Nehemiah was a Jewish exile living in Persia and serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes (King of Persia). A cupbearer was a trusted servant with constant access to the king--tasking all food and drink before giving it to the king. Jewish exiles had already been allowed to return and rebuild, so many had gone with Ezra back to Jerusalem. Nehemiah longed for news from his homeland. Eventually he learned that, although those who had returned had rebuilt the temple, they had not yet completed the city wall. Nehemiah was heartbroken when he learned that the wall of Jerusalem was still in disrepair years after the Jewish people had returned to the city.
His discouragement was understandable. In ancient times, a city without walls was vulnerable to attack---it was a weak city. Jerusalem would not be able to stand proud or even begin to reach its former stature without a wall. Instead of allowing his discouragement to lead to despair, Nehemiah set about on a course of action to correct the problem.
After praying and planning, Nehemiah took advantage of his trusted position with the king. When the king asked why Nehemiah seemed disturbed, Nehemiah explained the situation, said a quick prayer, and boldly asked for everything he would need to take a trip to Jerusalem. Obviously, Nehemiah was ready with his request so that, when the opportunity arose, he knew exactly what to ask. The king granted the request of his trusted servant, and Nehemiah was on his way.
Armed with royal letters, Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem. He organized the people into groups and assigned them to specific sections of the wall. The construction project was not without opposition; however Sanballat, Tobiah, and others tried to halt the work with insults, ridicule, threats and sabotage. Some of the workers became fearful; others became weary. In each case Nehemiah employed a strategy to frustrate the enemies with prayer, encouragement, guard duty and consolidation. But a different problem arose—an internal one. Rich Jews were profiteering off the plight of their working countrymen. Hearing of their oppression and greed, Nehemiah confronted the extortionist face to face. Then, with the walls almost complete, Sanballat, Tobiah, and company tried one last time to stop Nehemiah. But Nehemiah stood firm and the wall was finished in just 52 days. What a tremendous monument to God’s love and faithfulness. Enemies and friends alike knew that God had helped.
After building the walls, Nehemiah continued to organize the people, taking a registration and appointing gatekeepers, Levites, and other officials. Ezra led the city in worship and Bible instruction. This led to a reaffirmation of faith and religious revival as they people promised to serve God faithfully.
Nehemiah closes with the listing of the clans and their leaders, the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, and the purging of sin from the land. As you read this book, watch Nehemiah in action—and determine to be a person on whom God can depend to act for him in the world.
