Nehemiah

Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia, learns that Jerusalem's walls are still broken and its gates burned. Devastated, he weeps, fasts, and prays a powerful prayer of confession and petition, asking God to grant him favor with the king.

Nehemiah boldly asks King Artaxerxes for permission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, and the king grants his request with letters and timber. Nehemiah secretly inspects the walls by night, then rallies the people: Let us rebuild! Opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah begins immediately.

A detailed account of the wall-building project lists each family and section. Everyone participates — priests, goldsmiths, perfume-makers, officials, and ordinary families — each rebuilding the section nearest their home.

Sanballat and Tobiah mock and threaten the builders. Nehemiah organizes armed guards and workers who build with one hand while holding a weapon in the other. He encourages the people: Don't be afraid. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome.

Nehemiah confronts wealthy Jews who are exploiting their own people through excessive interest and foreclosure during the rebuilding. He demands they return the land and stop the usury. Nehemiah himself refuses the governor's food allowance to avoid burdening the people.

Sanballat and Tobiah try to lure Nehemiah into a trap, hire false prophets to frighten him, and spread lies. Nehemiah sees through every scheme: Should a man like me run away? The wall is completed in just 52 days, and the enemies are demoralized.

With the walls completed, Nehemiah organizes the city's security and appoints gatekeepers. He finds the original genealogical records of those who returned from exile. The census confirms the community's identity and continuity.

Ezra reads the Book of the Law aloud to all the people from dawn to midday. The Levites help the people understand. The people weep when they hear the Law, but Nehemiah and Ezra tell them: Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. They celebrate the Feast of Booths.

The people gather for a day of fasting, confession, and worship. The Levites lead a long prayer recounting Israel's history from creation through the exodus, wilderness, conquest, and exile — acknowledging God's persistent faithfulness despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.

The leaders, Levites, and people sign a binding covenant committing to keep God's Law. They specifically pledge not to intermarry with foreigners, to observe the Sabbath, to let the land rest every seventh year, and to support the temple with tithes and offerings.

To repopulate Jerusalem, lots are cast and one in ten people from the surrounding towns is chosen to live in the holy city. Others volunteer willingly. The leaders, priests, Levites, and gatekeepers who settle in Jerusalem are listed.

The walls of Jerusalem are dedicated with great celebration. Two choirs march in opposite directions along the walls, meeting at the temple with songs of thanksgiving. The joy of Jerusalem is heard far away. Provision for priests and Levites is organized.

After returning from a trip to Persia, Nehemiah discovers several abuses: Tobiah has been given a room in the temple, Levites have been neglected, the Sabbath is being violated, and intermarriage has resumed. Nehemiah vigorously corrects each problem, famously chasing people and pulling out their hair.