The book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah’s courage built up the walls and the nation.

Historical background and purpose of the book                                                                                                                                

This book tells us about the exiles returned to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple. The Persia Empire was more favorable to the Jews than the Babylonians. Cyrus the Persian allowed the Jews to return.

This book should be read together with Ezra, in fact many believes it is written or compiled by the same author. The events in Nehemiah was completed after 440BC

The book covers the time from 539BC to 444 BC. The book is not set up in chronological

Order.  Nehemiah (a Jew in Babylon) was as a cupbearer for the king in Babylon, and he was allowed with a letter of recommendations to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall and city gate. He was a smart strategy, even though the other inhabitants of Jerusalem tried to hider the work  - he was able to make people work together and finish the work: Nehemiah’s obedience, conversations with the Lord, prayers and focus on God’s will, gave hope to the people.                                                                                                                                       Some says all the gate’s name also have a spiritual meaning – but I have not taken time to look into that now.

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

What does the book show about the character and nature of God?

Unfailing love 1.5

Keep His covenant 1with those who love Him 1.5

He put His plans in Nehemiah’s heart 2.12

Nehemiah is referring to God as a gracious hand 2.8 and 2.18

God hears us 4.4.

He helps so the work is finished 6.16

Has given the people The Book of the Law of Moses for the people of Israel to obey 8.1

He is a great God  - worth being praised 8.6

The Lord is our joy and our strength 8.9

Nehemiah describes, “God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love” 9.17 and in other word is repeated in 9.28 and 9.31. He really wants to let the people see how faithful God has been.

                                                                                                 

What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?                                                                                               

In1.2. It says that this book is telling about the Jews just headed back to Jerusalem after 70 years in exile  - as Jeremiah prophecy about the Jews returning, Jer 25.11-12, 29.10                                                                                                                                                                           

 - Showing that this return was part of God’s plan.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Source : SVB, NB, www.biblesiden.no, lecture in class