"Chapter 52—A Man of Opportunity This chapter is based on Nehemiah 1 ; 2 . Nehemiah, one of the Hebrew exiles, occupied a position of influence and honor in the Persian court. As cupbearer to the king he was admitted freely to the royal presence. By virtue of his position, and because of his abilities and fidelity, he had become the monarch's friend and counselor. The recipient of royal favor, however, though surrounded by pomp and splendor, did not forget his God nor his people. With deepest interest his heart turned toward Jerusalem; his hopes and joys were bound up with her prosperity. Through this man, prepared by his residence in the Persian court for the work to which he was to be called, God purposed to bring blessing to His people in the land of their fathers. PK 628"
"The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,"
The EGW passage introduces Nehemiah and his role, which is the subject of Nehemiah 1 and 2. The EGW passage summarizes the content of Nehemiah 1 and 2.
"And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence."
The EGW passage introduces Nehemiah and his role, which is the subject of Nehemiah 1 and 2. The EGW passage summarizes the content of Nehemiah 1 and 2.
"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning."
Both passages express a deep concern and love for Jerusalem. Nehemiah's concern for Jerusalem's prosperity and the Psalmist's vow to never forget Jerusalem share a similar theme of devotion.
"By messengers from Judea the Hebrew patriot learned that days of trial had come to Jerusalem, the chosen city. The returned exiles were suffering affliction and reproach. The temple and portions of the city had been rebuilt; but the work of restoration was hindered, the temple services were disturbed, and the people kept in constant alarm by the fact that the walls of the city were still largely in ruins. PK 628.2"
"And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire."
The EGW passage directly reflects the information given in Nehemiah 1:3 regarding the state of Jerusalem and the affliction of the returned exiles.
"And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?"
Both passages describe the sorrow and concern for the ruined state of Jerusalem. EGW amplifies the context surrounding Nehemiah's distress.