On This Foundation Read Online Free

men of prayer and faith in all occupations, that a cupbearer held a position of even greater trust than a palace guard. And he was right.”
    They reached the Jewish section in the lower city of Susa, breathless from the vigorous walk, and went inside the house of assembly. A fire blazed in the brazier, and Nehemiah removed his outer robe in the overheated room. “I’d like you to meet my brother Nehemiah,” Hanani told his delegation from Jerusalem. He introduced each man to Nehemiah before adding, “He now serves in an even more important position in the palace than he did when I left—he’s cupbearer to the king.”
    Everyone seemed pleased at the news, but Nehemiah quickly set them straight. “Unfortunately for your delegation, my work as the king’s cupbearer isn’t going to be of much help to you. If I were an aide, I might have been able to make sure your petition reached the throne room. But while I have very close access to King Artaxerxes and enjoy his utmost trust, I am not allowed to speak in his presence unless he bids me to. However, I will be happy to contribute any insights into the Persian court that might be helpful to you.”
    â€œThat would be much appreciated.”
    â€œMaybe it would help if I had a clearer picture of the situation in Judah,” Nehemiah directed. “For starters, tell me about Jerusalem.”
    The room fell silent, as if he had asked about a tragic death. Indeed, the leader of the delegation gave a heavy sigh before speaking, his face somber. “Our fellow Jews who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace.”
    His words and the grave tone with which he spoke shockedNehemiah. He let them sink in for a moment before leaning forward in his seat. “Go on.”
    â€œWhen I look at this magnificent city of Susa with its towering walls and pillars, the stunning citadel perched on the hill, they reflect the splendor of the king who reigns here. Our reigning King is the Almighty One, yet His city is a pitiful reflection of His power and glory. The walls of Jerusalem are broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
    â€œWait,” Nehemiah said, leaning closer still. “Are you saying there are no walls at all around the city? That the people are defenseless against their enemies?”
    â€œThat’s right. When the Babylonians burned the city, not only did the gates burn, but the heat of the flames caused the limestone building blocks to crumble. The Babylonian army demolished all our fortifications.”
    â€œAnd even though the eastern approach to the city has always been protected by a steep slope,” another man added, “all the supporting terraces have disintegrated, first from the fire, then from rain and weather.”
    â€œSome men in our community attempted to rebuild the walls a number of years ago,” the leader continued. “But the enemy nations around us were able to get an edict from the Persian king, forcing us to stop. They even made us destroy what we had begun to build.”
    â€œThat’s outrageous!” Nehemiah’s anger flared like oil on hot coals. “What about the Holy One’s temple? Surely that’s protected and secure?”
    â€œNo, the temple is also unprotected. And without walls, the Levite guards have their hands full safeguarding the temple treasury. We can’t trust the governor in Samaria or his provincial guards to protect us, even if he agreed to send them. We’re hated by all of our surrounding neighbors—the Samaritans and Edomites, the Ammonites and Arabs. They would like nothing better than to see us all in our graves.”
    â€œThere’s no way to fortify the city?” Nehemiah asked.
    â€œIf we attempted to do it without King Artaxerxes’ permission, it would be interpreted as an act of rebellion. And where would we get the funds? As it is, we’re