Nehemiah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Nehemiah was originally the same book as Ezra and so the author I believe was still Ezra and the people had just finished rebuilding the temple and walls of Jerusalem. The author would have compiled Nehemiah's writings together which is why the word I appears when Nehemiah is speaking (1:9). This book would have been written down to explain all the events that happened for them to get to Judah again. It would have been a book to help them remember the power and faithfulness of God. This book would have given them reverence for God and to help them see the importance of upholding the law10:30-39). Nehemiah saw a problem and was grieved by it (1:4). God called him to the be the one to fix that problem. He called him to lead in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and to wipe the city of sin (2:4-6,18).

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      The Levite leaders song of praise shows their understanding of God's character and nature as he had been so gracious to them in chapter 9. We see God's guidance and deliverance of his people over hundreds of years of history. Mostly we see God's faithfulness and that he keeps his promises. Thought they were in captivity God brought them back to Jerusalem and once again his presence was in the temple. God is Nehemiah's comforter (4:4-5) and the one who kept them safe as they rebuilt 

 the walls of Jerusalem (6:15-16).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Like is Ezra God's plan is being worked out in the rebuilding of ruins. This time it's the walls of Jerusalem. Not only does God bring his people back to the city, but he protects them as they rebuild the walls (6:15-16). The story of God's ultimate redemption is coming close and this is one more step in the process. You get a sense while reading that something big is coming, because of all the Messianic prophecies we've read through. The ultimate forgiveness of sin is coming, but in the mean time God is merciful and gracious to his people. He sends Nehemiah to bring the people back from sin after he had gone back to the king and now had returned to Jerusalem (13:6-11). God never stopped showing mercy by sending people to guide and restore Israel. They had already gone into sin, but God uses Nehemiah to remind them of the law and to uphold it.

Personal Application

      Nehemiah's persistence through persecution and mockery is what spoke to me the most in this book. He never takes out his anger on his mockers and he never complains about it to the people. He takes his concerns to God (4:4-5). He casts all his burdens on God and God richly rewards him. He even encourages the people not to care about what people are saying, but to remember that the Lord is great (4:14). I love the way he leads and the way he handles his problems. His first response was always to take it to the Lord. He didn't have to confide in someone or complain about it to anyone, but He found refuge in praying about it to God. I need to learn more of that in my life. I always think that I need someone, a human to complain about this to or to vent to, but really the one thing that I NEED is to bring my burdens before the Lord. If my trust was fully in him I would have no problem going to God with everything. It's not bad to confide in people, but my need is to take it to the Lord. My need is to let God work things out in my life and to trust in his goodness.