Nehemiah: Summary & Overview
Overview
Nehemiah tells the story of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. A cupbearer to the Persian king, Nehemiah risks everything to restore his homeland. Despite fierce opposition, the walls are completed in just 52 days. The book then records spiritual reforms as the people recommit to God's covenant. Nehemiah is a masterclass in prayerful, persistent leadership.
Key Themes
- •Prayerful leadership
- •Perseverance through opposition
- •Rebuilding and restoration
- •Community commitment to God
- •The power of one person's vision
Famous Verses
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
— Nehemiah 8:10
“Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters.”
— Nehemiah 4:14
“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”
— Nehemiah 6:3
“I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him.”
— Nehemiah 1:5
“The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build.”
— Nehemiah 2:20
Key Facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Historical Narrative
- Author
- Nehemiah (with Ezra)
- Date Written
- ~430–420 BC
- Chapters
- 13
Related Books
Read Nehemiah in Context
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