Nehemiah

Rise Up!

The book of Nehemiah has been called one of the liveliest pieces of writing in the Bible. It is a sequel to the book of Ezra, which records the stories of the first two remnants that returned from exile to Jerusalem. The book of Nehemiah tells the story of what befell the third wave of returnees, some thirteen years after the second group had returned. Two main actions occur—the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem and the recommitment of the returned exiles to fulfill their covenant obligations.

There is something for virtually everyone in this book, which is a general’s diary, a governor’s report, a civil record, a management handbook, and a memoir, all in one short book. The events covered in this historical chronicle and collection of hero stories span approximately fifteen years. Part of the liveliness of the book stems from the striking character of Nehemiah, who emerges from the pages as a godly and decisive leader. – ESV Study Bible