Nehemiah 2:2
Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,
The verse belongs to the account of the mission to Jerusalem to rebuild the city, a journey made safely under the Persian king's protection, with arrival under military escort showing the importance of the mission. It belongs to the bold request to King Artaxerxes for help in advancing God's cause, made by a man of prayer, faith, and sound judgment. After waiting four months for an opportunity to present his request, his grief became visible in his face, though he had tried to remain cheerful because attendants were expected to appear happy in the king's presence.
His sorrow was over Jerusalem lying in ruins, and he grieved because the returned exiles were afflicted and the city walls still lay largely broken down, leaving the people in alarm. Sleepless nights and care had made that grief visible in his expression. The king noticed the sadness, saw that there was no physical sickness, recognized it as sorrow coming from a troubled heart, and asked its cause.
When questioned Nehemiah was very afraid, speaking with trembling lips and tearful eyes. He feared the king might be angered that his thoughts were with his afflicted people, and that displeasure could bring punishment, cost him his life, and ruin or thwart his plan to restore Jerusalem, so the verse shows the danger and anxiety surrounding his opportunity to speak for his people. The chapter teaches that God's people may ask those in authority for help in advancing God's work, with believers presenting the needs of that work while living in close connection with God. Being brought before the king gave an opportunity to make the true God known, even amid the trial and embarrassment of captivity.