Nehemiah is a manual for strong leadership in difficult circumstances. A cupbearer to the king of Persia, Nehemiah is extremely burdened for his homeland upon hearing about the state of things in Jerusalem- no temple, and no wall. He secures permission from the king to act and returns to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding and repatriation of Israel.
Some quick notes-
It can be divided into three sections-
- Rebuilding
- Revival
- Resettling
(We got some details of the Revival in the book of Ezra.)
It takes place AFTER the book of Esther. In fact, she is the king's stepmother and may have had a hand in the king's sympathetic treatment of Nehemiah and the Jewish people.
Chapters 1-12 cover about a year. Then there's a 20 year gap before Chapter 13.
Themes–
Obedience
Watch how much importance is placed on following God's word and seeking His will.
Opposition
Nehemiah faces opposition from all directions and sources. Note who opposes him and how he responds. Can you apply Nehemiah's strategies?
Prayer
Keep track of Nehemiah's prayers. What prompts them? What does he ask for? How does God answer?
One of my favorite verses in the book comes in a reply Nehemiah sends to Sanballat, one of his chief persecutors. "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." (Neh. 6:8, NIV)
What lessons have you learned from Nehemiah?