Nehemiah 2:6

The queen also sitting by him; which is here noted, partly as an unusual thing; for commonly the kings of Persia dined alone, and their queens seldom dined with them, as historians note; and peradventure because the queen expressed some kindness to him, and promoted his request with the king. When wilt thou return? this question showed the king's respect and affection to him, and that he was not willing to want his attendance longer than was necessary. I set him a time; either that twelve years mentioned Nehemiah 5:14, Nehemiah 13:6, or rather a far shorter time; for which cause, among others, he built the walls with such despatch, even in fifty-two days, Nehemiah 6:15; and probably not very long after that returned to the king, by whom he was sent a second time with more ample commission, and for the king's service, and the government of that part of his dominions.