The completion of the wall around Jerusalem is a significant event recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. This event is chronicled primarily in Nehemiah 6:15-16, where the successful rebuilding of the wall is described as a testament to divine providence and communal perseverance.

Historical Context

The narrative of the wall's completion occurs during the Persian period, after the Babylonian exile. The Jewish people had been allowed to return to Jerusalem under the edict of Cyrus the Great, and efforts to rebuild the city and its temple had been ongoing. However, the city remained vulnerable without a fortified wall, leaving its inhabitants exposed to external threats and internal instability.

Nehemiah's Leadership

Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, played a crucial role in the reconstruction of the wall. Upon hearing of Jerusalem's desolation, Nehemiah was moved to seek the king's permission to return and oversee the rebuilding efforts. Granted leave and provided with resources and letters of safe passage, Nehemiah journeyed to Jerusalem, where he inspired the people to undertake the formidable task of rebuilding the wall.

Challenges and Opposition

The project faced significant opposition from surrounding adversaries, including Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab. These figures sought to thwart the rebuilding through mockery, intimidation, and conspiracy. Despite these challenges, Nehemiah's leadership and the people's determination prevailed. Nehemiah 4:6 states, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work."

Completion of the Wall

The wall was completed in an astonishing fifty-two days, as recorded in Nehemiah 6:15-16 : "So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." This rapid completion was seen as a miraculous achievement, attributed to divine assistance and the unified effort of the people.

Spiritual and Social Implications

The completion of the wall had profound spiritual and social implications for the Jewish community. It symbolized the restoration of Jerusalem as a fortified city, providing security and a renewed sense of identity and purpose. The wall's completion also facilitated the reestablishment of religious practices and the enforcement of the Law, as seen in the subsequent covenant renewal led by Ezra and Nehemiah.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the completion of the wall underscores themes of faith, perseverance, and divine intervention. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people, as well as the importance of communal effort and leadership in achieving God's purposes. The narrative highlights the power of prayer, as Nehemiah frequently sought God's guidance and strength throughout the endeavor.

In summary, the completion of the wall around Jerusalem stands as a monumental achievement in the biblical narrative, reflecting the resilience of the Jewish people and the providential hand of God in their restoration.