These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, These are the words of NehemiahThe opening phrase establishes the authorship and personal nature of the book. "Nehemiah" means "Yahweh comforts" in Hebrew, which is fitting given his role in restoring Jerusalem. Nehemiah's narrative is a testament to God's faithfulness and the comfort He provides through His servants. This introduction sets the stage for a first-person account, emphasizing authenticity and personal experience. son of Hacaliah
This genealogical note roots Nehemiah in a specific family line, which is significant in Jewish tradition. "Hacaliah" is a name that appears only here in the Bible, suggesting that Nehemiah's family may not have been prominent, highlighting how God often uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. This detail underscores the theme of divine selection and empowerment. In the month of Chislev
Chislev corresponds to November-December in the Gregorian calendar. This timing is significant as it situates Nehemiah's account within the Jewish calendar, which is rich with religious and agricultural symbolism. The month of Chislev, being a time of preparation for winter, metaphorically suggests a period of introspection and readiness for the challenges ahead. in the twentieth year
This phrase refers to the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, around 445 BC. This historical marker is crucial for understanding the geopolitical context of Nehemiah's mission. The Persian Empire was vast and powerful, and Nehemiah's position within it as cupbearer to the king indicates his significant influence and access to power. while I was in the citadel of Susa
Susa was one of the capitals of the Persian Empire, known for its grandeur and strategic importance. The "citadel" refers to the fortified palace complex, symbolizing both the power of the empire and the exile of the Jewish people. Nehemiah's presence in Susa highlights the tension between his high status in a foreign court and his deep concern for his homeland, Jerusalem. This setting foreshadows the divine orchestration of events that will enable Nehemiah to act on behalf of his people. Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. His name means "Yahweh comforts," reflecting his role in the restoration of Jerusalem. 2. HacaliahNehemiah's father, mentioned to establish Nehemiah's lineage and identity within the Jewish community. 3. ChislevThe ninth month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to November-December. This timing is significant for the events that unfold in Nehemiah's account. 4. Twentieth YearRefers to the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, providing a historical context for the account. 5. Citadel of SusaA fortified palace complex in the Persian Empire, indicating Nehemiah's position of influence and proximity to the king. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in PlacementNehemiah's position in Susa was not by chance. God places His people strategically for His purposes. Reflect on where God has placed you and how you can serve His kingdom there. The Importance of HeritageNehemiah's lineage is mentioned, reminding us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ. Timing in God's PlanThe mention of Chislev and the twentieth year underscores God's perfect timing. Trust in God's timing for the unfolding of His plans in your life. Preparation for ActionNehemiah's account begins with him in a place of influence, preparing us to see how God uses our current circumstances to prepare us for future action. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nehemiah's position in Susa reflect God's sovereignty in placing His people for His purposes? Can you identify a time when God strategically placed you in a situation for His work? 2. What can we learn from Nehemiah's heritage and identity that applies to our understanding of our spiritual heritage in Christ? 3. How does the timing of events in Nehemiah 1:1 encourage you to trust in God's timing in your own life? 4. In what ways can you prepare yourself for the tasks God may have for you, as Nehemiah was prepared in his role as cupbearer? 5. How do the connections between Nehemiah and other biblical figures like Daniel and Esther inspire you to intercede for your community or nation? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezra 4-6These chapters provide background on the opposition faced by the Jews in rebuilding Jerusalem, setting the stage for Nehemiah's mission. Daniel 9Daniel's prayer for Jerusalem's restoration parallels Nehemiah's concern and intercession for his people. Esther 1The citadel of Susa is also the setting for the account of Esther, highlighting the significance of this location in Jewish history. People Hachaliah, Hanani, Israelites, NehemiahPlaces Jerusalem, SusaTopics Capital, Capitol, Castle, Chisleu, Chislev, Citadel, Fortress, Hacaliah, Hacali'ah, Hachaliah, History, King's, Kislev, Month, Nehemiah, Nehemi'ah, Palace, Pass, Shushan, Susa, Town, TwentiethDictionary of Bible Themes Nehemiah 1:1 4951 month Nehemiah 1:1-2 5254 citadel Nehemiah 1:1-3 7240 Jerusalem, history Nehemiah 1:1-4 5354 invasions Library The Church and Social Evils
'It came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.'--NEH. i. 4. Ninety years had passed since the returning exiles had arrived at Jerusalem. They had encountered many difficulties which had marred their progress and cooled their enthusiasm. The Temple, indeed, was rebuilt, but Jerusalem lay in ruins, and its walls remained as they had been left, by Nebuchadnezzar's siege, some century and a half before. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureA Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Nehemiah, the Praying Builder
We care not for your splendid abilities as a minister, or your natural endowment as an orator before men. We are sure that the truth of the matter is this: No one will or can command success and become a real praying soul unless intense application is the price. I am even now convinced that the difference between the saints like Wesley, Fletcher, Edwards, Brainerd, Bramwell, Bounds, and ourselves is energy, perseverance, invincible determination to succeed or die in the attempt. God help us.--Rev. …
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men Discouragements and Courage
'Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. 10. And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. 11. And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. 12. And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
The Median wars--The last native dynasties of Egypt--The Eastern world on the eve of the Macedonian conquest. [Drawn by Boudier, from one of the sarcophagi of Sidon, now in the Museum of St. Irene. The vignette, which is by Faucher-Gudin, represents the sitting cyno-cephalus of Nectanebo I., now in the Egyptian Museum at the Vatican.] Darius appears to have formed this project of conquest immediately after his first victories, when his initial attempts to institute satrapies had taught him not …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Nehemiah 1:1 NIVNehemiah 1:1 NLTNehemiah 1:1 ESVNehemiah 1:1 NASBNehemiah 1:1 KJV
Nehemiah 1:1 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
