Nehemiah was a famous cupbearer for King Artaxerxes.  The events of this book begin around 446BC, around the 20th year of his reign.  The book of Nehemiah was once joined with Ezra; and considered 'Second Ezra'.  It is widely believed that Ezra was the writer of the book though he drew all the information from Nehemiah's personal account of the events.  The timeline looks something like this:Persia conquers Babylonians; the decree of Cyrus – 539BCZerubbabel returns with 50,000 to rebuild temple – 538BCThe events of Esther during reign of Xerxes (Ahasuerus) – 483-473BCEzra returns under King Artaxerxes with 2000 – 458BCNehemiah returns with a small group under Artaxerxes – 445BC Ezra records in Ezra 4:21 that Artaxerxes stopped the construction at one time.  Artaxerxes began his reign in 465BC; by 458 he supported Ezra's return.  This is quite possible because of the influence of his stepmother Esther.  There are a few major themes that run through this book.  First, the reading of God's word and seeking to do His will was important.  In chapter eight we see a spiritual revival stemming from the reading of the book of the law.  We should note the theme of Nehemiah's obedience.  When God's word is at work and His children are focused on obedience we can rest assured that the enemy will also be at work to create opposition and frustration.  Watch for this theme also.    This is the only place in scripture where Nehemiah is mentioned.  The name Nehemiah means "Yahweh comforts".  This book is not quoted at all in the New Testament. http://www.calvarychapelsweetwater.com Nehemiah returns to JerusalemNehemiah leads the peopleThe rebuilding of the wallDefense of the wall http://www.calvarychapelsweetwater.com/apps/articles/?articleid=173539&view=post&blogid=8857 Mon, 4 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400 Nehemiah deals with OppressionConspiracy against NehemiahThe wall completedThe captives who returnedEzra renews the covenantThe people confess their sins http://www.calvarychapelsweetwater.com/apps/articles/?articleid=173540&view=post&blogid=8857 Sun, 3 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400 The people who sealed the covenantThe people dwelling in JerusalemThe priests and LevitesThe dedication of the wallThe reforms of Nehemiah http://www.calvarychapelsweetwater.com/apps/articles/?articleid=173541&view=post&blogid=8857 Sat, 2 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400