Nehemiah – Important Events, Characters, and Doctrines

Writer:

The book of Nehemiah is traditionally attributed to Nehemiah himself, as large portions of the book are written in the first person, suggesting that it is based on Nehemiah’s own memoirs. However, it is likely that Ezra or another scribe compiled and edited these memoirs, integrating them into the larger historical narrative that includes the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Date of Writing:

The book of Nehemiah was likely written between 430 and 400 B.C., shortly after the events it describes, which took place during Nehemiah’s governorship of Judah (c. 445–432 B.C.).

Important Events:

1. Nehemiah’s Request and Commission (Nehemiah 1-2):

   • Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, hears about the distressing conditions in Jerusalem, where the walls are in ruins. He prays to God for favor and then requests the king’s permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city’s walls. The king grants his request and provides letters of support and resources for the task.

2. Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3-4):

   • Nehemiah organizes the people to rebuild the walls, assigning different sections of the wall to various families and groups. Despite significant opposition from surrounding enemies, including Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, the work continues. The people work with weapons in hand to defend against possible attacks while rebuilding the wall.

3. Overcoming Opposition and Completing the Wall (Nehemiah 5-6):

   • Nehemiah addresses internal problems, such as the exploitation of the poor by wealthy Jews, by calling for justice and the cancellation of debts. External opposition intensifies, including plots to harm Nehemiah, but he remains resolute. Despite these challenges, the wall is completed in just 52 days, a remarkable achievement.

4. Renewal of the Covenant (Nehemiah 8-10):

   • After the completion of the wall, Ezra the scribe reads the Law of Moses to the assembled people, leading to a national day of repentance and worship. The people confess their sins and renew their covenant with God, committing to obey the Law and avoid intermarriage with foreign peoples. They also pledge to support the Temple and its services.

5. Population of Jerusalem and Dedication of the Wall (Nehemiah 11-12):

   • Nehemiah organizes the resettlement of Jerusalem, encouraging people to live within the city to ensure its security and prosperity. The wall is then dedicated with a joyful celebration involving choirs, sacrifices, and the purification of the people.

6. Nehemiah’s Reforms (Nehemiah 13):

   • After a brief return to Persia, Nehemiah comes back to Jerusalem and discovers that the people have again fallen into sin. He takes decisive action to enforce the covenant, including expelling Tobiah from the Temple, ensuring the Levites receive their due portions, enforcing the Sabbath, and addressing issues of intermarriage.

Key Characters:

1. Nehemiah: The central figure of the book, Nehemiah is a man of prayer, leadership, and strong conviction. As governor of Judah, he oversees the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, institutes religious and social reforms, and leads the people in renewing their covenant with God.

2. Artaxerxes: The Persian king who supports Nehemiah’s mission by granting him permission, resources, and authority to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and govern Judah.

3. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem: These are the main opponents of Nehemiah’s work. Sanballat is the governor of Samaria, Tobiah is an Ammonite official, and Geshem is an Arab leader. They seek to undermine Nehemiah’s efforts through intimidation, mockery, and conspiracy.

4. Ezra: The scribe and priest who leads the people in reading and understanding the Law of Moses, playing a key role in the spiritual renewal of the community.

5. The People of Judah: The ordinary men and women who participate in the rebuilding of the wall and the renewal of the covenant, despite facing significant challenges and opposition.

Key Doctrines and Themes:

1. Leadership and Perseverance:

   • Nehemiah exemplifies godly leadership, characterized by prayer, strategic planning, and determination in the face of opposition. His leadership style is both practical and spiritual, emphasizing the importance of reliance on God while taking decisive action.

2. The Importance of Community and Unity:

   • The rebuilding of the wall is a collective effort, requiring the participation and cooperation of all segments of society. The book underscores the importance of unity in accomplishing God’s work and overcoming opposition.

3. Covenant Renewal and Obedience to the Law:

   • The renewal of the covenant is central to the book’s message. The public reading of the Law, confession of sins, and the people’s commitment to obey God’s commandments highlight the importance of returning to the foundational principles of their faith.

4. The Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God:

   • Throughout the book, God’s sovereignty is evident in the way He orchestrates events, such as moving the heart of King Artaxerxes and protecting the people from their enemies. Nehemiah’s success is seen as a direct result of God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.

5. Social Justice and Righteous Living:

   • Nehemiah addresses issues of social justice, such as the exploitation of the poor and the neglect of the Levites. His reforms emphasize the need for righteous living and fair treatment of others as an essential part of the community’s covenant with God.

6. The Sanctity of the Temple and Worship:

   • The Temple plays a significant role in the book, symbolizing the spiritual heart of the community. Nehemiah’s efforts to ensure the proper functioning of the Temple, including providing for the Levites and enforcing the Sabbath, reflect the importance of maintaining pure and devoted worship.

7. Opposition and Spiritual Warfare:

   • The book vividly portrays the opposition faced by God’s people in fulfilling His purposes. Nehemiah’s story serves as an example of how to deal with spiritual and physical opposition through prayer, vigilance, and faith in God’s protection and guidance.

The book of Nehemiah is a powerful narrative of leadership, community, and spiritual renewal. It emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness, the centrality of worship, and the need for godly leadership in guiding the people of God through times of challenge and reform.