Topical Encyclopedia Nehemiah stands as a prominent figure in the history of Israel, known for his leadership, dedication to God, and commitment to the welfare of his people. As a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, Nehemiah held a position of trust and influence, which he used to benefit the Jewish community in Jerusalem.Background and Role: Nehemiah's account is primarily recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, which details his mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Upon hearing of the desolation of Jerusalem and the distress of its inhabitants, Nehemiah was deeply moved. His response was one of prayer and fasting, seeking God's guidance and favor (Nehemiah 1:4-11). His heartfelt prayer reflects his righteousness and reliance on God, acknowledging the sins of Israel and pleading for mercy. Leadership and Governance: Nehemiah's leadership is marked by his strategic planning and ability to inspire others. After receiving permission from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem, Nehemiah assessed the situation and rallied the people to rebuild the walls (Nehemiah 2:17-18). His ability to organize and motivate the people was crucial in overcoming the opposition they faced from surrounding adversaries, such as Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:1-3). Nehemiah's governance was characterized by his commitment to justice and righteousness. He addressed the social injustices among the Jews, such as the exploitation of the poor through usury, and took decisive action to rectify these wrongs (Nehemiah 5:6-13). His reforms extended to the spiritual realm as well, as he worked alongside Ezra to renew the covenant and restore proper worship practices (Nehemiah 8:1-12). Moral Integrity and Faithfulness: Nehemiah's moral integrity is evident in his refusal to be swayed by threats or bribes. His steadfastness in the face of intimidation is a testament to his faith and trust in God (Nehemiah 6:9-14). He consistently sought God's guidance and protection, demonstrating a life of prayer and dependence on divine wisdom. Nehemiah's faithfulness is further highlighted by his personal sacrifices. Despite his high position in the Persian court, he chose to endure hardship alongside his people, refusing to exploit his position for personal gain (Nehemiah 5:14-19). His selflessness and dedication to the welfare of Jerusalem exemplify the qualities of a righteous ruler. Legacy: Nehemiah's legacy is one of restoration and renewal. Through his leadership, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in just 52 days, a remarkable achievement that underscored the hand of God at work (Nehemiah 6:15-16). His efforts not only fortified the city physically but also strengthened the community spiritually and morally. Nehemiah's account serves as an enduring example of righteous leadership, characterized by prayer, integrity, and a deep commitment to God's purposes. His life and work continue to inspire those who seek to lead with righteousness and faithfulness in the service of God's kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 4:1But 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 Library How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ... The Desire of the Righteous Granted; The Two Guards, Praying and Watching Second Sunday after Epiphany The Broad Wall The Church Triumphant Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act. Methodist Articles of Religion. AD 1784. Imprisonment and Death of John Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Resources What is the account of Annas and Caiaphas? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Daniel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the Carolingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rulers: Character and Qualifications of Rulers: Esau, and the Dukes of Edom Rulers: Righteous: Abimelech, in his Treatment of Isaac Rulers: Righteous: Artaxerxes, in Commissioning Ezra to Restore the Forms of Worship at Jerusalem Rulers: Righteous: Asa, in Abolishing Sodomy and Other Abominations of Idolatry Rulers: Righteous: Cyrus, in Emancipating the Jews Rulers: Righteous: Darius, in Advancing the Rebuilding of the Temple Rulers: Righteous: Hezekiah, in his Fear of the Lord Rulers: Righteous: Jehoshaphat, in Walking in the Ways of the Lord Rulers: Righteous: Joseph, in How he Conducted the Affairs of Egypt Rulers: Righteous: Josiah, in Repairing the Temple and in Other Good Works Rulers: Righteous: King of Nineveh, in Repenting, and Proclaimimg a Fast Rulers: Righteous: Moses, in his Administration of the Affairs of the People of Israel Rulers: Righteous: Pharaoh, in his Treatment of Abraham Rulers: Righteous: Pharaoh, in his Treatment of Jacob and his Family Rulers: Righteous: Samuel, in not Receiving Compensation for Judgment Rulers: Righteous: Saul, After the Defeat of the Ammonites Rulers: Righteous: Solomon, According to the Testimony of the Queen of Sheba Rulers: Righteous: Solomon, in his Judgment Between the Two Women Who Claimed the Same Child Rulers: Wicked in Permitting Baal-Worship Rulers: Wicked: Abijam, Walking in the Sins of Rehoboam Rulers: Wicked: Abimelech, Killing his Seventy Brothers Rulers: Wicked: Adoni-Bezek, Torturing Seventy Kings Rulers: Wicked: Ahab, Serving Baal Rulers: Wicked: Ahasuerus and Haman, Decreeing the Death of all Jews (Genocide) Rulers: Wicked: Ahaz, Burning his own Children in Idolatrous Sacrifice Rulers: Wicked: Ahaziah, Doing Evil Like the Household of Ahab Rulers: Wicked: Amaziah, Worshiping the Gods of Seir Rulers: Wicked: Amon, Who Followed the Evil Example of Manasseh Rulers: Wicked: Ananias, the High Priest, Commanding to Strike Paul Rulers: Wicked: And Persecuting Jeremiah Rulers: Wicked: Asa, Imprisoning the Seer, and Oppressing the People Rulers: Wicked: Baasha, Walking in the Ways of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Belshazzar, in Drunkenness and Committing Sacrilege Rulers: Wicked: Confiscating Naboth's Vineyard Rulers: Wicked: Conspiring Against Pekahiah and Assassinating Him Rulers: Wicked: Darius, in Deifying Himself Rulers: Wicked: David, Numbering Israel and Judah Rulers: Wicked: Debauching Themselves and the Worshipers Rulers: Wicked: Eli's Sons, Desecrating the Sacrifices Rulers: Wicked: Exalting Debased Persons to the Priesthood Rulers: Wicked: Hanun, Maltreating David's Servants Rulers: Wicked: Hazael, Committing Pillage (Plundering) Rulers: Wicked: Herod Agrippa I, Persecuting the Congregation in Jerusalem Rulers: Wicked: Herod Antipas, in Beheading John the Baptist Rulers: Wicked: Herod Antipas, in Craftiness and Tyranny Rulers: Wicked: Herod the Great, Killing the Infants in Bethlehem Rulers: Wicked: Hoshea, Who Conspired Against Pekah Rulers: Wicked: Jehoahaz, in Following the Sins of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Jehoahaz, Who Followed in the Ways of his Forefathers Rulers: Wicked: Jehoash, in Following the Wicked Example of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Jehoiachin, in Walking in the Ways of his Forefathers Rulers: Wicked: Jehoiakim, in Walking in the Ways of his Forefathers Rulers: Wicked: Jehoram, Cleaving to the Sins of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Jehoram, Walking in the Ways of the Kings of Israel Rulers: Wicked: Jehu, Departing not from the Sins of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Jeroboam Ii, not Departing from the Sins of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Jeroboam, Perverting the True Worship Rulers: Wicked: Joash, Killing Zechariah Rulers: Wicked: Manasseh, Who Committed the Abominations of the Heathen Rulers: Wicked: Nadab, Walking in the Ways of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Nebuchadnezzar, Commanding to Destroy the Wise Men Rulers: Wicked: Nebuchadnezzar, Committing the Three Hebrews to the Furnace Rulers: Wicked: Omri, Walking in the Ways of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Pharaoh, Oppressing the Israelites Rulers: Wicked: Pilate, Delivering up Jesus for Crucifixion Rulers: Wicked: Potiphar, Putting Joseph Into Prison Rulers: Wicked: Rehoboam, Making the Yoke Heavy Rulers: Wicked: Samuel's Sons, Taking Bribes Rulers: Wicked: Saul, Jealously Plotting Against David Rulers: Wicked: Saul, Killing Ahimelech and the Priests Rulers: Wicked: Saul, Sparing Agag and the Best of the Booty Rulers: Wicked: Solomon, Luxurious, and Idolatrous Rulers: Wicked: Solomon, Oppressing the People Rulers: Wicked: The Chief Priests, Elders, and the Sanhedrin, Seeking False Witness Against Jesus Rulers: Wicked: The Princes, Conspiring Against Daniel Rulers: Wicked: Uzziah, Invading the Priest's office Rulers: Wicked: Zachariah, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah, Following the Sins of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Zedekiah, Following the Evil Example of Jehoiakim Rulers: Wicked: Zimri, Walking in the Ways of Jeroboam Related Terms |
    |