History · Old Testament
Nehemiah
c. 445–432 BC
- Section
- History · Old Testament
- Events span
- c. 445–432 BC
- Written
- c. 430 BC critical view: c. 400 BC
- Author
- Nehemiah (compiled with Ezra) critical view: Compiled from Nehemiah's memoirs by the Chronicler
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, returns to Jerusalem to rebuild its broken walls despite fierce opposition — finishing in just fifty-two days. With Ezra he then leads the people in reading the Law, covenant renewal, and reform.
Key themes
- Rebuilding the walls
- Prayer and action
- Opposition and perseverance
- Covenant renewal
- Godly leadership
Key events
- Hearing of Jerusalem's ruin, Nehemiah prays and asks the king to send him
- Nehemiah inspects the walls and organizes the people to rebuild them
- Despite ridicule and threats from Sanballat and Tobiah, the wall is finished in fifty-two days
- Ezra reads the Law aloud, and the people weep and then rejoice
- The people confess their sins and renew the covenant
- Nehemiah returns later and reforms Sabbath-breaking and intermarriage
“neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”