The book was written by Nehemiah starting in 445 BC. One of his brothers had been to Jerusalem and had returned with news of how things were there. There are records of a Hanani in the Elphantine papyri. The report was that the people were in great trouble and disgrace. The people were defenceless and the place was very much broken down.
On hearing the news Nehemiah sat down and wept, and he also fasted prayed. Fasting increased during the exile period. When we are in times of distress it leads us to seek the Lord more earnestly. After this he gave the prayer reported here.
Notice the link between God's love and our love for Him. We do not earn God's love, but we do need to be aware that we are in a relationship with God, and love is two way. Our love for God matters. Moreover, love for God includes obedience to Him (John 14:5).
Nehemiah called on God to listen to his prayers. He also confessed his own sin, and the sin of the people. He knew that all the troubles had come because they had neglected the Law. Yet even in the Law Moses had foreseen the scattering among the nations, and had said that God would listen if they then turned to Him (Deut 30:1-5).
Nehemiah knew what he was going to do and he sought the Lord's favour.
Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king, essentially tasting the wine to make sure the king was not being poisoned. So he was a man who had the confidence of the king.
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