Nehemi'ah
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Introduction:
Nehemiah is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his leadership in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. His account is primarily documented in the Book of Nehemiah, which is part of the historical books of the Old Testament. Nehemiah's life and work exemplify themes of faith, perseverance, and dedication to God's purposes.

Historical Context:
Nehemiah lived during the 5th century BC, a time when the Jewish people were under Persian rule. After the Babylonian exile, many Jews had returned to Jerusalem, but the city remained in ruins, and its walls were broken down, leaving it vulnerable to attack. Nehemiah served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, a position of trust and influence.

Nehemiah's Mission:
Upon hearing about the desolation of Jerusalem, Nehemiah was deeply moved and sought God's guidance through prayer and fasting. In Nehemiah 1:4, he says, "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven." Nehemiah's heartfelt prayer and confession of Israel's sins demonstrate his deep commitment to his people and his reliance on God.

Royal Commission:
Nehemiah approached King Artaxerxes with a request to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. The king granted his request, providing letters of safe passage and resources for the task. Nehemiah 2:8 records, "And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests." This divine favor highlights God's providence in Nehemiah's mission.

Rebuilding the Walls:
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah faced opposition from local adversaries, including Sanballat and Tobiah. Despite these challenges, Nehemiah organized the people and motivated them to work diligently. Nehemiah 4:6 states, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." Nehemiah's leadership and strategic planning were crucial in overcoming obstacles and completing the wall in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).

Spiritual Reforms:
Nehemiah's work extended beyond physical reconstruction; he also implemented spiritual and social reforms. He addressed issues of social injustice, such as the exploitation of the poor, and called the people to repentance and covenant renewal. Nehemiah 8:8 describes how Ezra the scribe read the Law to the people, "They read from the Book of the Law of God, clearly explaining it and giving insight so that the people understood the reading." This revival of the Law was central to restoring the community's spiritual identity.

Legacy:
Nehemiah's legacy is one of faithful service and unwavering commitment to God's purposes. His account is a testament to the power of prayer, the importance of righteous leadership, and the impact of collective action in fulfilling God's will. Nehemiah's life continues to inspire believers to trust in God's provision and to act courageously in the face of adversity.
Concordance
Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences)

Ezra 2:2
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 1:1
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the castle,
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 3:16
After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and unto the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty men.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 7:7
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 8:9
And Nehemiah, who was the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people: 'This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep.' For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 10:1
Now those that set their seal were: Nehemiah the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zedekiah;
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 12:26
These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest the scribe.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 12:47
And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, as every day required; and they hallowed for the Levites; and the Levites hallowed for the sons of Aaron.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences)
Nehemi'ah. Nehemiah, Nehemi'ah. Nehemias . Multi-Version Concordance
Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel ...
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Nehemias

/n/nehemias.htm - 7k

Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)

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