Nehemiah
“Jehovah has comforted”
Summary
Nehemiah was the Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes who led the third return from exile and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just fifty-two days despite fierce opposition.
☩Call to Action
Nehemiah was a Jew serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia—a position of great trust and influence. When his brother Hanani brought news that Jerusalem's walls remained broken down and its gates burned, Nehemiah wept, fasted, and prayed for days. He confessed the sins of Israel and reminded God of His promise to gather His scattered people. When the king noticed his sadness and asked the reason, Nehemiah requested permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls.
☩Rebuilding the Walls
Armed with royal letters and authority, Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and secretly inspected the walls by night. He then rallied the people to the work, organizing families and groups to rebuild specific sections of the wall. Despite ridicule from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, and later plots to attack the workers, Nehemiah persevered. Half the workers stood guard while the other half built, and every man kept his weapon at his side. The wall was completed in just fifty-two days, to the astonishment of their enemies who perceived that the work was of God.
☩Social Reforms
Nehemiah addressed social injustice among the returned exiles. Many Jews had mortgaged their lands, sold their children into bondage, and were crushed by debt to their wealthy countrymen. Nehemiah rebuked the nobles and officials, demanded they restore the lands and cease usury, and set an example by refusing to exact the governor's allowance throughout his twelve years in office. He also repopulated Jerusalem by casting lots to bring one in ten from the surrounding towns to dwell in the holy city.
☩Religious Renewal
Working alongside Ezra the scribe, Nehemiah led a religious revival. The Law was read publicly, the Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated, and a day of confession and covenant renewal followed. The people pledged to keep the Law, not intermarry with foreigners, observe the Sabbath, and support the Temple and its ministers. After returning to Persia for a time, Nehemiah came back to Jerusalem and corrected abuses that had arisen, including violations of the Sabbath and intermarriage.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Nehemiah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Nehemiah (1)," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).