Those following the two-year Bible reading plan with me will begin reading the book of Nehemiah tomorrow, January11. (Link to the Two-Year Bible Reading Plan Bookmarks)

Nehemiah is a continuation of the book of Ezra. There were Jews living in and around Jerusalem after they returned from exile. They reported to Nehemiah, one of King Artaxerxes of Persia’s officials who was also Jewish, telling him about how run-down Jerusalem had become. Nehemiah fasted and prayed and was so downcast that the king asked what was wrong.

The king then agreed to let Nehemiah return to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the wall. The surrounding nations feared the nation Israel and did not want to see their wall rebuilt. The book of Nehemiah is an amazing account of determination, courage, and trusting God as the people accomplished the nearly impossible task of rebuilding the wall while being harassed by the neighboring nations. Nehemiah then worked with the Jewish leaders and people to teach them the way God would have them to live and worship. The wall was finished in 52 days.

photo credit: https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/nehemiah-1/