The account of Nehemiah is begun. Nehemiah, employed as cupbearer to the king of Persia, receives news about the disrepair of the city of Jerusalem. The walls are destroyed, the gates are burnt and the city is in shambles. Nehemiah's first response is prayer. He confesses that the city is rightly in ruins due to the sins of the people. He admits that God is right for disciplining His children in such a way. He requests that God's favor would return to His people; and that God would be pleased to use Nehemiah in the process.
The king soon asks Nehemiah what is on his mind. Again, Nehemiah's first response is prayer. He requests that the king give him permission to travel to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding process; and that letters be granted him to obtain the assistance of those along the way to contribute materials for building and security. His requests are granted.
Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and surveys the condition of the city. He then challenges the people with the task before them. The people eagerly respond and begin building. The gates are soon rebuilt and the walls between them repaired. Soon the walls begin to take shape around the city.
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