Main Highlights
Nehemiah receives permission from the king to return to Jerusalem, and he surveys the city's ruins and motivates the people to rebuild the wall.
Key Verses
"And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid." Nehemiah 2:2
"Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it.”" Nehemiah 2:5
"And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work." Nehemiah 2:18
"But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”" Nehemiah 2:19
Related Scripture
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Scholar Insight
""Nehemiah's leadership is characterized by his faith, courage, and strategic planning. He demonstrates how to effectively lead people to accomplish God's purposes." – F.B. Huey, Jr., The New American Commentary: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
We learn about God's Providence, how he orchestrates events and uses even secular rulers to accomplish His purposes. "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." Proverbs 21:1
Christological Connection
Nehemiah's courage and determination to rebuild the city of God point to Jesus' mission to rebuild the spiritual temple of God, the Church. "Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”" John 2:19
Systematic Theology
The Doctrine of Calling is evident as Nehemiah recognizes and responds to God's call to rebuild Jerusalem. "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7
Law & Grace
The king's permission and resources represent Grace, while Nehemiah's obedience to God's call represents adherence to God's Law or will. "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God," Ephesians 2:8
Personal Application
We should be bold in seeking God's guidance, willing to step out in faith, and diligent in pursuing His purposes despite opposition. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9