In the Hebrew manuscripts the books of Ezra and Nehemiah appeared as one book.
AUTHOR OR COMPILER uncertain. A large portion of the book is regarded by
many students as an autobiography of Nehemiah.
KEY TEXT, ch. 6.3 # Ne 6:3
LEADING TOPICS, The Rebuilding of the Walls of Jerusalem, the rehearsal of certain
Divine Laws, and the restoration of Ancient Ordinances.
SYNOPSIS
PART I. A TYPICAL STUDY.
THEME, The Rebuilding of the Walls of Jerusalem considered as a Type of the upbuilding of the Divine Kingdom in the Earth.
(a) The walls broken down, ch. 1.3, may typify the defenses of God’s kingdom weakened.
# Ne 1:3
(b) The preliminary season of fasting and prayer ch. 1.4-11, may typify the state of mind which should precede all great spiritual enterprises. # Ne 1:4-11
(c) Nehemiah’s sacrifice of a fine position for the good of the cause, ch. 2.5, may typify the sacrificial service always needed when a great work is to be accomplished. # Ne 2:5
(d) The night inspection of the city, ch. 2.15,16, may typify the necessity of facing the facts before beginning constructive work. # Ne 2:15,16
(e) The seeking of co-operation, ch. 2.17,18, may typify an essential element in all successful work. # Ne 2:17,18
(f) The enlistment of all classes, ch. 3, may typify the importance of thorough organization.
# Ne 3:1
THE SAME METHODS MAY BE USED IN OVERCOMING HINDRANCES TO SPIRITUAL WORK.
(a) Ridicule # Ne 2:19
overcome by confidence in God # Ne 2:20
(b) Wrath and contempt # Ne 4:3
overcome by prayer and hard work # Ne 4:4-6
(c) Conspiracy # Ne 4:7,8
overcome by watchfulness and prayer # Ne 4:9
(d) Discouragement of friends # Ne 4:10,12
overcome by steadfast courage # Ne 4:13,14
(e) Selfish greed # Ne 5:1-5
overcome by rebuke and self-sacrificing example # Ne 5:6-17
(f) Work completed, enemies confounded by persistent endeavour # Ne 6:1-15
PART II. CLOSING EVENTS.
(a) The rehearsal and exposition of the Divine Law, ch. 8 # Ne 8:1
(b) The confession of the Priests and Levites, and the signing of the covenant, chs. 9,10
# Ne 9:1 – 10:1
(c) The call for people to dwell in Jerusalem, ch. 11 # Ne 11:1
(d) The dedication of the walls, ch. 12 # Ne 12:1
(e) Social and religious reforms, ch. 13 # Ne 13:1