The Book of Nehemiah
Author	Most likely Nehemiah
Date Written	445 - 420 BC
Time Span	20-25 years.
Title	Comes from the book's chief character Nehemiah.
Background	About 12 years after the book of Ezra ends with Ezra's reforms in Jerusalem, the book of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah receiving word that Jerusalem is again in chaos, both physically and spiritually. This breaks Nehemiah's heart, he weeps and then begins plans to return to Jerusalem to rectify the problems. Nehemiah is the cupbearer for Artaxerxes the king of Persia, and is granted permission to return to Jerusalem to restore the wall and true worship.
Where Written	Probably Jerusalem.
To Whom	To the Israelites.
Content	Nehemiah is given permission by the king of Persia to return to Jerusalem where he rebuilds the walls of the city. The people, inspired by Nehemiah, give tithes of money, supplies, and manpower to complete the wall in a remarkable 52 days despite persistent and tremendous opposition. This unified Israel is short lived, however, because Jerusalem falls back into apostasy when Nehemiah leaves for a time. But he then returns to re-establish true worship by reading and obeying the Word of God.
Themes	Each of us ought to have genuine compassion for others who have spiritual or physical problems. To feel compassion, yet do nothing to help, is ungodly. At times we may have to give up our own comfort in order to serve and assist others. We must totally believe in a cause before we will give our time or money to it with a right heart.
Key Words	Goal and Rebuild. We all need goals that reflect vision, goals that really matter, and goals that include God. Nehemiah's goal was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nothing less than total completion could be satisfactory.
Outline	1:1- 6:19  Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem's walls 7:1-10:39  Ezra ministers the law to the people 11:1-13:31  Laws and reforms are obeyed
More	Audio of the Book of Nehemiah

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