THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH
Introduction:
Fourteen years after the return of Ezra to Jerusalem, Nehemiah led up a company (B.C. 444) and restored the walls and the civil authority. Of those events this book is the record. — Scofield.
In the Hebrew manuscripts the books of Ezra and Nehemiah appeared as one book.
Author or Compiler: uncertain. A large portion of the book is regarded by many students as an autobiography of Nehemiah.
Key Text: Nehemiah 6:3, “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”
Leading Topics:
—The Rebuilding of the Walls of Jerusalem;
—The rehearsal of certain Divine Laws;
—The restoration of Ancient Ordinances.
A Brief Summary of the Book:
PART 1: A Typical Study.
Theme: The Rebuilding of the Walls of Jerusalem considered as a Type of the Up Building of the Divine Kingdom in the Earth.
1) The walls broken down, may typify the defenses of God’s kingdom weakened, Nehemiah 1:3, “And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.”
2) The preliminary season of fasting and prayer, Nehemiah 1:4-11, may typify the state of mind which should precede all great spiritual enterprises.
3) Nehemiah’s sacrifice of a fine position for the good of the cause, Nehemiah 2:5, may typify the sacrificial service always needed when a great work is to be accomplished.
4) The night inspection of the city, Nehemiah 2:15-16, may typify the necessity of facing the facts before beginning constructive work.
5) The seeking of co-operation, Nehemiah 2:17-18, may typify an essential element in all successful work.
6) The enlistment of all classes, Nehemiah 3:1 may typify the importance of thorough organization.
The Same Methods May Be Used In Overcoming Hindrances To Spiritual Work.
1) Ridicule, Nehemiah 2:19, is overcome by confidence in God, Nehemiah 2:20.
2) Wrath and contempt, Nehemiah 4:3, are overcome by prayer and hard work, Nehemiah 4:4-6.
3) Conspiracy, Nehemiah 4:7-8, is overcome by watchfulness and prayer, Nehemiah 4:9.
4) Discouragement of friends, Nehemiah 4:10, 12, overcome by steadfast courage, Nehemiah 4:13-14.
5) Selfish greed, Nehemiah 5:1-5, overcome by rebuke and self-sacrificing example, Nehemiah 5:6-17.
6) Work completed, enemies confounded by persistent endeavor, Nehemiah 6:1-15.
PART 2: Closing Events.
1) The rehearsal and exposition of the Divine Law, Nehemiah 8.
2) The confession of the Priests and Levites, and the signing of the covenant, Nehemiah 9:1–10:39.
3) The call for people to dwell in Jerusalem, Nehemiah 11.
4) The dedication of the walls, Nehemiah 12.
5) Social and religious reforms, Nehemiah 13.