Synopsis:
In 445 BC, King Artaxerxes of Persia sent his Jewish official, Nehemiah, back to Jerusalem to help rebuild the walls. Nehemiah leads the third wave of returning Jewish exiles. Despite opposition and local apathy, Nehemiah rallies the people to rebuild the walls in amazingly short period of time. He did what God had put into his heart (2:12; 7:5) and found that the joy of the Lord was his strength (8:10). He ends up serving as governor twice in Jerusalem while under Persian rule.
Original Work:
- Hebrew - Originally one work with Ezra
Authorship: Ezra
- Ezra according to the Jewish tradition (the Talmud)
- Author was the compiler of Nehemiah’s writing as 1:1 “the words of Nehemiah”
Time Period: 444-425 BC
Simple Outline:
1. Reconstruction of the Wall (Neh 1-7)
A. Preparation (Ch 1-2)
B. Reconstruction (Ch 3-7)
2. Restoration of the People (Neh 7-13)
A. Covenant Renewal (Ch 7-10)
B. Obedience to the Covenant (Ch 11-12)