Inductive Study of the Bible

Nehemiah
‫הבחמי‬
God rebuilds His city
Contains: 13 chapters, 406 verses, and 10,483 words.

CRITICAL METHOD
1) WHO WROTE THE BOOK? Nehemiah or Ezra

2) WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN? 445 B.C.

3) WHO WAS IT WRITTEN TO? Jews

4) WHERE WAS IT WRITTEN? Jerusalem

HISTORICAL METHOD

1) WHAT IS THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE BOOK? Although mostly of a nature

Biographical, the book of Nehemiah is the last of the historical books of the Old Testament.
As the cupbearer of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah enjoyed a luxurious life. But after
to learn about the conditions that existed in Jerusalem, he renounced that life to return to the
city of their ancestors in order to rebuild the walls. A man of action, he was also a leader
with great firmness. Under Nehemiah, significant religious and social reforms were carried out.

Nehemiah was the king's cupbearer, his role was to taste the wine to see if it was poisoned, a job of life or death.
death. The wall determines the mood of the city, due to its importance for defense; if it is destroyed, thus
the spirit of the people will be. Being sad before the King was punishable by death, that’s why he was afraid, so would be his
load by Israel that was noticeable, and this put his very life in danger. A contemporary of Ezra, he was the
they complement each other.

LITERARY METHOD
1) WHAT GENRE OF LITERATURE IS THE BOOK? Historical Narrative

PANORAMIC METHOD
What is the main idea of the book?

2) WHAT WAS THE MAIN REASON WHY THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN? Jerusalem
was destroyed; and the people demoralized, the wall would encourage everyone, and to build the church.
Nehemiah carried out its reconstruction. Nehemiah is the last historical book of the
Old Testament. Records the history of the third return to Jerusalem after the captivity and
0relates how the walls were rebuilt and how the faith of the people was renewed.

PALABRAS CLAVE EN NEHEMÍAS (RV1960)muro, puertas, edificar, levantar,

reparar, ordenar, mandar, mandamientos, preceptos, estatutos, decretos, ley (es),
TEMAS:Reconstrucción de los muros de Jerusalén, restablecimiento de la vida bajo la ley
mosaic.
HISTORICAL COVERAGE: From the first return (year 539-538 BC) until the end of the 5th century,
but especially from the year 458 to the year 430, during the reign of Artaxerxes
Persia.

EMPHASIS: Successful conclusion of the second temple despite opposition; successful reconstruction
from the walls of Jerusalem despite the opposition; crisis of "mixed" marriages and of
the national identity; interest in the renewal and reform of the pact, based on law, among the
exiles who had returned to Jerusalem.

PARTICULAR CHARACTERISTICS: The book shows the fulfillment of the prophecies of

Zacharias and Daniel regarding the reconstruction of the wall of Jerusalem.

Structure of Nehemiah
Theme: 'Building to Restore People'

Key Verse: 2:17 "I said to them: You see the evil in which we are,"
Jerusalem is desolate, and its gates consumed by fire; come, and let us build the
wall of Jerusalem, and let us no longer be in reproach

Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem Sale

2:1 Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Nehemiah

Jerusalem
Principles
3:1 Division of labor Beginnings of Work
4:1 Precautions against enemies
5:1 Usury and enemies
7:5 Those who returned with Zerubbabel
7:73b Ezra reads the law to the people
The Law
9:1 Ezra confesses the sins of Israel
Obedience Restoration
9:38 People's Pact obedience

11:1 The inhabitants of Jerusalem People

12:27 Dedication of the wall Changes

13:1 Reforms of Nehemiah

Author and date

Although much of this book was clearly extracted from the personal diaries of Nehemiah.
and written from the perspective of Nehemiah in the first person (1:1-7:5; 12:27-43; 13:4-31)
Both Jewish and Christian traditions recognize Ezra as the author. This is based
external evidence that Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book as reflected in the
LXX and the Vulgate; it is also based on internal evidence such as the continuous theme of 'the
"the hand of the Lord" which governs both Ezra and Nehemiah and the role of the author as a
priest-scribe. As a scribe, he had access to the royal records of Persia, which
they explain the multitude of administrative documents that are registered in the two
books, especially in the book of Ezra. Very few people would have been allowed to have
access to the files of the Persian Empire, but Ezra was the exception (Ezra 1:2-4; 4:9-22; 5:7-17;
6:3-12).

The events in Nehemiah 1 begin at the end of the year 446 B.C., the 20th year of the king.
Persia, Artaxerxes (464-423 B.C.). The book continues chronologically from the first term of
Nehemiah as governor of Jerusalem around 445-433 BC (Neh 1-12) to his second.
term, possibly beginning around 424 BC. (Neh 13). Nehemiah was written by
Ezra at some point during or after Nehemiah's second term, but not
after 400 BC

Historical Context of Nehemiah

Faithful to the promise that God made of judgment, He brought the Assyrians and the Babylonians to discipline.
Judah and Israel, who had disobeyed. In 722 B.C., the Assyrians deported the
ten tribes of the north and scattered them throughout the world as it was known at that time (2 R
Several centuries later, around 605-586 BC, God used the Babylonians to plunder,
to destroy and nearly depopulate Jerusalem (2 Kings 25) because Judah had persisted in its unfaithfulness
to the pact. God disciplined his people with seventy years of captivity in Babylon (Jer 25:11).

During the captivity of the Jews, the leadership of the world empire changed hands from the
Babylonians to the Persians (around 539 B.C.; Dan 5), after which Daniel received the greatest
part of his prophetic revelation (cf. Dan 6, 9-12). The book of Ezra begins with the decree of
Cyrus, a Persian king, establishing the return of the people of God to Jerusalem to rebuild the
house of God (around 539 BC), and recounts the establishment of the national calendar of Judah
of festivities and sacrifices. Zerubbabel and Joshua led the first return (Ezra 1-6) and
they rebuilt the temple. Esther takes a look at the Jews who remained in Persia (around
from 483-473 B.C.) when Haman tried to eliminate the Jewish race. Ezra 7-10 recounts the second
guided return by Ezra in 458 BC. Nehemiah recounts the third return to rebuild the
wall around Jerusalem (around 445 B.C.).

At that time in the history of Judah, the Persian Empire dominated the whole of the East.
Half. His administration of Judah, although carried out with a relaxed hand, had in mind
rebellions or any sign of insurrection by their vassals. Rebuild the walls of
conquered cities presented the most visible threat to the Persian central administration.
Only a close confidant of the king himself could be trusted for such an operation. At the most pivotal point
critic of the revitalization in Judah, God raised Nehemiah to carry out one of the
responsibilities of greater trust in the empire: the cupbearer and confidant of the king. Life under
the Persian king Artaxerxes (around 464-423 BC) had his advantages for Nehemiah. Just as
José, Ester, and Daniel, he had reached a significant role in the palace at that time.
ruled the ancient world, a position from which God could use him to guide the
rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem despite its implications for Persian control of that
city.

Other various historical notes are interesting. First, Esther was the stepmother of Artaxerxes.
(Est 1:9) and could easily have influenced him to view the Jews kindly,
especially to Nehemiah. Secondly, the seventy prophetic weeks of Daniel began
with the decree to rebuild the city given by Artaxerxes in 445 B.C. (chapters 1, 2; Dan 9:24-
Thirdly, the elephantine papyri (Egyptian documents), dated in the last part of
5th century B.C., they support the account of Nehemiah by mentioning Sanballat, the governor of Samaria.
(2:9), Johanan (6:18; 12:23), and the fact that Nehemiah was replaced as governor of
Jerusalem by Bigvai (around 410 BC; Neh 10:16). Finally, Nehemiah and Malachi
they represent the latest canonical writings, both in terms of the time of the events
occurred (Mal 1-4; Neh 13) as in the time when they were recorded by Ezra. From this
the following messages from God for Israel do not come until after more than
400 years of silence, after which the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ
they were announced (Mt 1; Lc 1, 2).
Having the complete revelation of the Old Testament of the history of Israel prior to the incarnation of
Christ, the Jews had not yet experienced the fullness of the various covenants and promises of
God for them. While there was a Jewish remnant, as promised to Abraham (Gn
15:5), it doesn't even seem to be as large as during the time of the exodus (Nm 1:46). The Jews neither
they possessed the land (Gen 15:7) nor governed as a sovereign nation (Gen 12:2). The Davidic throne
was vacant (2 S 7:16), although the high priest was from the line of Eleazar and Phinehas (Nm
25:10-13). God's promise to fulfill the new covenant of redemption awaited the birth,
crucifixion and resurrection of the Messiah (He 7-10).

The Era of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

570 560 550 540 530 520 510 500 490 480 470 460 450 440 430 420
Kings Cyrus 539 - Darius 1 Hystaspes 521 - Ahasuerus (Xerxes)
Artaxerxes I
530 486 486 - 464
of 464 423
539 Darius of Media 525
Persia 530Cambises521 483 Vasti deposed
458 Ezra returns
Esmerdis 478 Crowned Ester 445 Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem

539Fall of Babylon 473 Purim Festival rebuild the walls in 52 days

Three 536Return of Zorobabel Rebuilding of

Temple1(return)
Returns 534TEMPLO stops
520TEMPLO resumes
of Exile
516TEMPLE ends

Book of Book of
ESDRAS Book of NEHEMIAH
ESTER 30
538 - 516 483 - 473

Chapters 1 - 6 457Esdras-Chapters7-
10 (the year 457)

Daniel and the captivity 520 Zacarías489 Malachi 435?

70-year-old Jew 415?

605 536
Hageo520
505

570 560 550 540 530 520 510 500 490 480 470 460 450 440 430 420

The three returns in red

 Interpretation Challenges

The reader needs to recognize that the timeline of chapters 1-12 included
around a year (445 BC), followed by a long period of time (more than
twenty years) after Nehemiah 12 and before Nehemiah 13.

Finally, it must be recognized that Nehemiah indeed served as

governor for two terms in Jerusalem, the first from 445-433 B.C. (Neh.)
5:14; 13:6) and the second possibly beginning in 424 BC and
extending no further than 410 BC.

Historical and theological themes

A constant theme is the careful attention in reading the Word of God

to fulfill his will. The spiritual revival came in response to the reading
What Ezra did with 'the Book of the Law of Moses' (8:1). After reading, Ezra
And some of the priests carefully explained its meaning to the people.
who were present (8:8). The next day, Ezra gathered with some of the
heads of families, the priests and Levites, "to understand the words of the
law" (8:13). The sacrificial system was carried out with careful attention to
to fulfill it "as it is written in the law" (10:34, 36). So deep was its
concern for living by the revealed will of God that they decided to protest
and swear 'that they would walk in the law of God...' (10:29). When the reforms
marriages were carried out, acted in accordance with what
they read "in the book of Moses" (13:1).

A second main theme, the obedience of Nehemiah, to which reference is made.

explicitly referenced throughout the book due to the fact that the book is
based on the memories or first-person accounts of Nehemiah. God led
 He completed His work through the obedience of Nehemiah; nevertheless, He also
He carried out his work through the hearts of those who were misguided.
motivated, the wicked hearts of their enemies. The enemies of
Nehemiah's failures were not so much the result of the successes of strategies of
Nehemiah, but because "God had frustrated their plan" (4:15). God
he used the opposition of the enemies of Judah to lead his people to seek him out.
heart, just as he used the favor of Cyrus to return to his people
to the land, to financially support their project, and even to protect the
reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. It is not surprising that Nehemiah
he recognized the true motive of his strategy to repopulate Jerusalem
"God put in my heart" (7:5). It was He who carried it out.

Another theme in Nehemiah, along with Ezra, is opposition. The enemies of Judah.
they began to spread rumors that the people of God had
revealed against Persia. The goal was to intimidate Judah into stopping the
reconstruction of the walls. Despite the opposition from outside and the terrible
corruption that broke the heart and the dissent from within, Judah finished the
walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days (6:15), experienced revival
after the reading of the law by Ezra (8:1), and celebrated the feast of
the tabernacles (8:14; around 445 B.C.).

The detailed description of the book of thoughts, motives, and discouragements.

Nehemiah's personal details make it easy for the reader to primarily identify.
with him, instead of the theme of 'the sovereign hand of God' and the primordial message
of its control and intervention in the affairs of its people and their enemies. But the
the exemplary conduct of the famous cupbearer is overshadowed by God who determined and
he led the reconstruction of the walls despite much opposition and many
obstacles; the theme of "the good hand of God" is found throughout the book of
Nehemiah (1:10; 2:8, 18).

Panoramic View of Nehemiah

The book of Nehemiah shows how much God can achieve through faithfulness and
generosity of their own. It also shows how to tackle the great challenges in
despite the apparently insurmountable difficulties and dangers.
Historically, a nation dispossessed of its land rarely has a second chance.
opportunity to achieve its sovereignty. But Judah is a splendid exception to this.
because after having been completely defeated by the Babylonians and exiled
by force, he had the opportunity to return to his homeland when the Persian king, Cyrus,
he conquered Babylon. In the year 444 BC, Nehemiah led this third phase of
return.

Nehemiah became a public official in the Persian court and reached the position of
cupbearer of Artaxerxes I (1:11), which was a position of trust and honor. Being in
in fulfilling that role, he received news about the conditions in Judah
The gates and the wall of Jerusalem were in ruins, so the city
was defenseless (1:3b) and the people were in despair (1:3a). Moved
for the desire to rectify the horrible circumstances in Judah, Nehemiah prayed that
God granted him the privilege of undertaking the rebuilding, although he knew that a license
to be absent would be difficult to achieve (1:5–11). Through pain and fasting, one
he altered Nehemiah's appearance to the point that King Artaxerxes asked him the reason for it.
his problem (2:1–2). After hearing his response, Artaxerxes immediately
allowed to return to Judah to ease the situation (2:1–10).

Aware of God's provision and supported by imperial authority, Nehemiah

he traveled to Judah; he gave the Persian leaders the letter where Artaxerxes authorized him to travel.
Three days after his arrival, Nehemiah inspected the situation (2:11–20). For
to start the project, he divided the workers into teams, each with the
responsibility of a section of the wall (3:1–32). While they were building, the
enemies under the leadership of Sanballat and Tobiah mocked Nehemiah and his
workers (4:1–23). When this tactic failed, they formed an official coalition.
to stop the work; but Nehemiah faced their threats by placing half of the
workers from each team will continue building while the other
they had weapons to defend those who worked. During this national emergency,
the opportunistic Jews tried to financially take advantage of the poor people of
people, but Nehemiah confronted them directly (5:1–13). Sanballat and his associates
they continued with their bad intentions by pretending that they wanted to negotiate; but then
they made false statements against Nehemiah (6:1–14). But he continued steadfastly,
and the walls were finished within six months (6:15–19).

Nehemiah was assisted by Ezra, who led the people in the reading of the law.
Ezra and certain Levites had the opportunity to explain the law to the
citizens of Jerusalem. This new dedication to the Word of God produced a
revival in Jerusalem and throughout Judah (9:1–10:39). In the year 432 B.C., Nehemiah
He was called back to Persia to resume his responsibilities in the palace.
Shortly after their departure, the people of Judah returned to their old ways.
Nehemiah returned once again to Judah in 420 B.C. and made other reforms (13:4–31).
He wrote his book after these events. Nehemiah's ministry extended
until 409 B.C.
Nehemiah insisted on the spiritual purity of the people. He was not only a man of
action, but also a man of prayer. In Nehemiah, the place that
prayer occupies in spiritual renewal (1:6, 11; 2:4; 4:9; 9:5–
He is a model of a life lived in total dependence on
God. Remember me, my God, for good! (13:31) is a prayer that the Lord hears.
It pleases him to answer believers who seek him sincerely.
 Prophetic References
Nehemiah was a man of prayer, and he prayed passionately for his people (Nehemiah 1). His
jealous intercession for his people before God, prefigures our great Intercessor, Jesus Christ, who
He fervently prayed for His people in His prayer as High Priest in John 17. So much
Nehemiah, like Jesus, had a deep love for the people of God, which he poured out upon
prayer to God, interceding for them before the throne.

Importance in the Bible

Nehemiah is an example of a brave and resourceful leader. Despite thousands of difficulties,
he encouraged the people to start working (2:18). How quickly they finished the reconstruction of the
walls have been an inspiration for believers through the centuries who have had to
undertake tasks of titans for the glory of God.

Nehemiah also teaches us that prayer is of vital importance for the followers of
God. In times of great difficulty, Nehemiah prayed for divine guidance (1:5-11; 2:1-20;
4:14; 6:9-14), how we should do it every time we are faced with a decision
important or a crossroads.

Notes of Nehemiah
Sentences of Nehemiah Questions in Nehemiah Book of Nehemiah
Nehemiah on Wikipedia Vthis panoramic view of Nehemiah Structure of Nehemiah
Boutline of Nehemiah Figures of Speech * THE NARRATIVES
Comment fromEzra, Nehemiah Archaeology of Nehemiah Studying Nehemiah
and Ester
Why read Nehemiah? Paragraphs of Nehemiah

Ezra-Nehemiah progresses in biblical history by describing how the

necessary reforms in Jerusalem were set in motion, which were going to
to later serve as the foundation for the Judaism from which Jesus and the church emerged
primitive emerged

Structure of Nehemiah
 "Building to Restore People"

Key Verse: 2:17 "I said to them: You see the evil in which we are..."
Jerusalem is desolate, and its gates consumed by fire; come, and let us build the
wall of Jerusalem, and let us no longer be in reproach

1:1 Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem Sale

2:1 Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem Nehemiah

Principles
3:1 Work distribution Beginnings of Work
4:1 Precautions Against Enemies
5:1 Usury and enemies
7:5 Those who returned with Zerubbabel
7:73b Ezra reads the law to the people
The Law
9:1 Ezra confesses the sins of Israel
Obedience Restoration
9:38 People's Pact obedience

11:1 The inhabitants of Jerusalem People

12:27 Dedication of the wall Changes

13:1 Reforms of Nehemiah

Author
Although much of this book was clearly extracted from Nehemiah's personal diaries.
and written from Nehemiah's perspective in the first person (1:1-7:5; 12:27-43; 13:4-31),
Both Jewish and Christian traditions recognize Ezra as the author. This is based on
in external evidence that Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book as reflected in the
LXX and the Vulgate; it is also based on internal evidence such as the continuous theme of 'the
"the hand of the Lord" which dominates both Ezra and Nehemiah and the role of the author as a
priest-scribe. As a scribe, he had access to the royal archives of Persia, which
they explain the multitude of administrative documents that are registered in the two
books, especially in the book of Ezra. Very few people would have been allowed to have
access to the files of the Persian Empire, but Ezra was the exception (Ezra 1:2-4; 4:9-22; 5:7-17;
6:3-12).

The events in Nehemiah 1 begin in late 446 B.C., the 20th year of the king.
Persia, Artaxerxes (464-423 BC). The book follows chronologically from the first term of
Nehemiah as governor of Jerusalem around 445-433 BC (Neh 1-12) to his second
term, possibly starting around 424 BC. (Neh 13). Nehemiah was written by
Ezra at some point during or after Nehemiah's second term, but not
after 400 B.C.

Historical Context of Nehemiah

Faithful to the promise that God made of judgment, He brought the Assyrians and the Babylonians to discipline.
Judah and Israel, who had disobeyed. In 722 B.C., the Assyrians deported the
ten tribes of the north and scattered them throughout the world that was known at that time (2 R
17). Several centuries later, around 605-586 B.C., God used the Babylonians to plunder,
to destroy and almost depopulate Jerusalem (2 Kings 25) because Judah had persisted in its infidelity
to the pact. God disciplined his people with seventy years of captivity in Babylon (Jer 25:11).

During the captivity of the Jews, the leadership of the world empire changed hands from the
Babylonians to the Persians (around 539 B.C.; Dan 5), after which Daniel received the greatest.
part of his prophetic revelation (cf. Dan 6:9-12). The book of Ezra begins with the decree of
Cyrus, a Persian king, establishing the return of God's people to Jerusalem to rebuild the
House of God (around 539 B.C.), and it narrates the establishment of the national calendar of Judah.
of festivities and sacrifices. Zerubbabel and Joshua led the first return (Ezra 1-6) and
They reconstructed the temple. Esther gives a glimpse of the Jews who remained in Persia (around
from 483-473 B.C.) when Haman attempted to eliminate the Jewish race. Ezra 7-10 recounts the second
guided return by Ezra in 458 BC. Nehemiah recounts the third return to rebuild the
wall around Jerusalem (around 445 B.C.).

At that time in the history of Judah, the Persian Empire dominated the entire Eastern world.
Medium. His administration of Judah, although carried out with a relaxed hand, had in mind
rebellions or any signs of insurrection by their vassals. Rebuild the walls of
Conquered cities presented the most visible threat to the Persian central administration.
Only in a close confidant of the king himself could one trust for such an operation. At the most
critic of the revitalization in Judah, God raised Nehemiah to carry out one of the
responsibilities of greater trust in the empire: the cupbearer and confidant of the king. Life under
The Persian king Artaxerxes (around 464-423 BC) had his advantages for Nehemiah. Just as
José, Ester, and Daniel, he had reached a significant role in the palace at that time.
governed the ancient world, a position from which God could use him to guide the
rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem despite its implications for Persian control of that area
city.

Other various historical notes are interesting. First, Esther was the stepmother of Artaxerxes.
(Est 1:9) and he could easily have influenced him to look kindly on the Jews, in
especially to Nehemiah. Secondly, the seventy prophetic weeks of Daniel began
with the decree to rebuild the city given by Artaxerxes in 445 B.C. (chapters 1, 2; Dan 9:24-
Thirdly, the Elephantine papyri (Egyptian documents), dated in the late part of the
5th century BC, support Nehemiah's account by mentioning Sanballat the governor of Samaria
(2:9), Johanan (6:18; 12:23), and the fact that Nehemiah was replaced as governor of
Jerusalem by Bigvai (around 410 BC; Neh 10:16). Finally, Nehemiah and Malachi.
they represent the last canonical writings, both in terms of the time of the events
occurrences (Mal 1-4; Neh 13) as in the time when they were recorded by Ezra. From this
the following messages from God for Israel do not come until after more than
400 years of silence, after which the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ
they were announced (Mt 1; Lc 1, 2).
 Having the complete revelation of the Old Testament of the history of Israel prior to the incarnation of
Christ, the Jews had not yet experienced the fullness of the various covenants and promises of
God with them. While there was a Jewish remnant, as promised to Abraham (Gn
15:5), it doesn’t even seem to be as large as during the time of the exodus (Num 1:46). The Jews neither
they possessed the land (Gn 15:7) nor ruled as a sovereign nation (Gn 12:2). The Davidic throne
he was idle (2 Samuel 7:16), although the high priest was from the line of Eleazar and Phinehas (Numbers
25:10-13). God's promise to fulfill the new covenant of redemption awaited the birth,
crucifixion and resurrection of the Messiah (He 7-10).

The Time of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

570 560 550 540 530 520 510 500 490 480 470 460 450 440 430 420
Kings Cyrus 539-Darius 1 Histaspes 521-Ahasuerus (Xerxes) Artaxerxes 1
530 486 486 - 464
of 464 423
539 Dario of Media 525
Persia 530Cambises521 483 Vasti deposed
458 Return Esdras
Esmerdis 478 Crowned ester 445 Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem

539 Fall of Babylon 473 Purim Festival rebuild the walls in 52 days

Three 536 of Zorobabel Reconstruction of

Temple1(return)
Returns 534TEMPLO stops
520TEMPLO resumes
of Exile
516TEMPLE ends

Book of Book of
ESDRAS Book of NEHEMIAH
ESTER 30
538 - 516 483 - 473

Chapters 1 - 6 457Esdras-Chapters7
10 (a year 457)

Daniel and the captivity 520 Zacarías489 Malachi 435?

70-year-old Jew 415?

605 536
Hageo520
505

570 560 550 540 530 520 510 500 490 480 470 460 450 440 430 420

The three returns in red

 Interpretation Challenges

The reader needs to recognize that the timeline of chapters 1-12 included
around a year (445 BC), followed by a long period of time (more than
twenty years) after Nehemiah 12 and before Nehemiah 13.

Finally, it should be acknowledged that Nehemiah indeed served as

governor for two terms in Jerusalem, the first from 445-433 B.C. (Neh.
5:14; 13:6) and the second possibly beginning in 424 BC and
extending no further than 410 BC.

Historical and theological themes

A constant theme is the careful attention to reading the Word of God.

to fulfill his will. The spiritual revival came in response to the reading
what Ezra did with 'the Book of the Law of Moses' (8:1). After reading, Ezra
and some of the priests carefully explained its meaning to the people
who was present (8:8). The next day, Ezra gathered with some of the
heads of the families, the priests, and the Levites, "to understand the words of the
law" (8:13). The sacrificial system was carried out with careful attention to
fulfill it "as it is written in the law" (10:34, 36). So profound was his
concern for living by the revealed will of God that they decided to protest
and to swear "that they would walk in the law of God..." (10:29). When the reforms
marital matters were carried out, they acted in accordance with that which
they read "in the book of Moses" (13:1).

A second main theme, the obedience of Nehemiah, to which it is referred.

explicitly referenced throughout the book due to the fact that the book is
based on the memories or first-person accounts of Nehemiah. God led
brought about His work through the obedience of Nehemiah; however, He also
he carried out his work through the hearts of those who were mistaken
motivated, the wicked hearts of their enemies. The enemies of
Nehemiah did not fail so much as a result of the successes of the strategies of
Nehemiah, but because "God had frustrated their counsel" (4:15). God
 he used the opposition of the enemies of Judah to lead his people to seek him out
heart, in the same way he used Cyrus's favor to return to his people
to the earth, to financially support their project, and even to protect the
reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. It is not surprising that Nehemiah
he recognized the true reason for his strategy to repopulate Jerusalem
"God placed in my heart" (7:5). It was He who carried it out.

Another theme in Nehemiah, with Ezra, is opposition. The enemies of Judah.

rumors began to spread that the people of God had
revealed against Persia. The goal was to intimidate Judah into stopping the
reconstruction of the walls. Despite the opposition from outside and the terrible
corruption that broke the heart and the dissent from within, Judah ended the
walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days (6:15), experienced revival
after the reading of the law by Ezra (8:1), and he celebrated the feast of
the tabernacles (8:14; around 445 B.C.).

The detailed description of the book of thoughts, motives, and discouragements

Nehemiah's personal life makes it easy for the reader to primarily identify.
with him, instead of the theme of "the sovereign hand of God" and the fundamental message
of his control and intervention in the affairs of his people and their enemies. But the
the exemplary conduct of the famous cupbearer is overshadowed by God who determined and
he led the reconstruction of the walls despite much opposition and many
stumbling blocks; the theme of "the good hand of God" is found throughout the book of
Nehemiah (1:10; 2:8, 18).

Panoramic View of Nehemiah

The book of Nehemiah shows how much God can achieve through faithfulness and
generosity of his own. It also shows how to face the great challenges of
despite the difficulties and seemingly insurmountable dangers.
Historically, a nation dispossessed of its land rarely has a second chance.
opportunity to achieve its sovereignty. But Judah is a splendid exception to this.
because after having been completely defeated by the Babylonians and exiled
by force, he had the opportunity to return to his homeland when the Persian king, Cyrus,
he conquered Babylon. In the year 444 BC, Nehemiah led this third phase of
return.
 Nehemiah became a public official in the Persian court and reached the position of
cupbearer of Artaxerxes I (1:11), which was a position of trust and honor. Being in
in fulfilling that role, news reached him about the conditions in Judah
The gates and the wall of Jerusalem were in ruins, so the city
was defenseless (1:3b) and the people were in despair (1:3a). Moved
for the desire to rectify the horrible circumstances in Judah, Nehemiah prayed that
God granted him the privilege of undertaking the rebuilding, although he knew that a license
to be absent would be difficult to achieve (1:5–11). Through pain and fasting, one
he altered Nehemiah's appearance to the point that King Artaxerxes asked him the reason for it.
his problem (2:1–2). After hearing his answer, Artaxerxes immediately
he allowed to return to Judah to alleviate the situation (2:1–10).

Aware of God's provision and supported by imperial authority, Nehemiah

he traveled to Judah; he handed the Persian leaders the letter in which Artaxerxes authorized him to travel.
Three days after his arrival, Nehemiah inspected the situation (2:11–20).
to start the project, divided the workers into teams, each with the
responsibility for a section of the wall (3:1–32). While they were building, the
enemies under the leadership of Sanballat and Tobiah, ridiculed Nehemiah and his
workers (4:1–23). When this tactic failed, they formed an official coalition
to stop the work; but Nehemiah faced their threats by placing half of the
workers from each team will continue building while the other
they had weapons to defend those who worked. During this national emergency,
Jewish opportunists sought to financially take advantage of poor people.
people, but Nehemiah confronted them directly (5:1-13). Sanballat and his associates
they continued with their bad intentions by pretending that they wanted to negotiate; but then
they made false statements against Nehemiah (6:1–14). But he continued resolutely,
and the walls were completed within six months (6:15–19).

Nehemiah was assisted by Ezra, who led the people in the reading of the law.
Esdras and certain Levites had the opportunity to explain the law to the
citizens of Jerusalem. This new dedication to the Word of God produced a
revival in Jerusalem and throughout Judah (9:1–10:39). In the year 432 B.C., Nehemiah
he was called to return to Persia to reassume his responsibilities at the palace.
Soon after his departure, the town of Judah returned to its old ways.
Nehemiah returned once more to Judah in 420 B.C. and made other reforms (13:4–31).
He wrote his book after these events. The ministry of Nehemiah extended
until 409 BC
Nehemiah insisted on the spiritual purity of the people. He was not only a man of
action, but also a man of prayer. In Nehemiah, the place that the
prayer occupies in spiritual renewal (1:6, 11; 2:4; 4:9; 9:5–
He is a model of a life lived in total dependence on
God. Remember me, my God, for good! (13:31) is a prayer that the Lord has
He is pleased to respond to believers who seek Him seriously.

Prophetic References
Nehemiah was a man of prayer and he prayed passionately for his people (Nehemiah 1). His
jealous intercession for his people before God, foreshadows our great Intercessor, Jesus Christ, who
He fervently prayed for His people in His prayer as High Priest in John 17. So much
Nehemiah, like Jesus, had a deep love for the people of God, which they poured out in
prayer to God, interceding for them before the throne.

Importance in the Bible

Nehemiah is an example of a brave and resourceful leader. Despite thousands of difficulties,
He encouraged the people to get to work (2:18). How quickly they finished the reconstruction of the
walls have been an inspiration for believers throughout the centuries who have had to
undertake tasks of titans for the glory of God.

Nehemiah also teaches us that prayer is of vital importance for the followers of
God. In times of great difficulty, Nehemiah prayed for divine direction (1:5-11; 2:1-20;
4:14; 6:9-14), how we should do it every time we are faced with a decision
important or a crossroads.

Notes on Nehemiah

Prayers of Nehemiah Questions in Nehemiah Book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah on Wikipedia Vpanoramic view of Nehemiah Structure of Nehemiah

Boutline of Nehemiah Figures of Speech * THE NARRATIONS

Comment fromEzra, Archaeology of Nehemiah Studying Nehemiah

Nehemiah and Esther
Why read Nehemiah? Paragraphs of Nehemiah

Ezra-Nehemiah progresses in biblical history by describing the way in which the

necessary reforms in Jerusalem were set in motion, which aimed to
to serve later as the basis for the Judaism from which Jesus and the church
primitive emerged