Title and Author: The book of Nehemiah is named after its principal character, Nehemiah, who is traditionally considered the author. Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I and later became the governor of Judah. The book is often associated with the book of Ezra, and some scholars suggest that both books were originally a single work. From a conservative Christian perspective, Nehemiah is viewed as a historical account written by Nehemiah himself, possibly with contributions from Ezra.

Historical Context: Nehemiah is set during the Persian period, specifically in the mid-5th century BC. After the Babylonian exile, the Persian Empire allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Nehemiah's story begins around 445 BC, when he learns about the desolate condition of Jerusalem's walls and takes action to rebuild them. This period is marked by the Jews' efforts to restore their homeland and religious practices under Persian rule.

Audience: The primary audience of Nehemiah was the Jewish community in Jerusalem and those in the diaspora. The book was intended to encourage the Jewish people by recounting the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of their community and religious life.

Purpose: The purpose of Nehemiah is to document the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of leadership, prayer, and perseverance in the face of opposition.

Genre and Style: Nehemiah is a historical narrative, combining memoir, administrative records, and lists. Its style is straightforward, focusing on events and leadership.1. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:1)
- Nehemiah is the central figure of the book, serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. He becomes the governor of Judah and leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

2. Hanani (Nehemiah 1:2)
- Hanani is Nehemiah's brother who brings news of the distress and broken walls of Jerusalem to Nehemiah in Susa.

3. Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1)
- Artaxerxes is the King of Persia who grants Nehemiah permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls.

4. Sanballat (Nehemiah 2:10)
- Sanballat is a Horonite and one of the main antagonists who opposes Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls.

5. Tobiah (Nehemiah 2:10)
- Tobiah is an Ammonite official who, along with Sanballat, opposes Nehemiah's work in Jerusalem.

6. Geshem (Nehemiah 2:19)
- Geshem the Arab is another adversary who joins Sanballat and Tobiah in mocking and opposing the rebuilding efforts.

7. Eliashib (Nehemiah 3:1)
- Eliashib is the high priest who leads the priests in rebuilding the Sheep Gate.

8. Meremoth (Nehemiah 3:4)
- Meremoth is the son of Uriah who helps repair a section of the wall.

9. Meshullam (Nehemiah 3:4)
- Meshullam is the son of Berechiah who also participates in the wall repairs.

10. Zadok (Nehemiah 3:4)
- Zadok is the son of Baana, involved in the reconstruction efforts.

11. Rephaiah (Nehemiah 3:9)
- Rephaiah is the son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, who helps repair the wall.

12. Shallum (Nehemiah 3:12)
- Shallum is the son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, who repairs the wall with his daughters.

13. Nehemiah (son of Azbuk) (Nehemiah 3:16)
- This Nehemiah is the son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur, who works on the wall repairs.

14. Ezra (Nehemiah 8:1)
- Ezra is a scribe and priest who reads the Law to the people, leading a spiritual renewal.

15. Mattaniah (Nehemiah 11:17)
- Mattaniah is a Levite who leads in thanksgiving and prayer.

16. Pethahiah (Nehemiah 11:24)
- Pethahiah is a royal advisor in matters concerning the people.

17. Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:1)
- Zerubbabel is mentioned as a leader who returned from Babylon with the first group of exiles.

18. Jeshua (Nehemiah 12:1)
- Jeshua is a priest who returned with Zerubbabel and is involved in the religious leadership.

19. Darius (Nehemiah 12:22)
- Darius is a Persian king mentioned in the context of the priestly genealogies.

20. Eliashib (the priest) (Nehemiah 13:4)
- Eliashib is a priest who is reprimanded by Nehemiah for allowing Tobiah to use a room in the temple.1. Susa (Shushan) (Nehemiah 1:1)
- Susa, also known as Shushan, is the capital of the Persian Empire where Nehemiah is serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. It is the starting point of Nehemiah's story.

2. Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:11)
- Jerusalem is the central location of the Book of Nehemiah. It is the city whose walls Nehemiah is determined to rebuild after hearing of its desolation. Jerusalem is the spiritual and political center for the Jewish people.

3. The Valley Gate (Nehemiah 2:13)
- This gate is part of the wall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah inspects the walls of Jerusalem starting from this gate during his night survey of the city.

4. The Dragon Well (Fountain) (Nehemiah 2:13)
- A location near the Valley Gate, possibly a water source or landmark that Nehemiah passes during his inspection of the walls.

5. The Dung Gate (Nehemiah 2:13)
- Another gate in the wall of Jerusalem, located in the southern part of the city, traditionally used for waste disposal.

6. The Fountain Gate (Nehemiah 2:14)
- A gate near the Pool of Siloam, part of Nehemiah's inspection route. It is associated with water sources in Jerusalem.

7. The King's Pool (Nehemiah 2:14)
- Likely a reference to a reservoir or pool in Jerusalem, possibly the Pool of Siloam, which Nehemiah mentions during his inspection.

8. The Sheep Gate (Nehemiah 3:1)
- A gate in the northeastern part of Jerusalem, near the Temple, where sheep were brought in for sacrifices. It is the first gate mentioned in the rebuilding efforts.

9. The Fish Gate (Nehemiah 3:3)
- A gate located on the northern wall of Jerusalem, traditionally used by fishermen to bring in their catch for sale in the city.

10. The Old Gate (Nehemiah 3:6)
- Also known as the Jeshanah Gate, it is part of the western wall of Jerusalem and is mentioned in the rebuilding process.

11. The Broad Wall (Nehemiah 3:8)
- A section of the wall of Jerusalem that is notably wide, mentioned during the reconstruction efforts.

12. The Tower of the Ovens (Nehemiah 3:11)
- A tower along the wall of Jerusalem, possibly named for its proximity to a bakery or ovens.

13. The Valley of Hinnom (Nehemiah 11:30)
- A valley located to the south of Jerusalem, historically associated with idolatrous practices but also mentioned in the context of the city's geography.

14. The Water Gate (Nehemiah 3:26)
- A gate located near the Gihon Spring, associated with water access for the city.

15. The Horse Gate (Nehemiah 3:28)
- A gate on the eastern side of Jerusalem, near the Temple, used for the entrance and exit of horses.

16. The East Gate (Nehemiah 3:29)
- A gate facing the Mount of Olives, significant for its proximity to the Temple and its eastern orientation.

17. The Inspection Gate (Muster Gate) (Nehemiah 3:31)
- A gate used for military or administrative purposes, possibly where troops were reviewed or mustered.

18. Tekoa (Nehemiah 3:5)
- A town located south of Jerusalem, whose inhabitants helped in the rebuilding of the wall.

19. Beth Zur (Nehemiah 3:16)
- A town located south of Jerusalem, mentioned in the context of the wall's reconstruction.

20. Mizpah (Nehemiah 3:7)
- A town north of Jerusalem, whose people participated in the rebuilding efforts.

21. Gibeon (Nehemiah 3:7)
- A city northwest of Jerusalem, whose inhabitants contributed to the wall's reconstruction.

22. Keilah (Nehemiah 3:17)
- A town southwest of Jerusalem, mentioned in the context of the wall's rebuilding.

23. Jericho (Nehemiah 3:2)
- A city northeast of Jerusalem, whose people helped in the reconstruction of the wall.

24. The Plain of Ono (Nehemiah 6:2)
- A location where Nehemiah's enemies attempt to lure him away from his work on the wall, intending to harm him.1. Nehemiah Learns of Jerusalem's Ruin (Nehemiah 1:1-3): Nehemiah, serving as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, receives news from his brother Hanani about the dire state of Jerusalem, with its walls broken down and gates burned.

2. Nehemiah's Prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-11): Deeply moved by the news, Nehemiah fasts and prays to God, confessing the sins of Israel and asking for favor in approaching the king.

3. Nehemiah's Request to the King (Nehemiah 2:1-8): Nehemiah appears before King Artaxerxes, who notices his sadness. Nehemiah requests permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the city, and the king grants his request, providing letters for safe passage and resources.

4. Nehemiah's Inspection of Jerusalem's Walls (Nehemiah 2:11-16): Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah secretly inspects the city's walls at night to assess the damage and plan the reconstruction.

5. The Rebuilding Begins (Nehemiah 3:1-32): Nehemiah organizes the people to begin rebuilding the walls, assigning specific sections to different groups and families.

6. Opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:1-3): As the rebuilding progresses, local officials Sanballat and Tobiah mock and ridicule the efforts, attempting to discourage the workers.

7. Nehemiah's Response to Opposition (Nehemiah 4:4-6): Nehemiah prays for strength and continues the work, with the people working with all their heart, despite the opposition.

8. Increased Threats and Defense Measures (Nehemiah 4:7-23): As threats from enemies increase, Nehemiah organizes the workers to carry weapons and sets up a system of guards to protect the builders.

9. Addressing Internal Strife (Nehemiah 5:1-13): Nehemiah addresses complaints from the poor about exploitation by wealthier Jews, leading to a commitment to stop usury and restore property and money.

10. Completion of the Wall (Nehemiah 6:15-16): Despite continued opposition, the wall is completed in just 52 days, causing fear among the surrounding nations who recognize God's hand in the work.

11. Nehemiah's Governance and Reforms (Nehemiah 7:1-73): Nehemiah appoints leaders to govern Jerusalem and organizes a census of the returned exiles to ensure proper administration and worship.

12. Reading of the Law (Nehemiah 8:1-8): Ezra the scribe reads the Law of Moses to the assembled people, leading to a renewed understanding and commitment to follow God's commands.

13. Celebration of the Feast of Booths (Nehemiah 8:13-18): The people celebrate the Feast of Booths with great joy, as prescribed in the Law, marking a revival of religious observance.

14. Confession and Covenant Renewal (Nehemiah 9:1-38): The Israelites confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors, recounting God's faithfulness, and make a covenant to obey His laws.

15. Dedication of the Wall (Nehemiah 12:27-43): A grand celebration is held to dedicate the completed wall, with choirs, sacrifices, and rejoicing, acknowledging God's provision and protection.

16. Nehemiah's Final Reforms (Nehemiah 13:1-31): Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem after a period back in Persia and implements further reforms, addressing issues like Sabbath observance, temple service, and intermarriage with foreign nations.1. Restoration and Rebuilding (Nehemiah 1:3)
- The central theme of Nehemiah is the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah is deeply concerned about the state of Jerusalem's walls and takes action to restore them, symbolizing the restoration of the community and its faith. "They said to me, 'The remnant in the province who survived the exile are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.'"

2. Prayer and Dependence on God (Nehemiah 1:4)
- Nehemiah frequently turns to prayer, demonstrating his reliance on God for guidance, strength, and success. His prayers are heartfelt and show a deep trust in God's providence. "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven."

3. Leadership and Governance (Nehemiah 2:5)
- Nehemiah exemplifies strong, effective leadership. He organizes the rebuilding efforts, addresses opposition, and implements reforms. His leadership is marked by integrity, vision, and a commitment to justice. "And I said to the king, 'If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.'"

4. Opposition and Perseverance (Nehemiah 2:19)
- Throughout the rebuilding process, Nehemiah and the people face significant opposition from surrounding enemies. Despite this, they persevere, demonstrating resilience and faith in God's protection. "But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and despised us, saying, 'What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?'"

5. Community and Cooperation (Nehemiah 3:1)
- The rebuilding of the wall is a communal effort, with various groups and families taking responsibility for different sections. This theme highlights the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving common goals. "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel."

6. Covenant Renewal and Obedience to the Law (Nehemiah 8:1)
- After the physical restoration, there is a spiritual renewal as the people gather to hear the Law read by Ezra. This leads to a renewed commitment to obey God's commandments and live according to His covenant. "All the people gathered as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel."

7. Repentance and Confession (Nehemiah 9:1)
- The people engage in a public confession of sins, acknowledging their failures and the failures of their ancestors. This act of repentance is crucial for spiritual renewal and restoration. "On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads."

8. Social Justice and Reform (Nehemiah 5:1)
- Nehemiah addresses social injustices, such as the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy. He implements reforms to ensure fairness and equity within the community. "Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews."

9. Celebration and Worship (Nehemiah 12:27)
- The completion of the wall is marked by a joyful celebration and dedication ceremony, emphasizing the importance of worship and gratitude to God for His faithfulness. "At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought out the Levites from all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgiving and with singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres."1. Restorer of the Broken
- Description: Nehemiah is seen as a restorer who rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem, symbolizing the restoration of God's people. This can be seen as a type of Jesus, who restores the broken relationship between God and humanity.
- Reference: Nehemiah 2:17 - "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.'"

2. Intercessor
- Description: Nehemiah prays and intercedes for the people of Israel, asking for God's favor and forgiveness. This role is similar to Jesus, who intercedes on behalf of humanity.
- Reference: Nehemiah 1:4-6 - "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Then I said: 'O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that Your servant is praying before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites.'"

3. Leader and Shepherd
- Description: Nehemiah leads the people with wisdom and integrity, guiding them through challenges. This leadership is reminiscent of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who leads His flock.
- Reference: Nehemiah 5:14-15 - "Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that."

4. Reformer
- Description: Nehemiah implements reforms to bring the people back to the covenant with God, similar to how Jesus calls for spiritual renewal and adherence to God's will.
- Reference: Nehemiah 13:10-12 - "I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. So I rebuked the officials and asked, 'Why has the house of God been neglected?' Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts. And all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms."

5. Protector
- Description: Nehemiah organizes the defense of Jerusalem against its enemies, reflecting Jesus' role as a protector of His people against spiritual adversaries.
- Reference: Nehemiah 4:13-14 - "So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.'"1. Prophecy of Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls:
- Prophecy/Promise: The restoration of Jerusalem and its walls is a theme found in earlier prophetic books, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah. For example, Isaiah 44:28 mentions the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
- Fulfillment: Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem despite opposition. (Nehemiah 6:15) - "So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days."

2. Prophecy of Return from Exile:
- Prophecy/Promise: The return of the Jewish people from Babylonian exile was prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10).
- Fulfillment: Nehemiah, along with others, returns to Jerusalem from exile to help rebuild the city. (Nehemiah 2:11) - "So I went to Jerusalem and was there for three days."

3. Prophecy of Covenant Renewal:
- Prophecy/Promise: The renewal of the covenant and the people's return to God is a theme in the prophetic books, such as in Deuteronomy 30:1-3.
- Fulfillment: The people of Israel renew their covenant with God under Nehemiah's leadership. (Nehemiah 9:38) - "In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, Levites, and priests are affixing their seals to it."

While the Book of Nehemiah does not contain explicit prophecies and their direct fulfillments within its text, it does depict the realization of earlier prophetic promises regarding the restoration of Jerusalem and the Jewish people.

1. The Restoration of the City  ( 1:1⁠–⁠7:73 )

a. Preparation to Restore Jerusalem  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:20 )

i. News of Jerusalem’s Wall  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4 )

ii. Nehemiah Intercedes  ( 1:5⁠–⁠2:10 )

1. Nehemiah's Prayer  ( 1:5⁠–⁠11 )

2. Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem  ( 2:1⁠–⁠10 )

iii. Nehemiah Inspects the Walls  ( 2:11⁠–⁠20 )

b. Restoration of Jerusalem  ( 3:1⁠–⁠7:73 )

i. The Builders of the Walls  ( 3:1⁠–⁠32 )

ii. Opposition to Rebuilding the Wall  ( 4:1⁠–⁠6:14 )

1. The Work Ridiculed  ( 4:1⁠–⁠23 )

a. Sanballat and Tobiah Mock the Rebuilding  ( 4:1⁠–⁠8 )

b. Discouragement Overcome  ( 4:9⁠–⁠15 )

c. The Work Continues  ( 4:16⁠–⁠23 )

2. Economic Problems  ( 5:1⁠–⁠19 )

a. The Poor are Oppressed  ( 5:1⁠–⁠5 )

b. The End of Usury  ( 5:6⁠–⁠13 )

c. Nehemiah's Generosity  ( 5:14⁠–⁠19 )

3. The Hiring of False Prophets  ( 6:1⁠–⁠14 )

iii. Completion of the Wall  ( 6:15⁠–⁠19 )

iv. The List of Returning Exiles  ( 7:1⁠–⁠73 )

2. The Restoration of the People  ( 8:1⁠–⁠13:31 )

a. Ezra's Revival  ( 8:1⁠–⁠10:39 )

i. Ezra Reads the Law  ( 8:1⁠–⁠12 )

ii. The Feast of Tabernacles  ( 8:13⁠–⁠18 )

iii. The People Confess Their Sins  ( 9:1⁠–⁠37 )

iv. The People Make a Covenant  ( 9:38⁠–⁠10:29 )

v. The Vows of the Covenant  ( 10:30⁠–⁠39 )

b. The Land Resettled  ( 11:1⁠–⁠36 )

i. Jerusalem’s New Settlers  ( 11:1⁠–⁠19 )

ii. Residents Outside Jerusalem  ( 11:20⁠–⁠36 )

c. The Priests and Levites Who Returned  ( 12:1⁠–⁠26 )

d. The Dedication of the Wall  ( 12:27⁠–⁠43 )

e. Provisions for Temple Worship  ( 12:44⁠–⁠47 )

f. The People’s Failure and Nehemiah’s Correction  ( 13:1⁠–⁠31 )

i. The Temple Cleansed  ( 13:1⁠–⁠9 )

ii. Tithes Restored  ( 13:10⁠–⁠14 )

iii. The Sabbath Restored  ( 13:15⁠–⁠22 )

iv. Intermarriage Forbidden  ( 13:23⁠–⁠31 )