In the next few weeks, we will consider the book of Nehemiah. Much of the book was written by Nehemiah in his first-person perspective. However, the book provides limited information about Nehemiah’s youth or background. The book reveals that he was King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer in the Persian royal court, a prestige position. This would also indicate that he was a person of good character to hold that position.
Some believe the book of Nehemiah
to be a sequel to the book of Ezra. In contrast, others believe that Ezra
compiled Nehemiah’s original accounts and other material to create this book.
However, Nehemiah is widely accepted as the author. Despite
residing in Persia after many of the exiles had returned to Judah, Nehemiah
maintained a keen interest in the welfare and situation in his homeland.
The Book of Nehemiah opens in the
Persian city of Susa in 444 BC. Later that year, Nehemiah traveled to Israel,
leading the third group of Jewish returnees to Jerusalem following their
seventy years of exile in Babylon. The first two groups that had returned to
their homeland were described in the book of Ezra and were led by Zerubbabel
and Ezra, respectively.
The Book of Nehemiah is the last
historical book of the Old Testament. However, it is placed before the Book of
Esther. Interestingly, the event described in Esther occurred between the
first and second returns of the people to Israel, which would put the event
between Ezra 6 and 7. The Prophet Malachi would be a contemporary of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah, a layman, not a priest
like Ezra nor a prophet like Malachi, served the Persian king in a secular
position before leading a group of Jews to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls.
His unique background, which we will delve into in the coming weeks, equipped
him with the skills to navigate the political situation, enabling him to
undertake the task of reconstructing the wall of Jerusalem to ensure the
survival of the remnant.
Under Nehemiah’s leadership, the
Jews stood united, withstanding opposition and coming together to accomplish
their goal. Nehemiah’s example of humility and sacrifice, giving up a respected
position in a palace for hard labor in a politically insignificant district, is
truly inspiring. Together with Ezra, Nehemiah helped to solidify the political
and spiritual foundations of the people, inspiring us with the power of
collective action.
Nehemiah recorded the
reconstruction of the wall of Jerusalem, Judah’s capital city. Together, he and
Ezra, who led the people’s spiritual revival, directed the political and
religious restoration of the Jews in their homeland after the Babylonian
captivity. Their work had a profound impact on the nation, demonstrating the
significant influence one individual can have on a community, leaving a legacy
of transformation.
The Book of Nehemiah is an
excellent resource for learning practical leadership. It teaches us that one
person with a love for God and faith in Him, together with compassion, vision,
prayer, and diligence, can restore stability and order to a chaotic community.
The lessons from Nehemiah’s leadership are not just historical, but they are
also practical and applicable to our lives and leadership roles today.
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