Exiled in Babylon, Nehemiah, an Israelite, learned that the walls and gates
As Nehemiah began his work, he met opposition from those who saw the work as futile. However, Nehemiah prayed to God, posted guards day and night, and completed the wall in fifty-two days.
of Jerusalem had been destroyed. Nehemiah knew the returning exiles needed the protection of the wall in order to restore the city of Jerusalem. After mourning, praying and fasting, he decided to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. Upon returning to Jerusalem, Nehemiah inspected the walls of Jerusalem and found the walls and the gates to the city completely destroyed. But the destruction he encountered did not deter him. After recruiting others, the reconstruction of the wall began. As Nehemiah began his work, he met opposition from those who saw the work as futile. Others saw the restoration of the wall as a threat to their own position of power, and still others were afraid of change. However, Nehemiah prayed to God, posted guards day and night, and completed the wall in fifty-two days.
The physical rebuilding of the wall allowed the exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. When the exiles returned, they realized their spiritual lives were also in ruin; they no longer knew or practiced the laws given to their ancestors as they journeyed to the Promised Land.
The exile of Israel and its restoration was foretold by the prophet Jeremiah. Nehemiah was one of the leaders chosen to bring a nation not only to physical restoration but to a spiritual restoration as well.
You can read more about Nehemiah in the book of Nehemiah.
