Background and setting
The events of the book of Nehemiah take place during the Israelites’ captivity in Babylon, which was later overrun by Persia. The name of the novel comes from Nehemiah, the protagonist. He worked for the Persian government as an Israelite official. When his brother from Judah paid him a visit, he informed Nehemiah about the circumstances in Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar had demolished the city entirely, and Jerusalem’s walls had been torn down. Nehemiah was upset at the information. He prayed and fasted for some time, seeking for guidance on what action, if any, to take in this scenario.
Four months later, the king asked Nehemiah what was bothering him after noticing his dejected appearance. After informing the king of the terrible condition of his forefathers’ city, Nehemiah requested permission to return there and reconstruct the city walls. The king granted his desire to leave, providing him with additional resources and an armed escort. Nehemiah left for Israel with all of this in tow.
Rebuilding of Jerusalem
The non-Jewish residents of Israel were not happy with his coming, although as yet no one knew why Nehemiah had gone to Jerusalem. After a few days, he went by night with a few men to inspect the walls, which were, as he had heard, in a bad state. He then called all the people of Jerusalem together and revealed his plan. Within 52 days, they rebuilt the walls. They divided the wall up into sections and various groups were given responsibility for their section. The non-Jews tried to discourage, attack, slander and accuse Nehemiah and the workers, but they didn’t give up and trusted that “Our God will fight for us” (Nehemiah 4:20). They continued their work with one hand, while holding a weapon with the other. Eventually, the work was finished.
Social and religious reforms
The book of Nehemiah describes the rebuilding of the city walls as well as the social and religious reforms that occurred under Nehemiah’s direction. It also includes lists of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem and participated in the construction work and temple services. Priest and scribe Ezra taught the Jews new insights about God and his expectations of them. In response, the Israelites made “a firm covenant in writing,” demonstrating their contrition and restored fidelity to the Lord (Nehemiah 9:38).
Lessons for us
The following are the primary topics of Nehemiah and the lessons we can draw from it:
- There will always be opposition to God’s work, but this should encourage us to keep on with the task that God has given us and not give up or get disheartened.
- The sin of the people was the cause of Jerusalem’s and Israel’s ruin. In order to live for God, we must deal with, reject, and put sin behind us. We also need to follow God’s instructions and will in order to be blessed.
