Nehemiah at a glance

Nehemiah

 

The 16^th book in the Bible whose author is Nehemiah, who is neither a spiritual leader or prophet. The name Nehemiah means ‘Yahweh has comforted’. “Before we even begin reading the book of Nehemiah, the name reveals that the words will bring comfort. Nehemiah offers hope and much more. This book guides us on how to overcome troubles and trust in God while showing Nehemiah’s prayer life, leadership, and faithfulness.” ^[1] Tradition tells us that it was written in between 445-432 BC and records events from the 20 year period of 450-430 BC.

 

The Purpose of writing this book is the final historical book of the OT. It tells of Israel’s 3^rdreturn to Jerusalem after their captivity, focusing on how the walls were rebuilt and how the people faith in God was renewed.

 

The Setting of the book: It should be noted that Zerubbabel* led the 1^st return to Jerusalem in 538 BC. Some 80 years later, in 458, Ezra led a 2^nd return. Nehemiah led a 3^rd group back home13 years later, in 445 BC. Nehemiah was to rebuilt the city walls.

 

Stories told ...

 

1) Nehemiah gets Israel’s leader to stop charging tax to the returnees from the Babylonian captivity.

2)  Nehemiah chastises male Jewish returnees who had married foreign wives. (Nehemiah 13:27)

 

Important Points found in this book:

 

1) Many biblical scholars believe this book is a sequel to Ezra as it picks up historically where Ezra left off.

 

2) Nehemiah was a layman, not a priest nor prophet.

 

3) Nehemiah helps rebuild the wall of the city against great adversity. The men of Israel worked in so much rubble it caused confusion, injuries, and exhaustion. They were mocked by their adversaries, yet finished the wall as recorded in Chapter 6.

 

4) Nehemiah continued to assist people who were returning to Jerusalem. In the final chapter (13), Nehemiah oversees the reestablishment of the laws and a supremely organized temple.

 

Key Verses: 

 

They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” - Nehemiah 1:3

“So on October 2[a] the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.” - Nehemiah 6:15-16

 

Next time we will look at the book of Esther, but until then walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018); The Life Application Study Bible.

Note: I took my information from this lengthy compilation of bible book information for all 66 books of the Holy Bible & the margin notes from the study bible.

[1] https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/who-was-nehemiah-why-is-he-important-in-the-bible.html