“Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law” (Nehemiah 8:1-3).

It is remarkable to me how little attention Nehemiah gets in the scriptures. Nehemiah’s name does not occur anywhere in the New Testament, nor are there any quotations from his book, or even references. However, this does not diminish the outstanding character of the man or his place in Biblical history.

Nehemiah was a Jewish man who served as a cup bearer under Artaxerxes I in the Persian empire. A cup bearer was not a simple servant. They were trusted counselors to the king. They served refreshments to the king, taste-testing them before serving the king. They were highly trustworthy and thus Nehemiah had the confidence and favors of the king in his court.

Nehemiah was, therefore, a recipient of many comforts afforded by the king, but when he received a report about the desolate condition of Israel (Neh. 1:1-3), he was willing to surrender all these comforts and travel to the ruins of Jerusalem to serve the Lord (2:1-4).

Nehemiah was trusted by Artaxerxes enough to give him leave, supplies, and authority over the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 2:8). This tells us Nehemiah was intelligent, industrious, and favored by the king. Without going into depth, his life also typifies the example of Jesus (Phil. 2:5-11).

Nehemiah was a model of Biblical leadership. He sacrificed for the work of the Lord (see above), he was trusted with the heritage of the Lord (the people, the city, the supplies for rebuilding). He carefully assessed the condition of the wall, set a vision and engaged the leaders for the work (Neh. 2:17-20). He made careful plans and motivated the citizens to work together (Neh. 3). He addressed challenges to the work and overcame opposition to the project (Neh. 4). When the wealthy citizens oppressed the weaker workers, he reacted quickly and decisively, using the full force of his position to correct their wrongdoing (Neh. 5:1-13). He even forfeited his rightful allowances as governor to relieve the people and promote the work (vs. 14-19). Thanks to the Lord’s blessings, and Nehemiah’s efforts, the walls which had been broken down for around 130 years were rebuilt in just 52 days.

Some look at tasks such as personal work, church growth, and edification as difficult or impossible, but the Lord has ordained men to lead us “in the way that we should go” (Eph. 4:11-15), and by God’s grace, and every member’s efforts, we can accomplish it and grow (v. 16)! Brethren, there are many things that can discourage us, and more than enough excuses to distract us from the work, but let us do our duty and get to work! “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9).