Nehemiah

Author: Ezra
Date of Writing: 5th Century BC
Type of Book: Historical
Theme: The rebuilding of Jerusalem

Like the book of Ezra, Ezra wrote the book of Nehemiah in the fifth century BC after the Assyrian invasion of northern Israel.  When the Persians conquered the Babylonian Empire, Cyrus the King of Persia began to allow the children of Israel to return to rebuild Jerusalem and their temple.  In the first phase of this return, Zerubbabel took approximately 50,000 people back to begin the reconstruction of the temple.  Later, Ezra followed with 2000 more people.

Fourteen years after Ezra returned to Jerusalem, Nehemaiah heard from his brother and others a discouraging report about Jerusalem.  The building project was bogged down, morale was low, and the people were being victimized by their neighbors.  As Nehemiah heard of the problems in Jerusalem, he was deeply grieved and prayed to God.  He wanted to facilitate the rebuilding of the walls of the city, which was crucial for the protection of Jerusalem and for securely conducting temple worship.  So, at an opportune time, since he was the cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah received permission from the king to help with the rebuilding efforts, God answered his prayer.

Wheras Ezra was a priest and a scribe who served as the religious inspiration for the nation, Nehemiah was a businessman who knew how to get things done.  God used a religious leader and a secular leader to bring about the rebuilding of Jerusalem.  These two great men cooperated in the rebuilding effort and were equally zealous in bringing about spiritual reforms among the people of Israel.  This book gives us many practical insights concerning how to get the work f the Lord accomplished.  Nehemiah is also a type of the Holy Spirit, who comes alongside us to help.

Chronology of Restoration

536 BC - 50,000 returned from Babylon to Jerusalem
536 BC - In the 7th month they built the altar and offered sacrifices
535 BC - The work of the temple began and ceased
520 BC - The work began again by Haggai and Zechariah
516 BC - The temple was completed
478 BC - Esther became queen
457 BC - Ezra left Babylon for Jerusalem
444 BC - Nehemiah rebuilt the wall

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible