Nehemiah - Introduction

Nehemiah


The book of Nehemiah continues the history of the Jews who had returned from captivity in Babylon. The Persian monarchy flourished greatly, in pomp and power during this period under king Artaxerexes I. Tradition has it that Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerexes I (Ezra 7:8 -458 B.C.) followed by Nehemiah in the 20th year of the king . (Nehemiah 2:1-445 B.C.) Some scholars believe Nehemiah came first and then Ezra followed. However they are found together in Nehemiah 8:9 and 12:26, 36.

Nehemiah “records not only the work of his hands, but the working of God in his heart, in the management of public affairs “*

The author of this book was Nehemiah himself some of the portions of the book are written in the first person (Chapter 1 to 7; 12:27-47 and 13.) But there are portions in which Nehemiah is spoken of in the third person (ch. 8:9-10). The date of writing of the book of Nehemiah is probably B.C. 431 – 430.

The story of Nehemiah is one of a man of passion, prayer and practicality. He is passionate about God’s city, temple and people. He is prayerful when he hears about it’s plight. He is practical when he responds to this great tragedy. He makes an estimate of how much time will be needed for a reconnaissance visit. He has made a tentative list of materials needed to rebuild the temple, city walls and his own residence. He prayerfully makes a request to the king for letters to the governors of the Trans-Euphrates so that they will provide him with safe passage. This is in contrast to Ezra. (Ezra 8:22) Nehemiah accepted “army officers and cavalry”** to protect him along the way.

On reaching Jerusalem he sets up teams of builders and defenders. He strongly exhorts the builders (4:14) and sets up self defense teams “at the exposed places … with their swords, spears and bows.” (4:13) He helps the poor and rebukes the rich for exacting usury from their brethren. (5:10, 11) He wisely and strongly answers the opposition (ch.6). Yet in all of this his dependence is on God (6:14).

This book closes the history of the Old Testament. Malachi the prophet was contemporary with Nehemiah. Some regard Nehemiah as the second book of Ezra because it is a continuation of the history of the foregoing book.