Introduction to the Book of Nehemiah Why Study This Book? The book of Nehemiah tells the story of Nehemiah, a Jewish leader who returned to Jerusalem. Under his leadership, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. However, “Nehemiah was not content simply to build physical structures, but he also wanted his people to be built up spiritually” and helped the Jews “take control of their lives, their land, and their destiny as God’s people.” He also exemplified many noble qualities. “He was humble, motivated, confident in God’s will, full of initiative, and gifted with wisdom, and he was a man of great courage and courage.” By studying the book of Nehemiah, students will not only be given an example of righteous leadership but will also learn the value of strengthening oneself spiritually. Who wrote this book? The author of the book of Nehemiah is unknown. However, the book is autobiographical in style. Nehemiah 1:1 mentions that it is “the words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah,” and the rest of the narrative is written primarily in the first person. This may suggest that at least parts of the book were written by Nehemiah himself. When and where was it written? The date and place of writing of the book of Nehemiah are unknown. However, Nehemiah 1:1 mentions that the record began in Susa, Persia, in “the twentieth year” of the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, who ruled from 465 B.C. to 424 B.C. What are some notable features of this book? The book of Nehemiah is a continuation of the account that begins in the book of Ezra. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah originally constituted a single book in the Hebrew scriptural canon and were divided into two in the third century A.D. The book of Nehemiah records an important period in Jewish history that included the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the spiritual lives of the Jews who had returned from captivity. When the Israelites returned to Jerusalem after their long slavery in Babylon, they found their city in ruins. The protective wall around the city of Jerusalem had been reduced to rubble, leaving the Israelites vulnerable to enemy attack. Under Nehemiah’s direction, the Israelites began rebuilding the wall. During the work, the Israelites faced opposition. When Nehemiah’s enemies tried to dissuade him from the project, he responded: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and come to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3). By doing so, Nehemiah demonstrated his commitment to his promise to the Lord to rebuild Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 1:11; 2:4–5). Nehemiah can serve as an example for us of the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord even in the face of opposition. Summary Nehemiah 1–6 Nehemiah, a Jew who served as cupbearer to the king of Persia, fasts and prays when he learns that the Jews in Jerusalem are suffering and that the walls around the city have been torn down. King Artaxerxes grants Nehemiah’s request to return and rebuild the city’s walls and gates. Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem and leads the Jews in rebuilding the city’s walls, despite opposition. Nehemiah 7 To protect the Jews living in Jerusalem, Nehemiah orders that the city gates be opened only during the hottest hours of the day and locked at all other times. He also appoints doorkeepers to guard the gates and the homes of the Jews. He examines the genealogical records of the Jews in Jerusalem. Those who cannot prove by genealogical records that they are Levites are denied the priesthood. Nehemiah 8–10 Ezra reads aloud and interprets the law of Moses to the Jews. The people weep as they hear the scriptures read aloud. They fast and confess their sins before the Lord. Some Jews recount the history of the Israelites and some of the blessings God has given them from Abraham to their own day. The people covenant to marry only within the house of Israel, to honor the Sabbath day, to pay tithing, and to keep the Lord’s commandments. Nehemiah 11–12 The walls of Jerusalem are completed and dedicated. The people give thanks to God. Nehemiah 13 Nehemiah leaves Jerusalem for several years, and during his absence the Jews in Jerusalem begin to break their covenants and neglect the law of Moses. Nehemiah returns and helps the people keep the covenants by cleansing the temple, reinstating the observance of the Sabbath Day, and teaching the people about covenant marriage.