Bible Book Summaries › Nehemiah
Nehemiah: Summary & Key Themes
The Book of Nehemiah at a glance, before you read it.
| Written by | Nehemiah (traditional) |
|---|---|
| Written for | returned exiles |
| Type | History |
| Chapters | 13 |
| Position | Book 16 of 66 · book 16 of the Old Testament |
Summary
Nehemiah leaves the Persian court to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls in fifty-two days despite opposition, then leads the people in renewing their covenant.
Main themes
- prayer and action
- leadership
- renewal
Key verse
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
How to read Nehemiah
Try one chapter a day: 13 days to finish. Ask three questions as you go: what did this mean to the first readers, what does it show about God, and what does it ask of me?