English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young
Nehemiah 1:11 — English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young
`I beseech Thee, O Lord, let, I pray Thee, Thine ear be attentive unto the prayer of Thy servant, and unto the prayer of Thy servants, those delighting to fear Thy Name; and give prosperity, I pray Thee, to Thy servant to-day, and give him for mercies before this man;` and I have been butler to the king.
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah is praying to God, asking God to listen to his prayer and the prayers of others who respect God. He asks for help and mercy in his role as the king's cupbearer.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're Nehemiah, and you have a special job serving drinks to the king. You're asking God to listen to you and your friends who want to follow God's rules. You're also asking God to help you do a good job and stay safe in front of the king, just like how you'd ask a friend to help you do well in a game.
Historical Background
Nehemiah wrote this prayer during a time when the Jewish people were returning to Jerusalem from exile. The verse shows Nehemiah's deep faith and his important role in the king's court, where he is able to influence the king for the good of his people.
Living It Out Today
Imagine you have a big project at work and you need to impress your boss. You can ask God for help, just like Nehemiah did. Praying can give you the confidence and support you need to succeed in your job and stay true to your values.
Nehemiah was a Jewish leader in the Persian court who later returned to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls and restore the city.
What does it mean to be a cupbearer?
A cupbearer was a trusted servant who served drinks to the king, often with the added responsibility of tasting the wine to ensure it was not poisoned.
What is the significance of Nehemiah's prayer?
Nehemiah's prayer shows his deep faith and his reliance on God for his important role. It also highlights the importance of communal prayer and seeking God's favor.
How can we apply Nehemiah's prayer in our lives?
We can apply Nehemiah's prayer by asking God for guidance and help in our daily tasks, just as Nehemiah did, and by praying for others who share our faith.
