The cupbearer was a high position in the court. He would have been a handsome man, well-trained in court etiquette. He would have had to be a friendly companion, willing to lend an ear and even to give advice to the king.
Nehemiah would have eaten the best food, worn the best clothes, and lived in very comfortable quarters. Surrounded by luxury and highly esteemed, he was still willing to give it all up, make the difficult journey to Jerusalem, and set about the stressful job of mobilizing the people to rebuild the walls of the city so that God’s name would be honoured among His people.