Now the leaders of the people stayed in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots for one out of ten to come and live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine-tenths remained in their towns. (Nehemiah 11:1) Jerusalem was designated as the “holy city,” one that...

We will bring the firstfruits of our land and of every fruit tree to the Lord’s house year by year. (Nehemiah 10:35) The rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem brought renewal to the people of Israel. This included a passion to give their best to the Lord, which was not...

You are righteous concerning all that has happened to us, because you have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly. (Nehemiah 9:33) It was important for the people of Israel to confess their own sin and realize how they were repeating the sins of their ancestors. They didn’t stay focused...

And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Don’t grieve.” (Nehemiah 8:11) While we would expect the people returning to Jerusalem from exile would be filled with immense joy, we discover that there was mourning at that time. This was because they heard the...

Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah, commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. (Nehemiah 7:2) At first glance, Nehemiah’s appointment of his brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem may sound like the nepotism we...

When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. (Nehemiah 6:16) We live in a culture where safety and comfort have become obsessions, and such a mindset can permeate the church....

The governors who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them food and wine as well as a pound of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but because of the fear of God, I didn’t do this. (Nehemiah 5:15) Nehemiah demonstrates some core elements of servant-leadership. First,...

When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious. He mocked the Jews… (Nehemiah 4:1) There will always be opposition when we do the work the Lord calls us to do. Satan hates it when we are faithful to Kingdom work and will do everything in his...

The high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests began rebuilding the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building the wall to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated it. (Nehemiah 3:1) This chapter includes many details about how the wall was...

… and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” (Nehemiah 2:5)  The Book of Nehemiah was not written to be a...