The story recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah displays God’s sovereignty over human events and his faithfulness to his people. After witnessing the destruction of their homeland, and being taken into captivity, the people of God are now headed back to the Promised Land. In returning home, they are facing discouragement and doubt as they consider the task in front of them—they must rebuild the temple and restore the city.
All that God commands His people to do, requires them to look to Him alone for strength and guidance. In reality, God’s plan for restoration was simple—in humility and repentance, the people must fully trust in God’s covenant love and embrace the wisdom of His Word. As they do, their hope will be restored.
Book Outline:
Overview of Ezra and Introduction to Nehemiah—Our Great and Awesome God
Nehemiah 1:1-10—A Prayer of Hopeful Desperation
Nehemiah 1:11-2:20—The Good Hand of God
Nehemiah 3:1-4:6—Give Us a Mind to Work
Nehemiah 4:7-23—Remember the Lord
Nehemiah 5—Wisdom in Difficulty
Nehemiah 6—Our Divine Helper
Nehemiah 7—The Word of God Cannot be Stopped
Nehemiah 8 (Introduction)—When God Takes Over
Nehemiah 8:1-12—Repentance and Rejoicing
Nehemiah 8:13-18—The Importance of Remembering
Nehemiah 9—True Repentance
Nehemiah 10:1-27—Revelation and Response
Nehemiah 10:28-39—A People of Obedience
Nehemiah 11-13—Hope in the Midst of Failure