The Book of Nehemiah is a historical narrative found in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to Nehemiah himself, though some scholars suggest it may have been compiled by Ezra or another chronicler. It is closely associated with the Book of Ezra, and together they detail the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah is positioned as a key figure in the restoration of the Jewish community in their homeland, emphasizing themes of leadership, faith, and covenant renewal.

Historical Context

The events of Nehemiah take place during the Persian period, specifically in the 5th century BC. Nehemiah served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, a position of significant trust and influence. The narrative begins in the Persian capital of Susa, where Nehemiah learns of the desolate condition of Jerusalem and its walls. Deeply moved, he seeks and receives the king's permission to return to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding efforts.

Structure and Content

The Book of Nehemiah is generally divided into two main sections:

1. Rebuilding the Walls (Chapters 1-7): Nehemiah's leadership is evident as he organizes the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls amidst opposition from surrounding enemies. His strategic planning and reliance on God are highlighted. Nehemiah 4:14 captures his encouragement to the people: "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes."

2. Spiritual and Social Reforms (Chapters 8-13): After the physical restoration, Nehemiah focuses on spiritual renewal. Ezra the scribe reads the Law to the people, leading to a national confession of sins and a covenant renewal. Nehemiah addresses social injustices, such as the exploitation of the poor, and institutes reforms to ensure adherence to the Law. Nehemiah 8:10 is a key verse during this period: "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Theological Themes

· Leadership and Prayer: Nehemiah exemplifies godly leadership, characterized by prayer, planning, and perseverance. His frequent prayers throughout the book demonstrate a reliance on divine guidance and strength.

· Covenant Faithfulness: The narrative underscores the importance of returning to the covenantal relationship with God. The public reading of the Law and the people's response highlight the centrality of Scripture in communal life.

· Community and Identity: The rebuilding of the walls symbolizes the restoration of the Jewish community's identity and security. Nehemiah's efforts to address social issues reflect a commitment to justice and righteousness.

Significance in the Canon

The Book of Nehemiah is significant for its portrayal of the post-exilic community's struggles and triumphs. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people and the importance of faithful leadership. Nehemiah's account is an enduring example of how individual dedication to God's purposes can lead to communal transformation and renewal.the Book Of Nehemiah

like the preceding one of Ezra, is clearly and certainly not all by the same hand. [EZRA, BOOK OF, BOOK OF] By far the most important portion, indeed is the work of Nehemiah but other portions are either extracts from various chronicles and registers or supplementary narratives and reflections, some apparently by Ezra, others, perhaps the work of the same person who inserted the latest, genealogical extracts from the public chronicles. The main history contained in the book of Nehemiah covers about twelve years, viz., from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes Langimanus i.e. from B.C. 445 to 433. The whole narrative gives us a graphic and interesting account of the state of Jerusalem and the returned captives in the writer's times, and, incidentally, of the nature of the Persian government and the condition of its remote provinces, The book of Nehemiah has always had an undisputed place in the Canon, being included by the Hebrews under the general head of the book of Ezra, and, as Jerome tells us in the Prolog. Gal., by the Greeks and Latins under the name of the second book of Ezra.

Ezra-Nehemiah
... Their contents overlap, much that was done by Ezra being recorded in the book of
Nehemiah (viii.-x.). The books are regarded as one in the Jewish canon; the ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezra-nehemiah.htm

The Restoration.
... Nehemiah. (3) The third colony was led to Jerusalem by Nehemiah (the book
of Nehemiah). The number returning is not given. Nehemiah ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xvi the restoration.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... In the eighth chapter of the book of Nehemiah, that great servant of God affirms
his faith in the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch, which was also the faith ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.
... establishment of their worship. They soon came to be called First and Second
Ezra. Jerome first called the second book Nehemiah. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xi ezra nehemiah and.htm

Methodist Articles of Religion. AD 1784.
... First Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The
Second Book of Chronicles, The Book of Ezra, The Book of Nehemiah, The Book of ...
/.../methodist articles of religion a d.htm

The Scattering of the People
... Nehemiah 8:1.). A solemn day that was, as we read in the Book of Nehemiah,
a day of real returning to the Lord. Picture them standing ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter v the scattering of.htm

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH READING THE LAW WITH TEARS AND JOY. 'And all the people
gathered themselves together as one man into the street ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... HEROIC FAITH. THE CHARGE OF THE PILGRIM PRIESTS. THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. A REFORMER'S
SCHOOLING. THE CHURCH AND SOCIAL EVILS. 'OVER AGAINST HIS HOUSE'. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/

The Church and Social Evils
... THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH THE CHURCH AND SOCIAL EVILS. 'It came to pass, when
I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the church and social evils.htm

Of the Cause of the Incarnation of Christ.
... [580] Nehemiah 9:26. The book of Nehemiah is called by the Greek writers the second
book of Ezra. The words quoted are spoken by the Levites. [581] Kings xix. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xi of the cause of.htm

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