The Chapters – Quick Access

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11	12	13

Basics

BOOK: Nehemiah

Description: historical book telling of the return after exile and rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem

Author: a scribe, possibly Ezra. Originally written as one book with Nehemiah

Date written: probably about 440 or 430BC

Chapters: 13

Brief Synopsis

• Gets its name from the main figure in it.
• In the city of Susa , Nehemiah hears about the state of Jerusalem
• The way is made open for him to return to Jerusalem to rebuild it
• Despite opposition, this he brings about
• Reforms are brought about

Outline

• Ch.1-12 Nehemiah’s First Administration
  • Ch.1 Nehemiah’s Response to the Situation in Jerusalem
  • Ch.2 Nehemiah’s Journey to Jerusalem
  • Ch.3 List of the Builders of the Wall
  • Ch.4 Opposition to Rebuilding the Wall
  • Ch.5 Social and Economic Problems
  • Ch.6 The Wall Rebuilt Despite Opposition
  • Ch.7 List of Exiles
  • Ch.7-10 Ezra’s Preaching and the Outbreak of Revival
  • Ch.11 New Residents of Judah and Jerusalem
  • Ch.12 Lists of Priests and the Dedication of the Wal
• Ch.13 Nehemiah’s Second Administration
  • 13:1-5 Abuses during His Absence
  • 13:6-9 Nehemiah’s Return
  • 13:10-31 Reorganization and Reforms

Recommended Passages for Reading & Study

There are a number of phases within this book, or episodes that bear study. We suggest the following:

• Nehemiah’s response to the news of Jerusalem and his handling the king Ch.1,2
• The stages of opposition and means of overcoming 2:10 / 2:19,20 / 4:1-5 / 4:7-18 / 6:1-14
• The revival that took place Ch.8-10
• The dedicating of the walls of Jerusalem 12:27 – 13:3   
• Correcting wrong administration 13:6-31   

Concluding Comments

• Observing the heart and wise actions of Nehemiah brings lessons to us that are worth learning.
• The opposition they received and the ways they overcame should similarly remind us of the warfare in which we are engaged and the ways to overcome.
• Why, the reader might ask, is such attention given to rebuilding the walls of this city? An answer might be because walls delineate boundaries and establish identity and provide protection. All of these were needed for the newly re-established people of God and in the moral and spiritual sphere they are needed for us who are Christians today.