Category: Nehemiah

In this chapter the rebuilding of the walls and gates commences. “Next to them… goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him… one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to him Shallum… ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. After him the priests, the…

This second chapter is fairly dense with a great deal happening. Nehemiah pleads his case before the king, who graciously grants him a leave of absence, letters of safe passage, and some building materials. Yet, despite Persia’s blessing, several of Israel’s enemies (eg Ammonites and Arabs) still oppose any rebuilding efforts (probably because they partially…

This book covers much of the same time period as Ezra, and shares many similarities. Some of the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, however, the walls which would have protected them from enemies were not yet rebuilt. Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, hears of this and begins to…