And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

NEHEMIAH 2:8KJV
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Nehemiah 2:8 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 2:8 mean?

Nehemiah 2:8 describes Nehemiah requesting a letter from the king so that Asaph, who manages the king’s forest, will provide timber for rebuilding Jerusalem’s gates, city wall, and Nehemiah’s own residence. The verse notes that the king agreed to Nehemiah’s request because God’s favor was with him.

In this verse, Nehemiah is speaking to King Artaxerxes of Persia, asking for official support as he prepares to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah specifically asks for materials and permission, showing careful planning and reliance on both royal authority and God’s help. The verse highlights the cooperation between Nehemiah’s faith and his practical actions.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 2:8

  • אָסָף (Asaph, H623): The name Asaph here refers to the official in charge of the king’s forest, showing that Nehemiah’s request was directed to a real person with authority over resources.
  • פַּרְדֵּס (pardes, H6508, “forest”): This word often means a park or orchard, not just a wild forest, suggesting the timber came from a managed royal estate.
  • יָד (yad, H3027, “hand”): The phrase “the good hand of my God upon me” uses this word for “hand,” often understood as a symbol of power, guidance, or favor, emphasizing that Nehemiah saw God’s involvement in the king’s positive response.
  • נָתַן (natan, H5414, “give/granted”): This verb appears twice, once for Asaph giving timber, and once for the king granting the request, highlighting both human and divine giving in the story.

Why Nehemiah 2:8 matters

  • Nehemiah 2:8 shows that Nehemiah’s mission was not just a personal project but had official royal backing, which would have protected him from opposition and given him resources.
  • The verse clarifies that Nehemiah combined practical planning with faith, asking for specific help while also recognizing God’s role in making his plans succeed.
  • This verse connects to the wider story by showing how God’s favor can work through secular authorities and everyday decisions, not just through miracles or religious acts.

Where else these words appear

“forest” Hebrew H6508 · used in 3 verses

  • Ecclesiastes 2:5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
  • Song of Solomon 4:13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,

“letter” Hebrew H107 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 30:1 And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.
  • Nehemiah 2:9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.
  • Nehemiah 6:19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

“palace” Hebrew H1002 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 29:1 Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.
  • Esther 1:5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

“beams” Hebrew H7136 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
  • Numbers 23:15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.
  • Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.