The Hebrew name for the Book of Nehemiah is Nehemyah, meaning “Comfort of Yahweh.” The book is named after its chief character, whose name appears in the opening verse.
Good leadership is exemplified through the remarkable life of Nehemiah. As cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, Nehemiah held a prominent position in the royal court. Nehemiah was far more than a mere servant—his duties included advising the king and acting as his bodyguard and food taster (to make sure no one had poisoned the king’s food). All of these were high-level positions requiring loyalty and trustworthiness.
Nehemiah, a contemporary of Ezra, led the third and last return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His concern for the welfare of Jerusalem and its inhabitants prompted him to take bold action. When Jews who had survived the Babylonian captivity entered the Persian capital and encountered Nehemiah, he inquired about the people’s welfare in Jerusalem. They responded that the walls surrounding the city lay in ruins, the people felt disillusioned and weary, and the situation had become very depressing. Their discouraging words launched Nehemiah into action.
Granted permission to return to his homeland by the king, Nehemiah challenged his countrymen to arise and rebuild the shattered wall of Jerusalem. Despite outside opposition and conflict within the community, they completed the task in only fifty-two days—a feat even the enemies of Israel had to attribute to God’s enabling. By contrast, the task of reviving and reforming the people of God within the rebuilt wall demanded years of Nehemiah’s godly life and leadership.
Themes: The Book of Nehemiah emphasizes restoration, both physical and spiritual. As soon as Nehemiah heard of the nation’s great need, he went to God in prayer (Neh. 1:5–11), and then he inspected the walls around Jerusalem and addressed the spiritual condition of the people who lived there. Through his efforts, God restored both the city and its people.
Author: Possibly Ezra, though a large portion of this book is thought to be Nehemiah’s autobiography.
Time: The events in the Book of Nehemiah took place circa 445–420 B.C., a span of about twenty-five years.
Structure: Chapters 1–7 record the rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem; chapters 8–13 deal with the restoration of the people’s spiritual lives.
As you read Nehemiah, watch for the life principles that play an important role in this book:
8. Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time. See Nehemiah 1:4.
28. No Christian has ever been called to “go it alone” in his or her walk of faith. See Nehemiah 2:18.
20. Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice. See Nehemiah 6:15, 16.