Nehemiah 13:6 Meaning and Explanation
“But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Nehemiah explains he was absent from Jerusalem during this corruption, having returned to the king before gaining permission to come back.
What Does Nehemiah 13:6 Mean?
Nehemiah now speaks in his own voice, accounting for how such disorder arose: he had been away. In the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes he had returned to the royal court, and only later secured the king's leave to travel again to Jerusalem.
The detail is honest and human. Even faithful leadership cannot be everywhere, and good order can unravel when the watchful shepherd is gone. It quietly points to our need for the Shepherd who never departs, who watches over His people without slumber and never leaves them to themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nehemiah 13:6
What does Nehemiah 13:6 mean?
Nehemiah explains he was absent from Jerusalem during this corruption, having returned to the king before gaining permission to come back.