Book 16 of 39 in the Old Testament — Rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.
Nehemiah, a Jewish official serving the Persian king, hears that Jerusalem's walls still lie in ruins and receives permission to return and rebuild them. Despite fierce opposition and intimidation from surrounding enemies, the wall is completed in just fifty-two days through coordinated effort. The book then turns to spiritual reforms, as Ezra reads the Law publicly and the people recommit themselves to God's covenant. It closes the historical narrative of the Old Testament with a rebuilt, resettled Jerusalem.
“O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.”King James Version
Nehemiah prays for success as he prepares to ask the king for help.
“Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.”King James Version
Nehemiah urges the people to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and end their disgrace.
“And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”King James Version
Nehemiah encourages the people to remember the Lord and fight for their families.
“So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.”King James Version
The wall is completed in just fifty-two days.
“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”King James Version
Nehemiah reminds the people that the joy of the Lord is their strength.