G16 NEHEMIAH
The book of Nehemiah supplements that of Ezra but also tells of
the struggles of the returning exiles to rebuild and fortify the
ruined city of Jerusalem, surrounded as they were by jealous and
hostile neighbours.
Nehemiah 1.vv.1-11c to "Your name"
Despite plotting, treachery and threats, Nehemiah the Governor
stirred up the people for the mammoth task of rebuilding, and
with God's help the city's defences were rebuilt.
Nehemiah 6.vv.15-16
The rededication of the city, the public reading of the Law and
thanksgiving to God for his mercies form a fitting climax to the
work of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Feast of Booths was re-established,
a memorial of the 'sojourn in the wilderness' (cf. Leviticus
23.v.42).
Nehemiah 8.vv.1-18
The book closes with long lists of Priests, Levites, Singers and ritual observances, followed by the enforcement of strict Sabbath observance and segregation of the 'Jews' (Israel's survivors) from Gentiles (non-Jewish peoples).