The queen — Which is here noted, as an unusual thing; for commonly the kings of Persia dined alone, and perhaps because the queen expressed some kindness to him, and promoted his request. How long — This question shewed the king's affection to him, and that he was not willing to want his attendance longer than was necessary. A time — He built the walls in fifty two days, Nehemiah 6:15, and probably not long after returned to the king, by whom he was sent a second time with a more ample commission.
Related Commentaries of Nehemiah 2:6
Nehemiah 2:6
6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.