THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH--A BRIEF OUTLINE

THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH

Introduction:

Fourteen years after the return of Ezra to Jerusalem, Nehemiah led up a company (B.C. 444) and restored the walls and the civil authority. Of those events this book is the record. --- Scofield.

In the Hebrew manuscripts the books of Ezra and Nehemiah appeared as one book.

Author or Compiler: uncertain. A large portion of the book is regarded by many students as an autobiography of Nehemiah.

Key Text: Nehemiah 6:3, “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”

Leading Topics:

---The Rebuilding of the Walls of Jerusalem;

---The rehearsal of certain Divine Laws;

---The restoration of Ancient Ordinances.

A Brief Summary of the Book:

PART 1: A Typical Study.

Theme: The Rebuilding of the Walls of Jerusalem considered as a Type of the Up Building of the Divine Kingdom in the Earth.

1) The walls broken down, may typify the defenses of God’s kingdom weakened, Nehemiah 1:3, “And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.”

2) The preliminary season of fasting and prayer, Nehemiah 1:4-11, may typify the state of mind which should precede all great spiritual enterprises.

3) Nehemiah’s sacrifice of a fine position for the good of the cause, Nehemiah 2:5, may typify the sacrificial service always needed when a great work is to be accomplished.

4) The night inspection of the city, Nehemiah 2:15-16, may typify the necessity of facing the facts before beginning constructive work.

5) The seeking of co-operation, Nehemiah 2:17-18, may typify an essential element in all successful work.

6) The enlistment of all classes, Nehemiah 3:1 may typify the importance of thorough organization.

The Same Methods May Be Used In Overcoming Hindrances To Spiritual Work.

1) Ridicule, Nehemiah 2:19, is overcome by confidence in God, Nehemiah 2:20.

2) Wrath and contempt, Nehemiah 4:3, are overcome by prayer and hard work, Nehemiah 4:4-6.

3) Conspiracy, Nehemiah 4:7-8, is overcome by watchfulness and prayer, Nehemiah 4:9.

4) Discouragement of friends, Nehemiah 4:10, 12, overcome by steadfast courage, Nehemiah 4:13-14.

5) Selfish greed, Nehemiah 5:1-5, overcome by rebuke and self-sacrificing example, Nehemiah 5:6-17.

6) Work completed, enemies confounded by persistent endeavor, Nehemiah 6:1-15.

PART 2: Closing Events.

1) The rehearsal and exposition of the Divine Law, Nehemiah 8.

2) The confession of the Priests and Levites, and the signing of the covenant, Nehemiah 9:1--10:39.

3) The call for people to dwell in Jerusalem, Nehemiah 11.

4) The dedication of the walls, Nehemiah 12.

5) Social and religious reforms, Nehemiah 13.