Sermon Series
The books Ezra and Nehemiah were originally written together as a single book in the Jewish bible, they are the historical record of Gods’ promises He made to Israel being fulfilled. It’s about being restored from sin, God showing his forgiveness of the nation and building them up ready for His glory.
Purpose
In 445 B.C. the Persian King Artaxerxes allowed Nehemiah, an Israelite who was a trusted official, to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah trusts in God, the construction is completed, dedicated, and the Jews corporately praise God. After hearing the Torah read by Ezra, the Jewish people realise the sins they committed and immediately address them. They repent, swearing an oath to follow God’s laws.
Key verse for the book
Nehemiah did what God had put into his heart
12 I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.
5 So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families. I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return.
Nehemiah found that the joy of the Lord was his strength
10 Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.