Neh 2:5-8 | TNotes | STEP | 2:5 send me to Judah to rebuild the city: Artaxerxes’ openness to this proposal seems surprising in light of Jerusalem’s history of rebellions against Persia (Ezra 4:17-23 ). The king might have viewed Nehemiah’s plan as a way to solidify his own control over a troubled area of his empire.

bEzra 4:17-23►

‏ Nehemiah 2:5-8

2:5 ^a send me to Judah to rebuild the city: Artaxerxes’ openness to this proposal seems surprising in light of Jerusalem’s history of rebellions against Persia (Ezra 4:17-23 ^b). The king might have viewed Nehemiah’s plan as a way to solidify his own control over a troubled area of his empire.
2:6 ^c How long will you be gone? (see 5:14 ^d): Nehemiah probably requested a short period of time initially, later asking for an extension.
2:8 ^e Temple fortress might refer to the Tower of Hananel or the Tower of the Hundred.

• the gracious hand of God was on me: Nehemiah knew that the king granted these requests because God was sovereignly guiding the king to do so.