It is striking to observe that in the book of Ezra, Persian rulers used this very term to describe the God of Israel (Ezra 1:2; Ezra 6:9–10; Ezra 7:12, Ezra 7:21, Ezra 7:23). Inasmuch as Nehemiah is an official in service to the king (Nehemiah 1:11), his use of the phrase could simply be an echo of official language. Given, however, that Nehemiah is familiar with the words of the prophets and is obviously keenly aware of the promises of God through Moses, we do well to hear in his use of the term his confession concerning the majesty and glory of the God to whom he prays.
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.