Nehemiah 1:4

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

Ver. 4. And it came to pass when I heard] It was not without a special providence that these good men thus met, and by mutual conference kindled one another; and that thereby God provided a remedy. Things fall not out by haphazard, but by God's most wise dispose and appointment.

That I sat down and wept] He was even pressed down with the greatness of his grief, whereto be gave vent by his eyes, Zephaniah 3:17,18, Expletur lachrymis, egeriturque dolor (Ovid) He was filled with tears and grief was shown. God promises much mercy to such to whom the reproach of the solemn assemblies was a burden. Nehemiah cannot stand under it, but sits down and weeps.

And mourned certain days] viz. For three months' time; for so long he was preparing himself to petition the king, Nehemiah 1:1; Nehemiah 2:1 .

And fasted, and prayed] This was a sure course, and never miscarried, as hath been noted, Ezra 9:1,15 .

Before the God of heaven] With face turned toward his holy temple, 1Ki 8:44; 1 Kings 8:48, with heart lifted up to the highest heavens, those hills whence should come his help.