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The first three verses of the book are the catalyst for what follows. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani, recently returned from Jerusalem, reported on the sorry state of affairs in the Jewish capital. Nehemiah’s extended period of mourning, fasting, and prayer in response to the news (v.4) prepared him for his encounter with the king and for his mission to Jerusalem.
The prayer itself is formally similar to the communal laments, one of the most frequent psalm types, but the emphasis on repentance makes it unique. Nehemiah begins with an invocation (vv.5-6a), then moves to confession (vv.6b-7). This is a natural progression; when sinful humanity is confronted by the holy God, the only authentic reaction is prostration and confession (see Isa 6:5; Rev 1:17).
The chapter ends with the note that Nehemiah occupied the position of cupbearer in Artaxerxes' court. The cupbearer was a trusted official responsible for tasting the king’s wine to make sure it was not poisoned. This position gave Nehemiah access to the monarch and considerable influence. His position indicates the good standing Jews enjoyed in the empire.