What makes Nehemiah special?

Nehemiah, together with Ezra (they were originally one book), is special because it is our only biblical source for this period of Israelite history. In addition, Nehemiah himself is a wonderful example of leadership and of how to live one’s faith in the face of difficulties.

Why was Nehemiah written?

Nehemiah was written to continue the history of the Israelites after their return to Jerusalem from Babylonia that began in Ezra. In particular, it provides a written history of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, lists of those who returned to Jerusalem, and a report of the people’s commitment to worship and remain faithful to the God of Israel.

What’s the story behind the scene?

Just as Ezra is not complete without Nehemiah, Nehemiah is not complete without Ezra (see the Introduction to Ezra). Indeed, Ezra the scribe not only appears in the book of Nehemiah, but his reading of the Law to the Jews in Jerusalem (Neh 8–9) is vital to the story and action of Nehemiah. As with the book of Ezra, biblical editors of Nehemiah were less concerned with exact historical dates than with simply presenting the Jews’ activity following their return to Jerusalem.

Who was this Nehemiah? Nehemiah was a trusted personal servant to King Artaxerxes and had attained high rank in the Persian court. He was also a man of great ability and persuasion. Most importantly, he was a Jew who loved and sought to obey the God of Israel. It is no wonder then that he was very sad when he heard that the walls and gates of the holy city, Jerusalem, were in ruins. With Artaxerxes’ support, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem, and in the face of much opposition, supervises the rebuilding of the city’s walls and gates.

How is Nehemiah constructed?

A discussion of the overall structure of Ezra and Nehemiah can be found in the Introduction to Ezra, p. 837. Nehemiah can be outlined in the following way:

1. Nehemiah returns and rebuilds the walls (1.1—7.73)
1. Nehemiah and his mission (1.1—2.10)
2. Nehemiah supervises the rebuilding (2.11—7.73)
2. A new community based on old agreements (8.1—10.39)
1. Ezra teaches the people (8.1—8.18)
2. The people respond (9.1—10.39)
3. Nehemiah’s work continues (11.1—13.31)
1. Jerusalem is repopulated (11.1—12.26)
2. Joyful dedication (12.27—12.43)
3. Nehemiah’s final reforms (12.44—13.31)

Nehemiah Returns and Rebuilds the Walls

The first part of Nehemiah (the third section of Ezra-Nehemiah as a whole) deals with Nehemiah’s mission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. Like the missions of Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1–6) and Ezra (Ezra 7–10), this mission was authorized by the Persian king. Nehemiah’s capable leadership, trusting faith, and great courage were tested as he worked to overcome the tricks and schemes of his enemies.

Nehemiah and His Mission

Nehemiah Supervises the Rebuilding

Nehemiah’s work begins with an inspection of the walls. It appears the eastern walls were mostly destroyed and basically in need of rebuilding, while the other walls needed various amounts of repair. The opposition to Nehemiah’s plans that began in 2.10continues to grow throughout the story.

A New Community Based on Old Agreements

In this section, the new community of God’s people is being formed. Following Ezra’s public reading of the Law (8.1-18), the community confesses its sin (9.1-37) and agrees to live according to the Law of Moses (9.38—10.39). After Jerusalem’s population is restored (11.1—12.26), the walls are dedicated with a joyous celebration (12.27-47). Finally, Nehemiah begins several further reforms designed to maintain the community’s faithfulness (13.1-31).

Ezra Teaches the People

The People Respond

After hearing the Law read aloud, the people respond with worship, prayer, and confession. The beautiful prayer in 9.5-37 is a summary of God’s dealings with Israel. These dealings include creation (verse 6), the promise to Abraham (verses 7,8), the exodus from Egypt (verses 9-11), their experiences in the wilderness and Mount Sinai (verses 12-21), the conquest of Canaan (verses 22-25), the time of the judges (verses 26-28), the time of the prophets (verses 29-31), and their present situation.

Nehemiah’s Work Continues

These final chapters show again that Nehemiah is a dedicated, energetic, and faithful leader who does not let either success or difficulty keep him from continuing his mission.

Jerusalem Is Repopulated

Chapter 11 continues the thought of 7.73. There was only enough room in Jerusalem for one tenth of the families who had returned from Babylonia. Nehemiah has the people cast lots to decide which families should live in the city. The list in 12.1-26 is made up of a series of religious servants from a variety of periods: Priests and Levites from Zerubbabel’s time (520 B.C., verses 1-9), the high priests from 538 to 323 B.C. (verses 10,11), and priests and Levites from the time of Joiakim (about 520-445 B.C., verses 12-21,24-26).

Joyful Dedication

Nehemiah’s Final Reforms

The story of Nehemiah closes with a series of problems that Nehemiah faces in his second term of office.

Questions about Nehemiah

1. What did Nehemiah do when he heard that the Israelites who had returned to Jerusalem had not begun to fix the walls and gates of the city? (Neh 1.3,4; 2.4,5) After arriving in Jerusalem, what steps did Nehemiah take to see that work on the walls began? (Neh 2.11-18) How did he handle the trouble nearby enemies tried to stir up in order to stop the work on the walls? (Neh 2.11-20; 4.6-23)

2. What were some of the problems with the community itself in Jerusalem, and how did Nehemiah work to solve them? (Neh 1.5-9; 5.1-19)

3. What part did Ezra play in helping the community return to faithful worship and obedience to God? (Neh 8) How did the people show that they were truly sorry for their sins and meant to keep their promises to God? (Neh 9.1-5,38; 10.28-39)

4. What other problems did Nehemiah address in the community? (Chapter 13)

5. What leadership qualities do you see in Nehemiah? When choosing or evaluating leaders in your own life, are these the qualities you look for? Why or why not?

6. In what ways do you identify with the Jewish community in Nehemiah? How are you like Nehemiah? What qualities did he have that you would like to develop in yourself?

7. Nehemiah had to face serious opposition at each stage of his mission. How might Nehemiah’s example help you face the forces of opposition in your life?