Nehemiah Introduction Notes

Jerusalem destroyed and temple burned on July 18, 586 B.C. (2 Kings 24).
Oct 29, 539 B.C., Babylon fell to Medes and Persains.

In Cyrus' first year, he issued the decree allowing jews to return. They made three returns:
1) Zerubbabel led the first in 536 B.C. (Big gap of 57 years - Esther's time)
In 535 B.C. the construction of the Temple began.
In Feb 18, 516 B.C. the temple was completed and dedicated.

2) Ezra led the second in 455 B.C..
Ezra left with about 1500 men and their families in mid-March 455 B.C..
In August of 455 B.C., the little group arrives safely in Jerusalem.

3) Nehemiah led the third in 445 B.C..
Dec. Of 446 B.C., Nehemiah hears of the report.
In April of 445 B.C., after a prayer period of four months, Nehemiah speaks with the king.
Early September, after just 52 days, the wall was completed.

Other Observations on the Book of Nehemiah

"Hellish trinity"

Sanballat (governor of Samaria)
Tobiah (ammonite leader)
Geshem (Arab chief)

8 Problems Nehemiah faced in Rebuilding Jerusalem

Ridicule (2:9, 4:1-3)
Wrath (4:1, 6-9)
Discouragement (4:10)
Fear (4:11-23)
Internal Strife (5:1-5)
Laziness (4:10)
Satanic subtlety (6:1-8) compromise
Lying prophets (6:10-14)

Also see notes on Ezra