Nehemiah is the central figure of the Book of Nehemiah, which describes his work in rebuilding Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. He was governor of Persian Judea under Artaxerxes I of Persia (465–424 BC). [1] [2] The name is pronounced / ˌniːəˈmaɪə / or / ˌniːhəˈmaɪə / in English. It is in Hebrew נְחֶמְיָה , Nəḥemyāh, " Yah comforts". [1]
What is Nehemiah story?
Nehemiah was a Hebrew living in Persia where he served the king. After hearing a bad report from one of his brothers, he had a desire to to go to Jerusalem and rebuild God's temple. God was pleased that Nehemiah was committed to serving him and made it possible for him to return. God blessed Nehemiah's work.
Was Nehemiah a good person in the Bible?
Nehemiah, a rather ordinary person in a servant position, became a transformational leader when apprised of the discontent of the postexilic Jews in Jerusalem and Judah. By praying to God for discernment of His holy will, Nehemiah followed God's calling to rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem.
What was the importance of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall?
The walls were a protection, but they were also an important physical symbol of the establishment of the Jews as a people. The holy city became a unifying force as families were chosen by lot to come live in it (see Nehemiah 11:1–2).
What is Nehemiah known for?
Nehemiah, also spelled Nehemias, (flourished 5th century bc), Jewish leader who supervised the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the mid-5th century bc after his release from captivity by the Persian king Artaxerxes I. He also instituted extensive moral and liturgical reforms in rededicating the Jews to Yahweh.
What lessons do we learn from Nehemiah?
One of the powerful messages of Nehemiah is how much you can accomplish when you align yourself with the will and plan of God. Nehemiah and his followers do what seems to be the impossible because they are doing what God has called them to do. You don't have to rebuild a wall to do the will of God.
Who was Nehemiah's enemies?
The three stooges—Geshem, Sanballat, and Tobiah—try repeatedly to destroy Nehemiah. Four times they attempt to lure him to a meeting where they can harm him.
What does a wall symbolize in the Bible?
Eternal Wall represents the strength of God. It will represent the belief that He is alive, listening and able to respond. Nehemiah and his team faced significant opposition yet, were able to rebuild the city walls in just 52 days.
What was the prayer of Nehemiah?
Nehemiah 1:4-11 “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.
How did Nehemiah motivate his people?
He informed them that Jehovah had blessed him to send him to help complete the rebuilding. He also revealed that the king had given his blessing and generous financial and material help to get the work finished (vs. 18). The response of the people was immediate: “Let us rise up and build.
How does Nehemiah point to Jesus?
Nehemiah wanted the people of God to be reminded of the joy that they once had in the Lord as His people. Jesus is the better Nehemiah because Jesus restores in us what is broken, and Jesus is restoring in the world what has been broken by sin. One of the draws of the Gospel is a personal one.
What are the leadership qualities of Nehemiah?
In The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, there are various qualities that relate closely to the type of perseverance we have seen in Nehemiah. Three qualities that especially stand out are commitment, courage, and passion.
What does the name Nehemiah mean?
Comforted by GodWhat does Nehemiah mean? Comforted by God.
What does the name Nehemiah mean?
The name Nehemiah means Yahweh has comforted. Before we even begin reading the book of Nehemiah, the name reveals that the words will bring comfort. Nehemiah offers hope and much more. This book guides us on how to overcome troubles and trust in God while showing Nehemiah’s prayer life, leadership, and faithfulness.
What did Nehemiah do to his enemies?
Enemies tried various tactics, but Nehemiah stood firm. They ridiculed and bullied (4:1-6), but Nehemiah prayed, ignored them, and the work continued.
How did Nehemiah pray to God?
Nehemiah showed us how to pray to God and listen for his answers. In chapter one he spent a long time in prayer from the heart with fasting. He glorified God with listing the Lord’s attributes. He confessed sins of the people. He trusted God’s promises to Moses to restore the people. He asked for success before King Artaxerxes. Once the king asked Nehemiah what made him look sad, Nehemiah said a quick prayer before responding.
How did Nehemiah act?
When the king asked how he could help, Nehemiah shared that he wanted to go to Jerusalem and listed letters he needed along the journey to obtain supplies. He took the letters signed by the king and picked up the supplies along the journey. He arrived in Jerusalem equipped for the work. God put a plan in Nehemiah’s mind (2:12).
What did Nehemiah ask before king Artaxerxes?
He asked for success before King Artaxerxes. Once the king asked Nehemiah what made him look sad, Nehemiah said a quick prayer before responding. In chapter two, God put a plan in Nehemiah’s mind (v12), and he told the people that God’s hand had been favorable to him (v18).
Why did Nehemiah refuse to meet in the temple?
Nehemiah replied that they had invented things and then he prayed to God for strength. He refused to meet in the temple because he was not worthy to go there. He was not a priest (6:5-12). Nehemiah overcame all the opposition and the people rebuilt the wall that laid in ruins for 70 years, in 52 days.
How did enemies try to make Nehemiah compromise?
Enemies tried to make Nehemiah compromise by drawing him outside the city where they could harm him, and then they tried to lure him to meet in the temple to compromise his faith. Nehemiah saw through their ploys and refused the meetings. He stated that he was doing a great work (6:2-4).
What did Nehemiah do to the Jewish people?
He then took measures to repopulate the city and purify the Jewish community, enforcing the cancellation of debt, assisting Ezra to promulgate the law of Moses, and enforcing the divorce of Jewish men from their non-Jewish wives. Gustave Doré, Nehemiah Views the Ruins of Jerusalem's Walls, 1866.
How is Nehemiah's name pronounced?
The name is pronounced / ˌniːəˈmaɪə / or / ˌniːhəˈmaɪə / in English. It is in Hebrew נְחֶמְיָה , Nəḥemyāh, " Yah comforts". Most scholars believe Nehemiah was a real historical figure and that the Nehemiah Memoir, a name given by scholars to certain portions of the book written in the first person, is historically reliable.
Why was Nehemiah blamed by the Rabbis?
Still, Nehemiah is blamed by the Rabbis for his seemingly boastful expression, "Think upon me, my God, for good" (Neh. v. 19, xiii. 31), and for his disparagement of his predecessors (ib. v. 15), among whom was Daniel.
Who was the governor of Persia during the Second Temple?
Nehemiah is the central figure of the Book of Nehemiah, which describes his work in rebuilding Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. He was governor of Persian Judea under Artaxerxes I of Persia (465–424 BC). The name is pronounced / ˌniːəˈmaɪə / or / ˌniːhəˈmaɪə / in English.
Who was the governor of Jerusalem in 1866?
Gustave Doré, Nehemiah Views the Ruins of Jerusalem's Walls, 1866. After 12 years as governor, during which he ruled with justice and righteousness, he returned to the king in Susa. After some time in Susa he returned to Jerusalem, only to find that the people had fallen back into their evil ways.
Who commented on the dearth of a classical painting featuring Nehemiah?
Samuel Taylor Coleridge commented on the dearth of a classical painting featuring Nehemiah.
Was Nehemiah a Kohen?
However, Rabbi Isaiah di Trani, in his commentary to the Book of Nehemiah, writes as factual that Nehemiah was a Kohen.
What are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah?
In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capital, 2 one of my brothers, Hanani, came with certain men from Judah; and I asked them about the Jews that survived, those who had escaped the captivity, and about Jerusalem. 3 They replied, ‘The survivors there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.’
Why did Nehemiah get permission to return to Jerusalem?
After hearing about the sad state of affairs in Judah, Nehemiah acquired the king’s permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city and its fortifications. He is even given letters from the king to ensure safe passage and to obtain timber from the king’s forest for the gates and walls of Jerusalem.
What is the purpose of the Nehemiah Memoir?
The Nehemiah Memoir is written in the first person and recounts details of Nehemiah’s life, his deeds and his administration of the province, probably meant to serve as an official record of his accomplishments to be deposited in the Temple archives (by genaa ).
Why didn't Nehemiah take advantage of food and land allotments?
As governor, Nehemiah says that he didn’t take advantage of food and land allotments that were allowed him due to his office, because there was already such a great burden on the people of his province (Nehemiah 5:14–19).
What does Daniel 9:25 mean?
Daniel 9:25 is tied to the 490 weeks of years when Nehemiah restored the walls in Jerusalem. From the coming forth means the times were set at the finish. Ok so I’ll show you something that ppl don’t see and it’s on the 490 weeks of years prophecy Jeremiah wrote but Daniel was given the chronology on it. Ok here is Nehemiah chapter 1 says, 1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:
When did Nehemiah return to Jerusalem?
Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem in 445 B.C. as the provincial governor of Judah/Yehud. He immediately surveyed the damage to the entire city on his well-known night journey around the walls (Nehemiah 2:12–15). He enlisted the help of the people to quickly repair the breaches in the wall.
Who rebuilt the sheep gate in Nehemiah 3?
Nehemiah 3. 1 Then the high priest Eliashib set to work with his fellow-priests and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors; they consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And the men of Jericho built next to him.
Who was Nehemiah?
Nehemiah was a high official in the Persian court of King Artaxerxes and was the king’s cupbearer (Neh 1:11c). A cupbearer doesn’t sound like a very great position of authority but think of it this way; the king trusted him with his life since the cupbearer was often the first one to taste the king’s food and drink to ensure that it wasn’t poisoned. He had access to the king like no one else. The cupbearer had to be the most trusted man in the kingdom because of his accessibility to the king and he heard every plan and every secret counsel that the king ever heard so Nehemiah was placed in a strategic place by the sovereignty of God for a very special reason as we shall read.
What can we learn from Nehemiah?
The lessons we can learn from Nehemiah are that great rewards often take great risks, like when he approached the king and ask for help; that being continually in prayer is vital to any success ; that just because someone is in a position of power they don’t need to take advantage of others (like the nobles did); that perseverance against the enemy is essential; and that God can do some amazing things when we seek Him and to do it for His glory.
What does the name Nehemiah mean?
The name Nehemiah means “comforted of Yah” ( International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia) or God comforts. Nehemiah cared deeply about the physical and spiritual well-being of his people, and God used Nehemiah to protect and lead the Jewish people in Jerusalem. Thus he fulfilled the meaning of his name.
Who was Nehemiah the servant of God?
Nehemiah was truly an outstanding servant of God who was willing to set the high standard God required, even if it meant personal loss, discomfort or pain. He was truly an outstanding servant of God who was willing to set the high standard God required, even if it meant personal loss, discomfort or pain.
Why did Nehemiah become angry?
Nehemiah became extremely angry when he noticed that the men of Judah were marrying women from other cultures. He realized the wives from these pagan cultures would introduce their false ideas into the Jewish religious system of worship, and he took necessary steps to stop this harmful practice ( 13:23-30 ).
What did Nehemiah ask the King for?
Nehemiah’s patience was finally rewarded, and at an opportune moment he asked the king for permission to be sent to Judah to rebuild the city of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:5). After the king consented to his request, Nehemiah also asked for official papers from the king to allow him to travel to Jerusalem and for the supplies that would be needed for rebuilding the wall (verses 7-8).
How long did Nehemiah stay in Jerusalem?
After remaining in Jerusalem for 12 years, Nehemiah was recalled to the Persian royal court. Later, “after certain days” ( 13:6 ), he returned to Jerusalem and continued the religious and economic reformation among the people.
How long did it take Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem?
When he arrived, he worked tirelessly to rebuild the walls and, despite continual opposition (called “troublesome times” in Daniel 9:25 ), miraculously completed the task in 52 days ( Nehemiah 6:15-16 ).
What did Nehemiah pray for?
Nehemiah realized the urgency of the situation and prayerfully requested, “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man” (1:11, New International Version). However, it was four months before he was presented with an opportunity to make his request to the king ( 2:1 ). Even while he was talking with the king, he silently prayed for favor ( 2:4 )!
How long did Nehemiah serve as governor?
Nehemiah then apparently served as governor of the small district of Judea for 12 years, during which he undertook various religious and economic reforms before returning to Persia. On a second visit to Jerusalem he strengthened his fellow Jews’ observance of the Sabbath and ended the custom of Jewish men marrying foreign-born wives. This latter act helped to keep the Judaeans separate from their non-Jewish neighbours. Nehemiah’s reconstructive work in Palestine was subsequently continued by the religious leader Ezra(q.v.).
What were the reforms of Nehemiah?
Nehemiah also began religious reforms, emphasizing tithing, observance of the sabbath, and the prohibition against intermarriage with “foreign” women. This reform was carried through systematically and zealously by…. biblical literature: Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles.
How long did it take for Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem?
Nehemiah encountered hostility from the (non-Jewish) local officials in neighbouring districts, but in the space of 52 days the Jews under his direction succeeded in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.
Who was the governor of Judah in 444?
Learn More in these related Britannica articles: biblical literature: The Babylonian Exile and the restoration. …Jerusalem, which was undertaken by Nehemiah, a Babylonian Jew and court butler who was appointed governor of Judah and arrived in 444. Nehemiah also began religious reforms, emphasizing tithing, observance of the sabbath, ...
Who was the leader of Babylonian captivity?
Role In: Babylonian Captivity. ... (Show more) Full Article. Nehemiah, also spelled Nehemias, (flourished 5th century bc ), Jewish leader who supervised the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the mid-5th century bc after his release from captivity by the Persian king Artaxerxes I. He also instituted extensive moral and liturgical reforms in rededicating ...
Is Nehemiah based on the book of Ezra?
Nehemiah’s story is told in the Book of Nehemiah, part of which indeed seems to be based upon the memoirs of Nehemiah. The book itself, however, was compiled by a later, anonymous writer who apparently also compiled the books of Ezra and the Chronicles.
Who was Nehemiah in the Old Testament?
Nehemiah was a cupbearer who did so much more than just serve a king - he served the King of kings. Pexels. The Old Testament gives us many men and women of faith from whom we can learn valuable lessons from. One such man, Nehemiah, was a remarkable man who can teach us very important lessons we need to apply in our own lives.
What did Nehemiah do to help the Jews?
He commanded other officials and nobles to forgive outstanding debts and return lands acquired through taxes to the people. (see Nehemiah 5:1-13) And despite being governor, Nehemiah didn't take advantage of the provisions allotted for him.
What does the book of Nehemiah say about Jerusalem?
The book of Nehemiah opens with the account of Nehemiah receiving a report about Jerusalem's distress: that its walls are broken and its gates are on fire. Instead of shrugging it off, Nehemiah weeps for his people and cries out to God for mercy.
What did Nehemiah do after finishing the walls?
After finishing the walls, Nehemiah continued to do what was right in the sight of God. He gathered the people and listed them according to genealogy (see Nehemiah 7), and then later had God's word read to them by Ezra the priest (see Nehemiah 8). Nehemiah wasn't content to see the walls repaired.
Why did Nehemiah fear God?
1) The fear of God is necessary for compassion. We read that what Nehemiah did to the people and for the people was because he feared the Lord. He did not abuse his authority and commanded that debts be canceled and lands be returned so the people may have food. 2) Anybody can serve God well.
Where did Nehemiah go with the King's letters?
Nehemiah acquires the king's favor, and goes to Jerusalem with the king's letters giving him safe passage and resources from the king's forest. (see Nehemiah 2:1-10)
Did Nehemiah take advantage of the provisions allotted for him?
And despite being governor, Nehemiah didn't take advantage of the provisions allotted for him. Unlike previous governors who burdened the people, Nehemiah didn't in the feat of God (see Nehemiah 5:15). He did not place a heavy burden on the people.
Overview
Book of Nehemiah narrative
In the 20th year of Artaxerxes I (445 or 444 BC), Nehemiah was cup-bearer to the king. Learning that the remnant of Jews in Judah were in distress and that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, he asked the king for permission to return and rebuild the city, around 20 years after Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem in 468 BC. Artaxerxes sent him to Judah as governor of the province with a missi…
Book of Maccabees
The Second Book of Maccabees says Nehemiah is the one who brought the holy fire for the altar back from the diaspora to Jerusalem and founded a library of the Holy Scriptures just as Judas Maccabeus did. Here, Nehemiah’s political role sets an example for the Hasmonean dynasty and becomes a role model for pious, national leadership in general. The scene of reading and explaining the Torah in Neh 8 became the model of synagogue worship. See 2 Maccabees 2:13.
Book of Sirach
Ben Sira’s hymn in praise of the fathers mentions only Nehemiah (not Ezra) after Zerubbabel and Joshua and praises him for his building activities (Sir 49:15).
In rabbinic literature
One rabbinic text, or aggadah, identifies Nehemiah as Zerubbabel, with the latter being considered an epithet and indicating that he was born in Babylon. Another oral tradition, or mishnah, records that Nehemiah was blamed for seeming to boast (Neh. v. 19 & xiii. 31), and disparage his predecessors (Neh. v. 15). This tradition asserts that his book was appended to the Book of Ezra, as a consequence, rather than being a separate book in its own right, as it is in the Christian Old …
In art
Samuel Taylor Coleridge commented on the dearth of a classical painting featuring Nehemiah.
See also
• Governors of Yehud Medinata
• Sanballat the Horonite
• Tobiah (Ammonite)
Further reading
• Barr, James. "History of Israel" in History and Ideology in the Old Testament (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000), 87
• Holman Bible Dictionary, "Persia"
• Cataldo, Jeremiah. "Memory Trauma in Ezra-Nehemiah" in David Chalcraft, ed., Methods, Theories and Imagination: Social Scientific Approaches in Biblical Studies, Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2014, pp. 147–57.