Nehemiah Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes

Nehemiah • Nehemiah was a: • cupbearer to King Artaxerxes • trusted official • man of prayer, courage and perseverance • Little recorded about him apart from the book that bears his name

Nehemiah • He spent four months in prayer: • Nehemiah spoke of the condition at Jerusalem to the king • asked permission to go to help • The king granted his request and assigned soldiers to accompany him

Building The Walls Of Jerusalem • At Jerusalem he: • found the walls in rubble • inspected the walls to find true condition • met with the leaders and presented his plans • there was a good response

Building The Walls Of Jerusalem • Workers were recruited • severe opposition arose • Nehemiah divided the workers into two groups • The wall was completed in 52 days and became fortified, 142 years after it had been destroyed

His Works & Reforms • Nehemiah served as governor in Jerusalem during two terms. • placed Hanani head of security • took action to remit the debts of the poor people • encouraged people to assemble and hear God’s Word (Nehemiah 8 -10) • formal dedication of the walls was made (Nehemiah 12: 27 -47)

His Works & Reforms • During his time as Governor Nehemiah: • insisted that the people tithe • closed the city gates on the Sabbath Day • prohibited all merchandising on the Sabbath Day • people had to swear that there would be not more mixed marriages (Nehemiah 13: 23 -28)

Old Testament History Ended With Nehemiah • The Old Testament records no more history after Nehemiah • 400 silent years until the time of Christ • The Old Testament closes during the period of time that the Persian Empire ruled the Middle East