Who is Artachshasta?
Rashi: It is Daryavesh. Kings of Paras are called so.
What does the verse teach about wine in front of him?
Rashi: They brought wine in front of the king in the Chatzer.
Malbim: This refers to "Hayisi Mashkeh l'Melech" (1:11).
Why did Nechemyah lift the wine?
Rashi: I lifted the cup of wine and gave it to the king. So was the custom; the one who brings wine to the Chatzer does not give it to the king. Rather, Sar ha'Mashkim takes the cup of wine from the one who brings it, and gives it to the king.
What do we learn from "v'Lo Hayisi Ra Lefanav"?
Rashi: Normally, I was not sad in front of him, rather, joyous. Now, I was sad.
Ibn Ezra: The king desired my service.
Malbim: The king was adamant that his servants not be sad. This would arouse his suspicion. Nechemyah knew this, and did not appear sad in front of him (even though internally, he was mourning).
