusalem to investigate and address a crisis. Why is this important? This verse shows: Nehemiah’s Concern: He recognized that the problem in Jerusalem needed more attention. Authority & Responsibility: The king gave him a specific task – to send messengers – to handle the situation. Strategic Planning: It highlights his understanding of how to best coordinate efforts across different areas. Does this mean he did go? While we don’t know for sure if Nehemiah actually went on this journey, this passage is significant because it shows a pattern of leadership and the importance of communication in a community facing challenges. It suggests a willingness to seek help and action from higher authorities. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of this story within the Bible?