Nehemiah Chapters 1-3

The Burden to empower the call

Read all of Chapter 1

Nehemiah’s return to Jerusalem starts where Ezra’s work left off & was having trouble

Sushan the citadel was the winter residence of the Persian Kings(Certain events in the book of Esther take place there)

Nehemiah receives word in the ninth month(Kislev) of the Jewish calendar(November-December) that jerusalem & its people are struggling & have become a reproach

A reproach: in a biblical sense means: someone or something that has been disgraced or shamed.

Hanani the person that gave Nehemiah the report is said to be is brother, (his name means Yahweh has been gracious) which in chapter 7 Nehemiah appoints Hanani to an official office supporting this view

The post exilic community of Israelites have been in turmoil because of the opposition of those surrounding them

They also have become discouraged and complacent because of the magnitude of the task of rebuilding the temple

Haggai 1:1–7 NKJV

In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” ’ ” Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!

This shows the state of the nation during this time

Haggai 1:8–15 NKJV

Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord. “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. Therefore the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.” Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord. Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord.” So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius.

The first Chapter of Haggai can give us a glimpse of the issues during this time when the Jews were called back to be restored in their land

If the temple was not yet fully being restored because of opposition, then we can see how the walls and gates of jerusalem were also not restored to their full capacity which The Lord expected

A land, city, or individual without walls or gates

In Biblical times a city without walls was one with no stability or defense

It was vulnerable to attack & destruction

As does a person who lacks self control

Proverbs 25:28 “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.”

This is why Nehemiah’s book is key to understand when it comes to Gods plan to restore & rebuild our lives, just as He did his nation.

Verses 4-11

Nehemiah makes intercession

What is the definition of intercession:Intercession is primarily defined as the act of intervening or mediating between different parties, particularly in the context of praying to God on behalf of another person. In the Old Testament, this concept is expressed through various Hebrew terms, while in the New Testament, the Greek word "entungkano" and its derivatives are used. Intercession has been a significant aspect of Christian practice since the early days of the faith, with believers considering it both a duty and a privilege. It involves not only petitioning for others but also offering thanksgiving for benefits bestowed upon them and potentially dedicating oneself to God's purposes for those being prayed for. The Bible provides numerous examples of intercession, including figures like Abraham and Moses in the Old Testament. In Christianity, while Christ is seen as the primary intercessor, all believers are encouraged to engage in intercessory prayer for others.

Nehemiah identified with his people in Jerusalem (remember he was still in Persia)

He had a burden for those far away from him.

Nehemiah, like The Prophet Daniel prayed, reminds God of His covenant with His nation & His promise to restore them if they turned back to Him.

In verse 11 of Chapter 1 Nehemiah asks The Lord to grant him mercy in the sight of “this” man

Who is the man Nehemiah is referring too? He is referring to the Persian King ArtaXerses the 1st

When we read Nehemiah we can miss this. That this Persian King actually sanctioned the stoppage of the reconstruction project of the temple under Ezra

Ezra 4:23 NKJV

Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease.

Nehemiah knew he was going to make a big request to the same king that issued a decree to stop building the temple in Jerusalem under Ezra.

Nehemiah also understood that God is able to move the hearts of those in power to bestow favor on his people. The God that raises up Kings & brings them down.

Proverbs 21:1 NKJV

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Daniel 2:21 NKJV

And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.

Chapter 2

Who is King Artaxerxes the 1st?

He ruled The Persian Empire from 464–424 BC

Nehemiah gets permission & financial backing from him to go to Jerusalem in 444 BC

Plutarch a renowned Greek historian, biographer, essayist, and philosopher, notes that Artaxerxes was the “most remarkable” of all the kings of Persia for a “gentle and noble spirit”

Nehemiah’s 4 month prayer retreat

We can understand by the start of chapter 1 that Nehemiah started praying in the month of kislev which would be somewhere between November-December on our calendars

Nehemiah 1:1 NKJV

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel,

We can see Nehemiah starts praying in chapter 1 but we can assume that he prayed more than once and recieved instructions from The Lord in how to ask The King & when to ask him to allow him to return to jerusalem. Chapter 2 takes place in the month of Nisan

The Month of Nisan

Nehemiah 2:1 NKJV

And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before.

NI´SAN (nīʹsan; Heb. nı̂sān, from Akkad. nisanu, “beginning, opening”). The first month of the sacred year, (March-April) called Abib in the Pentateuch, for which it is substituted only in the time of the captivity…

The Lord was beginning a new thing in the nation of Israel by sending Nehemiah with this mission to build a barrier, a wall, to protect Jerusalem against her enemies and to protect the 2nd temple.

In verse 2 Too be sad in front of the king was an offense, especially if you were part of his court

After 4 months of praying and seeking The Lord Nehemiah was ready to make the request.

We also know that The Lord was probably preparing the heart of King Artaxerxes to grant Nehemiah favor and full financial backing to go back to Jerusalem and start the building project.

From Kislev to Nisan was about a time span of 4 or 5 months. This shows us the understanding of patience to let God answer our prayers and instruct us on how to carry out His will in a particular task.

Nehemiah was the cupbearer to Artaxerxes which gave him direct access to the King. This was Gods divine hand orchestrating having someone like Nehemiah so close to King of the Persian empire.

The King ask about Nehemiah’s sadness which opened up the door for Nehemiah to make the request

Nehemiah 2:2–3 NKJV

Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” So I became dreadfully afraid, and said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?”

Praying for Gods favor

One thing we can learn from this and even other books that when God calls you for a task or a ministry we must pray for His favor to be upon us

Nehemiah 2:4–6 NKJV

Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.” Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

The building of Jerusalem was the starting point to the 70th week of Danel as we spoke about in the introduction.

This point in time was very significant in the nation of Israel because it is this rebuilt city and this 2nd temple that Jesus walks and fulfills His mission on earth to die for the sins of His people.

Nehemiah received divine authority both in heaven by God and on earth by the king that The Lord raised up in this time period in the Persian empire.

He received letters of access to allow him to pass through to Judah so the governors in these regions could not stop him.

Nehemiah 2:7 NKJV

Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah,

Some of the governors in the regions east & north accused Judah of rebellion so that Artaxerxes can make a decree to stop the building of the temple and eventually the city.

Ezra 4:11–15 NKJV

(This is a copy of the letter that they sent him) To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men of the region beyond the River, and so forth: Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem, and are building the rebellious and evil city, and are finishing its walls and repairing the foundations. Let it now be known to the king that, if this city is built and the walls completed, they will not pay tax, tribute, or custom, and the king’s treasury will be diminished. Now because we receive support from the palace, it was not proper for us to see the king’s dishonor; therefore we have sent and informed the king, that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. And you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that they have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed.

This letter written by the governors of the regions of the east and north of Jerusalem was a lie & and accusation

Who does this remind you of and who is an accuser of the brethren

Satan accuses, lies, and tries to remind you of your passed

Just like the tone of this letter was written in.

We can see that these governors were inspired by satanic forces to stop the rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem

You too will face opposition when God sends you or commissions you for a particular purpose

Ephesians 6:12 AMP

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

But God had other plans to allow the continuation of the rebuilding of His Temple and Jerusalem as a city itself.

The King financed and gave Nehemiah what he needed to fortify the gates and build the walls, even the material needed to build him a house in judah

Nehemiah 2:8 NKJV

and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.

The start of opposition

Nehemiah 2:9–10 NKJV

Then I went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel.

These officials were the governors that surrounded Jerusalem from the north, east & south

Sanballat the Horonite

Was a from a town of Beth-Horon which was located to the north, it is said he was the governor of Samaria(which was a northern city)

He orchestrated different strategies to oppose both Ezra & Nehemiah’s mission in Judah.

Tobiah Governor of Ammon

A region to the east of Judah (Modern Day Jordan)

He had a lot of influence within the Jewish community and even had a room in the rebuilt temple (infiltration)

Tobiah married the daughter of Shechaniah, one of the principal Jews of Jerusalem

Tobiah had a powerful party in Jerusalem itself, who were opposed to that of Nehemiah. He maintained a correspondence by letter with this party against the interest of Nehemiah, 6:17–19; but that prudent governor, by his wisdom and moderation, defeated all their machinations. After some time, Nehemiah was obliged to return to Babylon, subsequent to having repaired the walls of Jerusalem. Tobiah took this opportunity to come and dwell at Jerusalem; and even obtained of Eliashib, who had the care of the house of the Lord, to have an apartment in the temple.

Ammon was an enemy of Israel that opposed Israel through its history they are the people that originated from Lots incestuous relationship with his daughters after leaving Sodom.

Genesis 19:36–38 NKJV

Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. And the younger, she also bore a son and called his name Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the people of Ammon to this day.

Geshem The Arab

An Arab ruler who opposed Nehemiah’s rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh 2:19; 6:1–2, 6). Geshem, along with Sanballat and Tobiah, opposed Nehemiah throughout his career in Judah. Even after Jerusalem’s wall had been built, they tried to draw him out into the plains of Ono in order to ambush him.

Geshem’s name also occurs in the book of Nehemiah in the form Gashmu, an Assyrian form (Neh 6:6).

Faithlife Study Bible (Chapter 2)

Geshem the Arab “Arab” is a reference to Geshem’s ancestry, as well as to his control of the Arab regions east and south of Judah. If this is the same Geshem mentioned in extrabiblical inscriptions, he ruled a league of Arabian tribes that took control of northern Arabia, Moab, Edom, and the Negev.

Nehemiah Chapter 2.11-20

Nehemiah surveys the walls under the cover of night

Nehemiah 2:12 NKJV

Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode.

Nehemiah kept what The Lord sent him to do very discreet as the saying goes keeping it tight to the vest

discretion in the biblical sense

Proverbs 2:11 NKJV

Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,

In the context of Proverbs in the Bible, discretion refers to the ability to make wise decisions and judgments. It is often associated with being prudent, cautious, and using good sense in one’s actions and words. Proverbs emphasizes the importance of discretion as a valuable quality that leads to success, protection from harm, and favor with God and others. It is seen as essential for living a righteous and fulfilling life according to God’s teachings.

Nehemiah operated with discretion because he knew the opposition he was going to face from within and from the outside.

Nehemiah 2 verses 13-16

These gates that were broken down surrounding the city had significant meaning both spiritually and practically for the defense of the city

. Nehemiah’s Nighttime Survey (Nehemiah 2:13-16)

This passage describes Nehemiah’s inspection of Jerusalem’s walls and gates shortly after arriving in the city. It is worth noting the deliberate secrecy of his survey; Nehemiah went out at night with only a few trusted companions, likely to avoid drawing attention from opposition groups (e.g., Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem) or discouraging the people before his plan was finalized. Here is the list of gates and locations he specifically mentions:

a. Valley Gate (Nehemiah 2:13)

Practical Significance: The Valley Gate was likely located on the western or southwestern side of the city, near the Hinnom Valley. This gate provided access to the valleys outside Jerusalem, including agricultural and residential areas.

Symbolic Significance: The Valley Gate may symbolize humility and lowliness, as valleys in Scripture often represent times of testing and dependence on God (e.g., Psalm 23:4). Nehemiah’s mission required humility before God, as well as reliance on His strength to complete the task.

b. Dragon’s Well (or Jackal’s Well, depending on translation)

Practical Significance: This location is less well-known, but it was likely a water source near the southwestern part of the city. Wells and springs were vital for the city’s survival and defense, as they provided water during sieges.

Symbolic Significance: Water is often symbolic of life and purity in Scripture (e.g., John 4:10, Isaiah 12:3). The mention of a well reminds us that restoration, both physical and spiritual, requires the living water of God’s provision and blessing.

c. Dung Gate (Nehemiah 2:13)

Practical Significance: The Dung Gate was located on the southern tip of the city near the Valley of Hinnom, a location associated with refuse disposal and unclean practices (later referred to as “Gehenna,” symbolizing judgment). This gate was used to take out the city’s trash and waste.

Symbolic Significance: The Dung Gate symbolizes the removal of impurity and sin. Just as the city needed to remove its physical filth, the people also needed to repent and remove the moral and spiritual corruption that had contributed to their prior exile.

d. Fountain Gate (Nehemiah 2:14)

Practical Significance: The Fountain Gate was near the Pool of Siloam on the eastern side of the city, close to the Kidron Valley. It was a key water access point for the city, especially for the southern areas.

Symbolic Significance: Fountains represent renewal and refreshing in Scripture (e.g., John 7:38, Isaiah 44:3). The restoration of the Fountain Gate may signify God’s ability to renew His people and their faith, providing spiritual refreshment during their restoration as a nation.

e. King’s Pool (Nehemiah 2:14)

Practical Significance: The King’s Pool, likely part of Hezekiah’s water system or related to the Pool of Siloam, was an important reservoir for the city’s water supply.

Symbolic Significance: Water sources associated with the king may symbolize royal provision and the restoration of God’s covenant blessings, as Jerusalem was the city of David’s throne, pointing ultimately to the Messianic King (2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32-33).

f. Walls and Impassable Areas (Nehemiah 2:14-15)

Nehemiah describes how he inspected the broken walls and gates in detail but encountered sections where his mount could not pass due to the rubble.

This highlights the severe disrepair of the city’s defenses and underscores the monumental task ahead.

The devastation of the walls and gates mirrors the disgrace and vulnerability of the Jewish people coming out of exile.

But Nehemiah’s perseverance symbolizes God’s faithfulness to empower His people to overcome overwhelming obstacles.

g. Returning to the Valley Gate (Nehemiah 2:15)

Nehemiah concludes his inspection by retracing his steps and returning to the Valley Gate.

This demonstrates his methodical approach to assessing the damage before announcing his plans.

It also emphasizes that the restoration work would require wisdom, strategy, and reliance on God.

2. Broader Symbolism of Gates in Nehemiah’s Mission

Throughout the Book of Nehemiah, gates and walls are more than just architectural features; they carry profound theological and spiritual meaning:

a. Gates Represent Protection and Security

In ancient cities, gates were critical for defense. Broken gates left the city exposed to enemy attacks, symbolizing the vulnerability of the Jewish people after their exile.

Rebuilding the gates was a physical act of restoration, but it also reflected God’s protection and provision for His covenant people.

b. Gates Represent Order and Justice

City gates were often places where legal disputes were resolved, public announcements were made, and elders gathered to administer justice (e.g., Ruth 4:1-12; Deuteronomy 16:18).

The disrepair of Jerusalem’s gates symbolized the breakdown of social and moral order among God’s people, which Nehemiah sought to address alongside the physical rebuilding.

Gates Point to Spiritual Renewal

Each gate can be seen as symbolic of different aspects of spiritual renewal:

The Valley Gate points to humility.

The Dung Gate represents repentance and the removal of sin.

The Fountain Gate symbolizes renewal and cleansing.

Together, these gates highlight the comprehensive nature of God’s restoration, which involves protection, purity, humility, and the refreshing work of His Spirit.

Nehemiah Chapter 3 inspiring Gods People for the task at hand

Gates of Revival: Rebuilding Together

Bible Passage: Nehemiah 3:1-17

Summary: In Nehemiah 3:1-17, we see the account of Nehemiah leading the Israelites in the restoration of the city walls of Jerusalem, focusing on specific gates and the role of various groups and individuals in this monumental task of rebuilding.

Application: These passages serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and collaboration in the work of God.

It encourages Christians to identify their gifts and callings, actively participating in the rebuilding efforts within their own churches and communities, especially during times of opposition and difficulty.

Everyone had a role to play with the significance of each gate and the roles of different workers, emphasizing that everyone has a part in God's plan.

These verses highlight how rebuilding requires commitment, cooperation, and the willingness to work together for a common purpose.

How these passage point to Christ: Christ is reflected in this passage as the ultimate builder of our spirituality and community. Just as Nehemiah rallied the people for physical rebuilding, Jesus calls us to join Him in the work of spiritual renewal and the establishment of His kingdom.

Big Idea: Rebuilding our spiritual lives and communities requires collective effort, commitment, and a vision anchored in God's purpose.

1. Unity within the community Nehemiah 3:1-5

These 5 verses emphasize the unity exhibited by the high priests and their brethren as they consecrate the Sheep Gate. This collaborative start sets a spiritual tone for the entire rebuilding process.

The people of Judah worked side by side, mirroring how Christians today can align their efforts and personal gifts towards a common goal, in Christ's spirit of unity to build His church.

2. Diverse Hands, Singular Purpose Nehemiah 3:6-12

Despite different occupations, the people of Judah contributed to the collective task.

This event during this time of the rebuilding process parallels how individuals with different roles within the church can work towards spiritual growth within the community.

Unity and Cooperation: The work involved a wide range of people—priests, nobles, rulers, merchants, and common people. Each group worked side by side, contributing to the collective mission.

Diversity in Roles: People from different professions and social statuses participated in the rebuilding, illustrating that everyone had a role in the mission.

Delegation of Responsibility: Nehemiah delegated specific sections of the wall and gates to different groups, ensuring efficiency and accountability.

Focus on Families and Localized Effort: Many families repaired sections of the wall near their homes, giving them personal investment in the work.