Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, serving as a high-ranking official in the royal court. Though he lived in a foreign land, his heart was set on the welfare of Jerusalem, the city of his ancestors. When he learned that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins, he was moved to action. His story is one of leadership, faith, perseverance, and the power of God working through those who seek His will.
The Book of Nehemiah is part of Israel’s post-exilic history, following the Babylonian captivity. Along with Ezra and Esther, it tells the story of God’s faithfulness in restoring His people.
Overview of the Book:
Who Wrote the Book?
Though traditionally attributed to Nehemiah himself, the book was likely compiled by Ezra, with Nehemiah’s firsthand accounts forming its core. It is a continuation of the historical record begun in the Book of Ezra.
What is the Book About?
The Book of Nehemiah recounts the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, the spiritual renewal of Israel, and the restoration of God’s covenant with His people. It is an account of revival, perseverance against opposition, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
When Did This Take Place?
The events in Nehemiah occur around 445 B.C., about 90 years after the first group of Jews returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-6) and about 13 years after Ezra’s arrival (Ezra 7-10).
Where Does This Happen?
The book is set primarily in Persia (Susa, the capital city) and Jerusalem, where Nehemiah leads the rebuilding effort.
Why is This Important?
Nehemiah’s account highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Jerusalem had been in ruins since the Babylonian destruction in 586 B.C., yet God stirred the hearts of His people to rebuild. This book also serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the ultimate restoration found in Christ.
A Walk Through of the Book of Nehemiah
Chapter 1: Nehemiah’s Burden and Prayer
Nehemiah begins with a heartfelt response to the news that Jerusalem’s walls are still in ruins.
“So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4)
His prayer reflects repentance, humility, and faith in God’s covenant. He acknowledges Israel’s sin but also recalls God’s promise to restore His people if they repent (Deuteronomy 30:1-3).
Chapter 2: Nehemiah’s Request and Commissioning
As cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah had a close relationship with Artaxerxes. When the king noticed his sorrow, he asked what was wrong. Nehemiah responded boldly,
“And I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.’” (Nehemiah 2:5)
Amazingly, the king granted his request and provided him with letters of protection and materials for the rebuilding effort. This reveals God’s providence in using even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes (Proverbs 21:1).
Chapters 3-4: The Work Begins and Opposition Arises
As Nehemiah and the people began rebuilding, opposition arose from surrounding nations.
“But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews.” (Nehemiah 4:1)
Sanballat, Tobiah, and others mocked and conspired to stop the work, but Nehemiah responded with prayer and action. He armed the workers and encouraged them:
“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” (Nehemiah 4:14)
This is a lesson in spiritual warfare—when we seek to do God’s work, opposition will come, but we must stand firm in faith.
Chapters 5-6: Internal Problems and Final Completion
While external enemies threatened them, internal struggles also arose. Nehemiah confronted the rich for oppressing the poor and called for justice (Nehemiah 5:9-11).
Despite threats and distractions, Nehemiah remained focused. When his enemies tried to lure him away, he famously replied:
“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3)
Finally, after only 52 days, the wall was completed.
“So the wall was finished… And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it… they perceived that this work was done by our God.” (Nehemiah 6:15-16)
The completion of the wall was a testimony to God’s faithfulness and power.
Chapters 7-8: Spiritual Revival Under Ezra
Once the walls were rebuilt, the focus shifted to spiritual restoration. Ezra, the scribe, gathered the people and read the Law of Moses aloud.
“And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen!’ while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord.” (Nehemiah 8:6)
This moment brought repentance and renewal, much like the spiritual revivals we see throughout Scripture.
Chapters 9-10: Confession and Covenant Renewal
The people confessed their sins and renewed their commitment to God’s covenant.
“And because of all this, we make a sure covenant and write it; our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.” (Nehemiah 9:38)
This was not just about rebuilding walls—it was about restoring the people’s relationship with God.
Chapters 11-13: Final Reforms and Dedication of the Wall
The city was repopulated, and the wall was dedicated with great rejoicing. Nehemiah also enforced spiritual reforms, reminding the people to honor the Sabbath and to separate from foreign influences.
Prophetic Restoration
The Book of Nehemiah is a picture of restoration. Just as Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, Jesus Christ is the ultimate restorer—not of physical walls, but of the hearts of His people.
Nehemiah’s work fulfills Old Testament prophecy. Isaiah had prophesied about Jerusalem’s restoration:
“Your people shall rebuild the old ruins; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations.” (Isaiah 58:12)
The Book of Nehemiah also points forward to the New Jerusalem, where God will establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:2). Just as Nehemiah rebuilt a city that had fallen into ruin, Jesus is building an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed.
My Final Thoughts
Nehemiah is a book of faith, perseverance, and spiritual renewal. It teaches us that when God places a burden on our hearts, we must pray, act, and trust in His provision. It shows us that opposition is inevitable, but when we stand firm in faith, God strengthens our hands for the work. Above all, it reminds us that true restoration is not just physical, but spiritual.
Just as Nehemiah built a city for God’s people, Jesus Christ is preparing a place for us in the New Jerusalem. Until that day, may we, like Nehemiah, stand firm in our faith and say,
“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
