UNDERSTANDING NEHEMIAH | VITAL STATISTICS

0. Introduction

a) The Bible Book Introductions are divided into 4 parts (Overview, Vital Statistics, Blueprint, Mega-themes) for easy-to-understand.

1. Vital Statistics

@1. Purpose:

a) Nehemiah is the last of the Old Testament historical books. It records the history of the third return to Jerusalem after captivity, telling how the walls were rebuilt and the people were renewed in their faith.

@2. Author:

a) Much of this book is written in the first person, suggesting Nehemiah as the author. Nehemiah probably wrote the book with Ezra serving as editor.

@3. Date Written:

a) Approximately 445-432 B.C.

@4. Setting:

a) Zerubbabel led the first return to Jerusalem in 538 B.C. In 458, Ezra led the second return. Finally, in 445, Nehemiah returned with the third group of exiles to rebuild the city walls. 

@5. Key Verse:

a) ¹⁵ So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. ¹⁶ And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God. (Nehemiah 6:15-16 NKJV)

@6. Key People:

a) Nehemiah, Ezra, Sanballat, Tobiah.

@7. Key Places:

a) Jerusalem.

@8. Special Features:

a) The book shows the fulfillment of the prophecies of Zechariah and Daniel concerning the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.