Faith & Reason Nexus

MEANING: “Comfort of Yahweh”
Nehemiah’s name carries the meaning “Comfort of Yahweh.”
AUTHORSHIP: Most Likely Nehemiah Himself
The Book of Nehemiah is most likely authored by Nehemiah.
TIME WRITTEN: Probably composed about 425 B.C.
POSITION IN THE BIBLE: Nehemiah in the Context of Scripture

• 16th Book in the Bible.
• 16th Book in the Old Testament.
• 11th of 12 books of History (Joshua – Esther).
• Followed by 50 books in the Holy Bible.

NEHEMIAH: Key Stats

• CHAPTERS: 13
• VERSES: 406
• WORDS: 10,483

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT NEHEMIAH: While Ezra focuses on religious restoration, Nehemiah is primarily concerned with political and geographical restoration.

Rebuilding the Wall: The first seven chapters of Nehemiah detail the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem.

Nehemiah’s Position and Character:

• Nehemiah serves as the cupbearer to Artaxerxes, King of Persia.
• He becomes the governor of Jerusalem for 14 years, from 444 B.C. to 432 B.C.

Nehemiah’s Life Characteristics:

• Demonstrates courage, compassion for the oppressed, integrity, godliness, and selflessness.
• Like Moses a millennium earlier, Nehemiah sacrifices the comforts of a palace to help his people.

Restoration Achieved in Judea: Everything in Judea is restored except the king, anticipating the Messiah.

Historical Milestones:

• The Temple is rebuilt.
• Jerusalem is reconstructed.
• The covenant is renewed.
• The people are reformed.
• The Messianic line is intact.

Timeline and Contemporary Events:

• Nehemiah’s return takes place 13 years after the return led by Ezra and 94 years after the return led by Zerubbabel.
• Malachi ministers as a contemporary of Nehemiah.

Rebuilding the Wall: Nehemiah’s Approach:

• Nehemiah challenges the people to build the wall, and they respond with determination (2:18, 4:6).
• In the face of external opposition (Tobiah and others) and internal challenges (wealthier Jews oppressing the people), Nehemiah leads the people in prayer (4:9).
• Nehemiah remains focused despite attempts to distract him, stating, “I am doing a good work, so that I cannot come down” (6:3).
• Opposition is met with a combination of prayer and action, leading to the completion of the wall in 52 days (6:15).
• External opposition acknowledges the divine involvement, perceiving that “this work was done by our God” (6:16).