Most scholars agree that Nehemiah’s existence is rooted in historical fact. This great organizer and devout follower of God is credited with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, as well as continuing to revive the city and its people’s worship of God.

While serving as the cup bearer to King Artaxerxes I, Nehemiah receives his sovereign’s permission to return to his ancestral homeland of Jerusalem and rebuild the city’s walls. On his arrival, he organizes the wall’s restoration, but struggles to motivate the demoralized and divided Jewish people.

Faith restored

Nehemiah and the Jews are also opposed by many disparate groups: Arabs, Philistines, Ammonites, and Samaritans led by Sanballat the Horonite. Agreeing on nothing else but their opposition to the Jews, they hinder their work on the walls through insults, scorn, and terror.

Nehemiah turns to God, praying for Him to acknowledge everything His people have had to endure, and his faith is rewarded. The wall is rebuilt in just 52 days. Nehemiah then gathers everyone together to dedicate the newly defended city to God and hear Ezra read the Law of Moses. The people revive the feast of Sukkot, commemorating the Israelites’ years in the wilderness. Jerusalem is now reborn, with Nehemiah having corrected the disobedience to God that caused the city to fall.

The Jews hold weapons along with their tools as they rebuild the wall. This etching (1852–1860) by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld shows the threat of violence the Jews faced while working.

See also: Entering the Promised Land • The Fall of Jerusalem