INTRODUCTION

Nehemiah is the last historical book of the Old Testament. Probably written by Nehemiah about 445 B.C. His name, "Yahweh comforts". It records the third return of the Jews to Judah and the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel led the first return; Ezra led the second and Nehemiah returned with the third group of exiles to rebuild the city walls.

Chapters 1-7, Rebuilding the City protection. Nehemiah goes from a cupbearer to construction builder. He discovers the stage of Jerusalem; he weeps, prays, fast for many days and seeks permission to leave for Jerusalem and builds. While the hand of the Lord is upon him and favor given by the king; he faces ooppositions within and without. Nevertheless, he perseveres, encouraging the people and the wall is finally completed within 52 days. (Nehemiah 6:15-16). Chapter 7, there's a list of those who returned from Persia to Jerusalem, and were a lot of different portions of land.

Chapters, 8-10 Reviving the City Passion. After construction come consecration. their passion for God, their worship of God, and their obedience to the word. Ezra led all the Jews in a renewal ceremony. He incorporated a public teaching of the Law, in which it was read and explained. (8:1). The people spend the day hearing the law being read and repentance. Nehemiah recalled the Exodus till their captivity and renewed the covenant (Chap. 9) The list of names and stipulations made in the covenant (Chap. 10) N

Chapters 11-13 Resettling the City Population. of the people with the leaders and those chosen by lots would dwell within the city wall (Chap. 11) The name list continues, then the dedication of the wall was made after appointment of singers, priests and offering of sacrifices. (Chap. 12) He removed from Israel all who were of mixed ancestry. He resolves the issues of, people are not supporting the Levites financially. breaking the Sabbath, carrying burdens on the Sabbath day and marrying foreigners. (Chapter 13) After reform, he went back to serve King Artaxerxes of Babylon.

Later he requested to go back to Jerusalem. Upon his return, he was upset, as he realises Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been appointed over the storerooms of the temple allowed the latter to put his things. He threw all of Tobiahs household possessions out of the storeroom. Purified it and reused it for storing the offerings. He also discovered that the grain offerings for the Levites had not been provided, and that as a result the Levites and the singers who performed this work had all gone off to their fields. He registered a complaint with the leaders, and all of Judah brought the tithe of the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil to the storerooms and those regarded as trustworthy to oversee the distribution to their colleagues.

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