(1) В¶ The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, (2) That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
There is somewhat which in the opening of the history tends to endear Nehemiah to our affection, in that we find his fulness and enjoyments at court did not shut out, or make him forget his affection to the people of God. Nehemiah was a true Israelite, though serving an heathen prince. The Lord, in his providence, frequently caused his dear people to be servants to those that know him not. But it is charming to see their love to him and his.