The Dermott news., 1917-11-15
INTERNATIONAL SUNDAySGVDOL
 LESSON (By REV P. B. FITZWATER, D. D.. Teacher of English Bible in the Moody Bible Institute of ChiCagoD Copyright 1917. Western Newspaper Union.1
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 18
PRAYER ANSWERED

LESSON TEXT-Nehemiah 21-11.
 GOLDEN TENT-Ask and it shall be given unto yOu.--Matthew 7:f.
 It was four months after Nehemiah learned of the deSoation of Jerusalem that he had the opportunity to make known his request to the king. Just why he did not test the kings atti- tude toward him and his project earlier. We have no information. Per haps there was no great function at which he was called upon to minister In this interval. or his turn of serv- lea had net arrived, or his duties were so exacting that no opportunity was afforded fer him to unbosom his grief to the king
 |. Nehemiah's Request to the King (vv. 1-S). CD Its occasion, V. 1. As cup-bearer he was ministering before the king. The cup-bearer was more than q mere valet. He entered very closely into the Ife's interests of the king. so that the inner life and spirit of the Cup-hearer was known. It was expected of such servants that they manifest perfect happiness while in the presence of the king. To appear fin his presence otherwise would likely be to the dtSpleaSure of the king. Nehemiah's sad eeuntenance while thus serving awakened the kings sus- picien. The matter was serious for Nehemiah was afraid under the cir cumStaneeS.
 t21 The kings inquiry. Y. 2. The king perceived that Nehemiah's coun- tenanee was sad. though he was not sick and he knew that something ex- traordinary had come into the life of his cup-hearer.
 (3l The effect upon Nehemiah. V. 2. His heart was filled with fear He did not know but what this 'mpropriety was so great as to cause his dismissal. His fear was more than that of losing his position; to be dismissed from be- ing cup-hearer would mean the loss of an opportunity to present his request 10 the king; and, without the kings sanction and hid, his enterprise would fail.
 (D Nehemlah's taetful reply. V. 3. He seeks to eonciliate the king by expressing n deep interest in the royal life and person. He says: May the king live forever" and then tells that the cause of his grief was the desola- ton of the city where his fathers were buried.
 (5l The contents of Nehemiah's re- quest. w. 5-e. Ga To be sent to Judah to build the walls of Jerusalem. w. !. 6. This request virtually meant to he granted leave of absence from the Persian court and to he appointed military governor of that part of the Kingdom of ArtaxerxcS. The king, doubtless. saw that such a move would he Of particular benefit "a his king dom politically. owing to tho strategic position of Jerusalem. between Baby lon and EgyPt In the case of the breaking out of haStillties between these powers, ta have a fortified city in Palestine would be of immense i'm rorfancc. Al the kings request. definite time vas set for this leave of absence. Y. 6. He remained in JeruSa- lem for twelve years. 4 side light on Inc kings gracious attitude toward Nehemiah is given fin this: "The queen also sitting by him" She Is not named, but in all probability 1t was Esther
 (hl For letters to the governors be yond the river, V. 6. Doubtless the path ef his journey was n dangerous one. and the travellers safety depend. ed upon having credentials from the king These letters were more than mere credentials. They were orders for actually conveying him and his party to Judah. Ezra, years before, had deSistcd from asking a band of soldiers, but Nehemiah was free to ask such a favor. It was right in both cases. but not expedient in that of Ezra. Many problems are clear, if we distinguish between that which Is lawful and that which Is expedlent.
 (c) A letter of requisition for SUD- plies of timber. Y. 8. This timber was needed, first for the palace or castle, that Is. for the fortress near the tem. ple second, for the walls and gates of the city; and third. for the kings official residence
 II. Nehemlah's Request Granted, V. s. Nehemiah was a tactful diplomat. He exercised sound sense and pru- dence in all things, but he supremely depended upon God and prayed for Gods disposal of the kings heart as he made his request known, V. 4. The king granted his request according to the good hand of my God upon me" V. s. He ascribes the success of his undertaking to God.