Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Rebuilt by Nehemiah Under the Direction of Artaxerxes

◄ Jerusalem: Rebuilt by Nehemiah Under the Direction of Artaxerxes ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, the ancient and sacred city, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly during the period of its reconstruction under Nehemiah. This pivotal event is chronicled in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to restore the city’s walls and fortifications after the Babylonian exile.

Historical Context

The city of Jerusalem had been left in ruins following the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC. The destruction of the city and its temple marked a period of desolation and exile for the Jewish people. However, with the rise of the Persian Empire and the decree of Cyrus the Great, the exiles were allowed to return and rebuild their homeland (Ezra 1:1-4).

Nehemiah’s Mission

Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Upon hearing of the dire state of the city, Nehemiah was deeply moved and sought permission from Artaxerxes to return and oversee the reconstruction efforts. The king granted his request, providing letters of safe passage and resources for the task (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

Reconstruction Efforts

Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah conducted a nighttime inspection of the city’s walls to assess the damage (Nehemiah 2:11-15). He then rallied the Jewish people, inspiring them to begin the work of rebuilding. Despite facing opposition from surrounding enemies such as Sanballat and Tobiah, Nehemiah and the people persevered, completing the wall in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15-16).

The reconstruction of the walls was not merely a physical endeavor but also a spiritual renewal for the Jewish community. Nehemiah, along with Ezra the scribe, led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony, emphasizing adherence to the Law of Moses and the importance of worship and community life (Nehemiah 8-10).

Artaxerxes’ Role

King Artaxerxes’ support was instrumental in the success of Nehemiah’s mission. His authorization and provision of resources underscored the Persian policy of allowing subject peoples to maintain their cultural and religious practices, as long as they remained loyal to the empire. Artaxerxes’ favor towards Nehemiah highlights the providential hand of God in the affairs of nations, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

Significance

The rebuilding of Jerusalem under Nehemiah marked a turning point in Jewish history. It restored the city as a center of Jewish life and worship, setting the stage for the subsequent religious and social reforms. The account of Nehemiah’s leadership and the community’s resilience serves as a testament to faith, perseverance, and divine intervention in the face of adversity.

Biblical References

· Nehemiah 1:3-4: Nehemiah’s distress upon hearing about Jerusalem’s condition.
· Nehemiah 2:1-8: Nehemiah’s request to King Artaxerxes and the king’s favorable response.
· Nehemiah 4:6: The people’s dedication to the work despite opposition.
· Nehemiah 6:15-16: Completion of the wall and the impact on surrounding nations.
· Nehemiah 8:1-12: The reading of the Law and the people’s response.

The account of Jerusalem’s rebuilding under Nehemiah is a powerful narrative of restoration and hope, reflecting the enduring covenant between God and His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 2:1
And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it to the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 3:1
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even to the tower of Meah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananeel.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 4:1
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we built the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 5:1
And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 6:1
Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors on the gates;)
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Man of Opportunity
... and portions of the city had been rebuilt; but the ... The recital of the condition of
Jerusalem awakened the sympathy of ... To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 52 a man of.htm

The Restoration.
... twenty-one years, during which time the temple was rebuilt and dedicated. ... some time
before the second colony came to Jerusalem and the ... (7) Nehemiah's plan of ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xvi the restoration.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... respecting the future prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem. ... in the land, the temple
rebuilt, and its regular ... point to the administration of Nehemiah, probably the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Pharaohs, had become ruinous, he rebuilt it from ... the offensive under the intelligent
direction of Cimon. ... recover her independent existence under, the authority ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm