In Today's Email:
Welcome to the Book of Nehemiah!
The Book of Nehemiah was written to show God’s continued blessing on the Jews attempting to reestablish their nation. Nehemiah was a trusted official in the court of Artaxerxes I who God used to help strengthen the attempt to restart Jewish civilization in Jerusalem. The most famous section of it deals with the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s defensive walls in the face of hardship and opposition.
A few quick facts about Nehemiah:
· Ezra is the traditional author. Some sections are written in Nehemiah’s perspective. These were likely taken from his account and preserved by Ezra.
This book covers events from Nehemiah learning of the condition of Jerusalem in 455 B.C. to his cleansing of the Temple and priesthood in 441 B.C.
The key verse is 2:20: “ Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.”
A brief outline:
Nehemiah’s arrival – 1:1-2:11
The rebuilding of the walls – 2:12-7:4
The nation is reformed – 7:5-13:31
Key events:
Construction of the walls begins – Chapter 3
Construction of the walls is completed – Chapter 6
Ezra leads in a revival – Chapter 9
Nehemiah 1 Notes
In this chapter Nehemiah grieves the broken state of Jerusalem.
vs. 1-3 – The ruler of Persia at this time is Artaxerxes I, who ruled from 465-424 B.C. It is the twentieth year of his reign, though some believe this may include some time as a co-ruler with his father Xerxes I. He notes that it is in the month Chisleu, which is our November or December. It has been about 60 years since the Zerubbabel built the Second Temple and less than 5 years since Ezra arrived in Jerusalem. Nehemiah learns of the sad state of Jerusalem, and is especially moved by the report that its walls and gates still lay in ruin.
vs. 4-11 – Nehemiah takes his burden to the Lord in prayer. He confesses his sins and that of his people and calls on God to honor the promises of Deuteronomy 30:1-5 to restore Israel in the Promised Land. The last verse indicates that he had determined to take his cause to the king but trusted in God for the timing. He gives his position as “cupbearer”, which would mean he was close the king and highly trusted, as it dealt with in part ensuring the kings safety from possible assassination.
Nehemiah 2 Notes
In this chapter Nehemiah receives permission and goes to Jerusalem.
vs. 2:1-8 – It is now the 1st month (Nisan) according to the Jewish calendar but still the 20th year of the reign of Artaxerxes. This means Nehemiah has been praying for two months for such an opportunity as this. The king inquires about his troubled mind and so he tells him of his grief over the state of Jerusalem. The king asks what he would want, to which Nehemiah quickly prays in vs. 4 before answering. By the end of the conversation, Nehemiah is appointed by Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem, rebuild the walls, and return to the royal court when finished.
vs. 9-16 – Opposition awaits Nehemiah in the form of Sanballat and Tobiah. These will try many ploys to slow or halt Nehemiah’s mission. He goes out alone at night to survey the condition of the city. The places he visits are on the south end of Jerusalem.
vs. 17-18 – Nehemiah calls for action to rebuild the walls, and the people are stirred to join in the project.
vs. 19-20 – Sanballat, Tobiah and newcomer Geshem make their first attempt to stop Nehemiah by mocking the endeavor and accusing them of treason. This will not stop Nehemiah.
Nehemiah 3 Notes
In this chapter is the roster of the wall builders.
vs. 1-32 – Here is the roster of the teams of men that worked on the walls and the sections they were assigned to. The description begins in the northeast corner and works its way counterclockwise around the walls. There are 10 gates listed here. 2 more are mentioned later: “the gate of Ephraim” in 8:16 and “the prison gate” in 12:39. Thus there are 12 gates total. It is a wonderful study to look at the gates and their purposes.
Nehemiah 4 Notes
In this chapter the work on the walls continues amid mockery and threats.
vs. 1-3 – Sanballat and Tobiah again attempt to stop Nehemiah by mocking the work, Tobiah even joking that a fox could knock the wall down.
vs. 4-6 – Nehemiah does not stop the work. He takes the problem to God in prayer and keeps pressing on.
vs. 7-14 – Sanballat and Tobiah again attempt to stop the work by leading a coalition of Canaanites to threaten an attack. In response Nehemiah places more guards to keep watch. The work is hard and the people are tired. It is a low point, but the work does not stop as the threats grow.
vs. 15-23 – Nehemiah takes many precautions against an attack. More armed guards are stationed. The workers are carrying weapons alongside their tools. They are encouraged to stay within the defenses that are available in Jerusalem and remain alert at all times.
Nehemiah 5 Notes
In this chapter Nehemiah deals with the issue of his workers being abused by their fellow Jews.
vs. 1-5 – The men that worked on the walls evidently did so without pay. This puts a strain on the care for their families. Some of the wealthier Jews were taking advantage of the situation by making loans and mortgages. It is one thing to fight an enemy outside your camp, and another to fight one within it.
vs. 6-13 – Nehemiah calls for an assembly and shames the people that were abusing the workers and their families. To ensure that they keep their word to stop, the priests are brought in to make them swear solemnly to God.
vs. 14-19 – Nehemiah is made governor over the region of Judah and holds this position for 12 years. He sets a personal example by personally paying for not only his expenses but also those of the men working for him. In ancient times, someone that held such a position would use it to enrich themselves at the expense of their subjects.
Closing Thoughts
Nehemiah is a favorite book of many because it is a book of faith in action. He saw a need and worked with all his might to accomplish the task. The secret was not his drive or his work ethic. The secret was his faith in God. Nehemiah accomplished much because he allowed God to use. Too often we do things in our own strength and forget that the greatest victories are won when we surrender ourselves to God’s mighty hand.
Hymn for Today
Today’s hymn is “Work, for the Night is Coming” by Anna Louisa Coghill, is a call to work on while we have the opportunity before us.
Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work ’mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man’s work is done.
Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon;
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.
Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies;
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work till the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more;
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man’s work is o’er.