The events in this book take place in the second half of the 5th century BC. Listed together with the Book of Ezra as Ezra–Nehemiah, it represents the final chapter in the historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible.
Since the 16th century it has generally been treated as a separate book within the Bible. Before that date, it had been included in the Book of Ezra; but in Latin Christian bibles from the 13th century onwards, the Vulgate Book of Ezra was divided into two texts, called the First and Second books of Ezra; Mid 16th century Reformed Protestant bible translations produced in Geneva were the first to introduce the name ‘Book of Nehemiah’.
The book tells how Nehemiah, at the court of the king Artaxerxes I in Susa, the Persian capital, is informed that Jerusalem is without walls, and resolves to restore them. The king appoints him as governor of Judah, and he travels to Jerusalem. There he rebuilds the walls, despite the opposition of Israel’s enemies, and reforms the community in conformity with the law of Moses. After 12 years in Jerusalem, he returned to Susa but subsequently revisited Jerusalem. He found that the Israelites have been backsliding and taking non-Jewish wives, and he stayed in Jerusalem to enforce the Law.
The Book of Nehemiah, in the Hebrew Bible, deals, largely, concerning the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile by Nehemiah and the dedication of the city and its people to God’s laws (Torah). The book of Nehemiah could be read as a sequel to the book of Ezra. It is possible that Ezra compiled Nehemiah’s original accounts with other material to create the book of Nehemiah. However, most scholars believe the book was written by Nehemiah. Chapter 4 indicates that Nehemiah was the writer, particularly verse 14, after he had been in office twelve years.
Jewish tradition identifies Nehemiah himself as the primary author of this historical book. Much of the book is written from his perspective. Nothing is known about his youth or background; we meet him as an adult serving in the Persian royal court as the personal cupbearer to King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 1:11–2:1). This prestigious position reveals something of Nehemiah’s upright character. Though he remained in Persia after the exiles had been allowed to go home, he was highly interested in the state of affairs in Judah (his brother Hanani [1:2] had returned there earlier). Judah is one of several provinces in the Empire.
Nehemiah was a Hebrew; he was not a priest like Ezra nor was he a prophet. He was an ordinary man, and he served the Persian king as his cupbearer, when the word reached him that the Temple in Jerusalem was being rebuilt. He was concerned that there was no wall to protect the city. Nehemiah prayed and God answered his prayer by softening the heart of the Persian king, Artaxerxes I, who, in the twentieth year of his reign, gave not only his blessing, but also supplies to be used in the project, as Cyrus had done with Ezra. Nehemiah is given permission by the king to return to Jerusalem, where he is made governor. He then led a group of Jews to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the city walls. Nehemiah’s expertise in the king’s court equipped him for the political and physical reconstruction necessary for the remnant to survive.
Jerusalem had been conquered and destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC and Nehemiah finds it still in ruins. His task is to rebuild the walls and to re-populate the city. He faces opposition from three powerful neighbours, the Samaritans, the Ammonites, and the Arabs, as well as the city of Ashdod, but manages to rebuild the walls. He then purifies the Jewish community by enforcing its segregation from its neighbours and enforces the laws of Moses.
In spite of opposition and accusations the wall was built and the enemies silenced. The people, inspired by Nehemiah, give tithes of money, supplies, and manpower to complete the wall in a remarkable 52 days, despite the opposition. This united effort is short-lived, however, because Jerusalem falls back into apostasy when Nehemiah leaves for a while. When he returned to Jerusalem, Nehemiah found the walls strong but the people weak. He set about the task of teaching the people morality and restored true worship through prayer and by encouraging the people to read and obey the Word of God.
Nehemiah is the last historical book of the Old Testament. Although the book of Esther appears after Nehemiah, the events in Esther occurred in the time period between Ezra 6 and 7, between the first and second returns of the people to Israel. The prophet Malachi was a contemporary of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah led by example, giving up a respected position in a palace for hard labor in his homeland. He partnered with Ezra, who also appears in this book, to deal with the political and spiritual problems of this displaced people. Nehemiah’s humility before God (see his moving intercessory prayers in chapters 1 and 9) provided an example for the people. He did not claim glory for himself but always gave God the credit for his successes.
Nehemiah’s life provides a fine study on leadership. He overcame opposition from outsiders as well as internal turmoil. He exercised his administrative skills in his strategy to use half the people for building while the other half kept watch for the Samaritans who, under Sanballat, threatened attack (Nehemiah 4–7). As governor, Nehemiah negotiated peace among the Jews who were unhappy with Persian taxes. He exhibited a steadfast determination to complete his goals. Accomplishing those goals resulted in a people encouraged, renewed, and excited about their future.
The book of Nehemiah shows us the impact one individual can have on a nation. Nehemiah served in secular offices, using his position to bring back to the Jews order, stability, and proper focus on God.
Let’s turn to the book itself and look at the narrative, trusting that we will gain lessons for us today.
