Nehemiah

The book of Nehemiah was likely written by Nehemiah around 430 BC. The book recounts the story of Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who learns about the distressed state of Jerusalem and seeks to rebuild its walls. Nehemiah successfully obtains the king's permission to return to Jerusalem, where he faces opposition and challenges from neighboring enemies. Undeterred, he mobilizes the community, and through careful planning, perseverance, and divine guidance, Nehemiah oversees the reconstruction of the city walls in a remarkably short time. The book highlights themes of leadership, perseverance, and the restoration of a broken community, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God throughout the process.

Nehemiah's Prayer - Chapter 1

In the twentieth year, in Kislev (9th month on the Jewish calendar), while in Susa, Nehemiah heard from Hanani about the distress of the Jewish remnant and the ruined state of Jerusalem. Overwhelmed, Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed to God. During Nehemiah's prayer, he confessed the sins of Israel. Nehemiah reminded God of the promise to regather them if they repent. Seeking favor, he prayed for success before the king.

Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah To Jerusalem - Chapter 2

In Nisan, the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah, the cupbearer, appeared sad before the king. When questioned by Artaxerxes, Nehemiah expressed concern for Jerusalem's ruins. Fearful, he prayed silently, then requested to rebuild the city. The king granted permission, inquired about the timeline of his return, and provided letters for safe passage and resources. Nehemiah, supported by the king's favor and God's hand, faced opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah.

Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem's Walls

Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah surveyed the city walls by night. Nehemiah revealed his plan to rebuild to the Jewish leaders and emphasized God's favor and the king's support. Encountering opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, Nehemiah asserted divine backing and rejected their claims on Jerusalem. Nehemiah inspired the people to start rebuilding Jerusalem despite the opposition. With a clear vision, trust in divine support, and determination, they began the project.

Builders Of The Wall - Chapter 3

The reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls was a collaborative effort involving various leaders and groups. Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate, and others, like the men of Jericho, repaired adjacent sections. Different individuals were responsible for specific gates and sections, including the Fish Gate, Jeshanah Gate, Valley Gate, Dung Gate, Fountain Gate, and Horse Gate. Notable figures such as Malkijah and Nehemiah, along with the Levites and temple servants, played crucial roles. The repairs extended from the Tower of the Hundred to the Inspection Gate, highlighting a coordinated initiative to restore the city's defenses.

Opposition To The Rebuilding- Chapter 4

Facing opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah, who mocked the Jews' wall-building efforts, Nehemiah and the people prayed for strength and posted guards. They continued the construction with half the workers armed. Recognizing the extensive work and potential attacks, Nehemiah encouraged vigilance and unity. The builders worked hard day and night while being prepared to defend themselves with weapons.

Nehemiah Helps The Poor - Chapter 5

Some of the people faced hardship and had to borrow money to survive, while others mortgaged their properties and children suffered slavery. Nehemiah confronted the nobles for charging their own people's interest. Nehemiah urged them to stop, return properties, and cancel interest. They agreed, and Nehemiah had priests and officials swear to it. As governor, he didn't burden the people like his predecessors, personally funding the city's needs. For 12 years, he, his brothers, and his table served others. Nehemiah prayed for favor, recalling his efforts for the people.

Further Opposition To The Rebuilding - Chapter 6

Despite completing the wall, Nehemiah faced threats from enemies. Sanballat and Geshem invited him to meet. Knowing it was a plan to harm him, Nehemiah refused and focused on the project. False accusations came to Nehemiah, claiming he sought kingship. Nehemiah denied it, praying for strength. Enemies spread fear, even through a false prophet. Nehemiah discerned the plot, vowing not to flee. He completed the wall in 52 days, remembering the adversaries and false prophets in his prayers.

Opposition To The Completed Wall

Upon completion, fear gripped surrounding nations as they recognized divine assistance. Despite this, many in Judah were in alliance with Tobiah, who sought to intimidate Nehemiah through letters and connections, exploiting familial ties and spreading misinformation to undermine Nehemiah's efforts.

Opposition To The Completed Wall (cont.) - Chapter 7

With the completion of the rebuilt wall and the installation of doors, Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers, musicians, and Levites. Nehemiah entrusted his brother Hanani and Hananiah, the citadel commander, to oversee Jerusalem, praising Hananiah's integrity and reverence for God. Nehemiah instructed them to keep the gates closed until midday, assigning gatekeepers to shut and secure them. Residents were appointed as guards, stationed at their posts and near their homes to ensure the city's security.

The List OF The Exiles Who Returned

Nehemiah organized a census of the returning exiles, documenting their genealogies. The list included various families, priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, and temple servants. Nehemiah emphasized their dedication and contributions to the reconstruction of Jerusalem. Some individuals, unable to prove their Israelite descent, were excluded from the priesthood. The total returnees numbered 42,360, with 7,337 slaves and 245 singers. The offerings for the temple included gold, silver, and garments. The priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, and temple servants returned to their respective towns, completing the rebuilding effort.

Ezra Reads The Law - Chapter 8

In the seventh month, the Israelites gathered and asked Ezra to read the Law of Moses. Ezra, on a platform, read from daybreak to noon. Levites clarified the Law, and there was understanding. The leaders encouraged joy, not mourning, as the day was holy. Nehemiah advised feasting and sharing. On the second day, they learned about building temporary shelters, following the festival guidelines. The people joyfully observed the festival and built shelters on roofs and in courtyards. The celebration continued for seven days, concluding with an assembly on the eighth day, as Ezra read from the Book of the Law daily.

The Israelites Confess Their Sins - Chapter 9

On the twenty-fourth day of the seventh month, the Israelites collectively sought repentance and confessed their sins, both individual and ancestral. Wearing sackcloth, fasting, and with dust on their heads, they separated from foreigners and stood before the LORD. The leaders, including Jeshua, Kadmiel, and Shebaniah, led the assembly in a prayer of acknowledgment, recounting the history of God's faithfulness, the people's disobedience, and God's enduring mercy. The prayer recognized God's forgiveness, compassion, and patience, appealing for relief from their current distress due to sin. It concluded by pleading with the great, mighty, and awesome God to not overlook their hardships and to continue His covenant of love.

The assembly continued with a deep reflection on the consequences of their disobedience, acknowledging their current state of servitude and distress. The prayer recognized God's righteousness, their forefathers' rebellion, and God's consistent warnings through prophets. The prayer extended from the historical context to the present, invoking God's intervention in the face of enduring hardships. In their collective prayer, the Israelites sought reconciliation, renewal, and relief, reaffirming their dependence on the covenant-keeping and merciful nature of their God.

The Agreement Of The People - Chapter 10

Nehemiah, with leaders, priests, Levites, and the people, pledged allegiance to God's Law. Sealing the agreement, they committed to refrain from intermarriage, observe the Sabbath, and cancel debts. The covenant detailed responsibilities for temple service, including offerings and contributions. The people vowed to provide wood, firstfruits, and tithes, ensuring the upkeep of the house of God. They promised not to neglect these obligations, solidifying their commitment with a resounding declaration: "We will not neglect the house of our God." - Nehemiah 10:39.

The New Residents Of Jerusalem - Chapter 11

Leaders, priests, Levites, and people settled in Jerusalem. Through casting lots, one in ten dwelled in the holy city, while the rest remained in their towns. Volunteers were commended, and they were organized by tribes, with descendants of Judah and Benjamin listed. The priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, and temple servants were accounted for in Jerusalem. Village residents across Judah were detailed. Uzzi, chief Levite officer, oversaw musicians, while Pethahiah managed royal affairs. Villages from Beersheba to Hinnom Valley were inhabited. Benjamite descendants and Levites settled in Benjamin. This organized settlement reflected their commitment to ancestral properties and roles in the holy city.

Priests And Levites - Chapter 12

Priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and Joshua are listed. Joshua's descendants and family heads of priestly and Levitical families during Joiakim's time are detailed. The Levite leaders during Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, as well as gatekeepers serving Joiakim, Nehemiah, and Ezra, are mentioned.

Dedication Of The Wall Of Jerusalem

During the dedication of Jerusalem's wall, Levites and musicians were gathered to celebrate joyfully with songs and instruments. The musicians, from various regions, had built villages around Jerusalem. After ceremonial purification by priests and Levites, leaders of Judah walked atop the wall, accompanied by two choirs. The choirs, led by Ezra, proceeded in opposite directions and converged at the house of God. Sacrifices were offered, and men were appointed to manage storerooms for contributions and tithes. The service was in line with David's commands and daily portions were provided for musicians and gatekeepers in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah.

Nehemiah's Final Reforms - Chapter 13

During the reading of the Book of Moses, it was revealed that Ammonites and Moabites were barred from the assembly of God. This revelation led to the expulsion of those of foreign descent from Israel. Nehemiah discovered that Eliashib, the priest, had provided Tobiah with a room in the house of God. Eliashib allocating Tobiah a room signified an inappropriate association between priestly leadership and an adversary, which compromised the sanctity of the house of God. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Nehemiah rectified this by removing Tobiah's belongings, purifying the rooms, and reinstating the proper equipment. Additionally, Nehemiah addressed issues of Sabbath desecration and mixed marriages, implementing corrective measures and earnestly praying for God's favor and mercy to remember his faithful service.

In response to Sabbath violations and inappropriate marriages, Nehemiah took decisive actions, including closing the city gates during the Sabbath and purifying the priests and Levites from foreign influences. He also made provisions for contributions of wood and firstfruits, seeking to restore adherence to God's laws. Nehemiah fervently prayed for God's favorable remembrance, acknowledging the persistent challenges faced and the corrective steps taken to uphold the sanctity of the house of God and the covenant.