Nehemiah
maleReturnMeaning: “The LORD comforts”
The cupbearer to the Persian king who returned to Jerusalem and, against fierce opposition, rebuilt its broken walls in fifty-two days, then reformed the people.
Biography
Nehemiah, cupbearer to Artaxerxes of Persia, is the great model of prayerful, practical leadership. Burdened for his ruined homeland, he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and, with Ezra, led a spiritual renewal among the returned exiles.
A burden and a prayer
When Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem's wall was broken down and its gates burned, he wept, fasted, and prayed (Nehemiah 1:4). The king, noticing his sadness, granted him leave and letters to return and rebuild.
Rebuilding the wall
Surveying the ruins by night, Nehemiah rallied the people: "let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach" (Nehemiah 2:17). Despite mockery, threats, and plots from Sanballat and Tobiah, the people "had a mind to work," building with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other. The wall was finished in just fifty-two days (Nehemiah 6:15).
Renewing the covenant
With the city secure, Ezra read the Law to the assembled people, who wept and then rejoiced, for "the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Nehemiah led reforms against injustice, Sabbath-breaking, and mixed marriages, calling the nation back to faithfulness.
Life Timeline
Hears of Jerusalem’s broken walls and mourns
Returns to Jerusalem and surveys the ruins
Completes the wall in fifty-two days despite opposition
Leads covenant renewal as Ezra reads the Law
On the Bible timeline
Nehemiah belongs to the The Return & Restoration era (c. 538 – 430 BC).
- 538 BCThe Return from Exile
- c. 516 BCThe Second Temple Rebuilt
- c. 445 BCNehemiah Rebuilds the Walls
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Nehemiah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Nehemiah appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
8 verses in 2 booksEzra1 verse
Ezra 2:2
Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: Seraiah: also called, Azariah, nehe.7.7.
Nehemiah7 verses
Nehemiah 1:1
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
Nehemiah 3:16
After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.
Nehemiah 7:7
Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this; Azariah: or, Seraiah
Nehemiah 8:9
And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. the Tirshatha: or, the governor
Nehemiah 10:1
Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, those: Heb. at the sealings the Tirshatha: or, the governor
Nehemiah 12:26
These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.
Nehemiah 12:47
And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron. sanctified: that is, set apart
Frequently asked about Nehemiah
Who was Nehemiah in the Bible?
The cupbearer to the Persian king who returned to Jerusalem and, against fierce opposition, rebuilt its broken walls in fifty-two days, then reformed the people.
What does the name Nehemiah mean?
The name Nehemiah means “The LORD comforts”.
What did Nehemiah do in the Bible?
Nehemiah served as governor, cupbearer, of the tribe of Judah.
Who were Nehemiah's parents?
Nehemiah was the child of Hachaliah.
Where does Nehemiah appear in the Bible?
Nehemiah is mentioned 8 times across 2 books: Ezra, Nehemiah.
What can we learn from Nehemiah?
The story of Nehemiah touches on themes of country, love of, music, palace, persia — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Nehemiah's life.
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