The Book of Nehemiah records the rebuilding and dedication of Jerusalem’s wall, the organization of the restored community, public instruction in the Law, covenant renewal, and Nehemiah’s reforms.
Definition
The Book of Nehemiah records the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, the register of those who returned from Babylon, the religious condition of the restored community, the organization of Jerusalem, the dedication of the wall, and Nehemiah’s reforms. It is regarded as a continuation of Ezra and closes the history of the Old Testament.
Biblical Usage
The book presents public reading and explanation of the Law, confession of the people’s sins, covenant renewal, worship arrangements, and reforms concerning marriage, the Sabbath, and temple support. It portrays the restored community being ordered around obedience to God’s law.
Historical Background
The material is largely associated with Nehemiah, though some portions speak of him in the third person and may have been written or preserved by Ezra. The book was probably completed around 431–430 B.C.; Malachi was contemporary with Nehemiah.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The author of this book was no doubt Nehemiah himself. There are portions of the book written in the first person (ch. 1-7; 12:27-47, and 13). But there are also portions of it in which Nehemiah is spoken of in the third person (ch. 8; 9; 10). It is supposed that these portions may have been written by Ezra; of this, however, there is no distinct evidence. These portions had their place assigned them in the book, there can be no doubt, by Nehemiah. He was the responsible author of the whole book, with the exception of ch. 12:11, 22, 23. The date at which the book was written was probably about B.C. 431-430, when Nehemiah had returned the second time to Jerusalem after his visit to Persia. The book, which may historically be regarded as a continuation of the book of Ezra, consists of four parts. (1.) An account of the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, and of the register Nehemiah had found of those who had returned from Babylon (ch. 1-7). (2.) An account of the state of religion among the Jews during this time (8-10). (3.) Increase of the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the census of the adult male population, and names of the chiefs, together with lists of priests and Levites (11-12:1-26). (4.) Dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the arrangement of the temple officers, and the reforms carried out by Nehemiah (12:27-ch. 13). This book closes the history of the Old Testament. Malachi the prophet was contemporary with Nehemiah.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>See EZRA-NEHEMIAH.</p>
