Who Is Nehemiah in the Bible? Bible Characters Explained

Someone should do something about that, and it might as well be me.

That’s a brave sentiment, but how often do any of us actually adhere to it? I know I rarely do. When I encounter injustice, it’s easy to let fear tell me that someone else will help. In the face of insurmountable obstacles, it’s easier for me to believe that the problem is too big, too far away, or too complicated. 

If you’re like me, the story of Nehemiah may be the inspiration you need. When this exiled Israelite leader heard that his homeland was in chaos, it broke him to the point of action. Without a detailed plan or crystal clear next steps, Nehemiah asked a bold question: Why not me?

Nehemiah’s story is a powerful example of the impact we can each have when we do our part, but it’s also a challenging reminder that we’re all imperfect people in need of healing. Fixing broken things—like walls or systems—is good, worthwhile work, but it’s no match for what God can do through us when we aim to fix broken hearts, instead.   

Quick Facts About Nehemiah

• Where’s his story? You can read it in the Book of Nehemiah. It’s part of a larger restoration narrative started in the Book of Ezra.
   
• When did he live? Much of his work took place 50 years after the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, and nearly 400 years before the birth of Jesus.
   
• Who was he? Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who helped rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and religious practices after being released from captivity in Persia by King Artaxerxes I.
   
• What is he known for? He’s known for rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, leading spiritual revival, and modeling prayerful and determined leadership.
   
• Who did he know? He served as King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer before imploring that he be released to help rebuild his homeland. He worked alongside Ezra the priest and the people of Jerusalem, navigating challenging opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. 

When Does Nehemiah Show Up in the Bible?

Though he’s mentioned in Ezra 2:2, Nehemiah’s story truly begins in Nehemiah 1, when news of Jerusalem’s broken walls reaches him. His leadership story unfolds within 13 chapters, chronicling more than 12 years and ending in an unexpected way. The Book of Nehemiah is considered the final book in the historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible. 

Nehemiah’s story happened after these Bible stories:

• The creation story
• Joseph’s interpretation of dreams
• The life of King David
• Daniel’s time in the lions’ den
• Esther’s courageous stand in Persia

Nehemiah’s story happened before these Bible stories:

• The birth of Jesus
• The ministry of John the Baptist
• The growth of the early church

Where Does Nehemiah’s Story Take Place?

Nehemiah’s story begins in the Persian capital of Susa, years after the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and sent the Israelites into exile. Nehemiah’s story is actually the third in a series of attempts to heal the broken city of Jerusalem, beginning with Zerubbabel’s rebuilding of the temple and Ezra’s re-establishing of the Torah. 

Nehemiah worked during a time when Jerusalem had no protection, leadership, or unity. 

When Nehemiah arrived to begin rebuilding, he found a city of people facing severe financial hardship, taxation, and military threats that attempted to undermine his efforts.

Nehemiah stepped into this corrupt, dangerous, and fractured situation with confidence. 

Who Was Nehemiah?

Nehemiah was a passionate leader, reformer, and servant of God. His story serves as a great example of the power of prayer, hope, and determination in the face of severe injustice and the difference we can make when we don’t let fear get in the way.

Nehemiah Was a Leader

Nehemiah’s story begins with him serving as a cupbearer to a foreign king. 

When he heard that his homeland was in disarray, he could have simply wept, said a prayer, and moved on. Instead, Nehemiah asked God for help and let God use him to become an answer to the prayers of others. 

He boldly asked the King of Persia to send him. Not only did he convince the king to release him, but the king also arranged for supplies to be sent. 

Nehemiah had no idea what he was walking into until he arrived in the broken city; he just knew that he needed to take the next right step until justice had been restored.

Nehemiah Embraced Challenges

Nehemiah’s efforts were made even more difficult by the neighboring armies that threatened to attack and undo his progress. 

Unfazed, Nehemiah famously led the people of Jerusalem to diligently continue building, encouraging them to use one hand for work and to keep the other at the ready to defend themselves. Nehemiah took threats seriously and planned for every possibility, but he didn’t live in fear.

Nehemiah Reminds Us We Can’t Do It All 

Although he led the people to rebuild the broken wall in record time, Nehemiah wasn’t able to heal the broken hearts of the people. 

Even partnering with Ezra to reinforce laws proved not to last. Nehemiah’s story ends with a sentiment many of us may relate to: God, at least I tried. 

Though not a fairytale ending, a look back over the 12 years of Nehemiah’s efforts should encourage us that good work is good work, no matter how lasting. Thankfully, Nehemiah’s account isn’t the end of God’s overarching story to heal a hurting world; it sets the stage for Jesus, the ultimate Healer, to arrive.

What Did Nehemiah Do in the Bible?

Nehemiah was an exiled Israelite who became a bold leader in Jerusalem’s restoration. He asked the Persian king for permission to return, risked his life to help his people, and trusted God with each step. Nehemiah rallied the people to rebuild the city walls in just 52 days and inspired them to work together with courage and faith.

What Are the Famous Stories About Nehemiah?

• Nehemiah requests to help his people (Nehemiah 2:2-6): After days of prayer and fasting for his people, and in spite of his fear, Nehemiah pleads with the king for permission to travel to Jerusalem, and the king grants his request.
   
• Nehemiah unites the people of Jerusalem around a common goal (Nehemiah 2:17-18): Nehemiah makes clear the trouble the people are in, but inspires them to action by sharing about the ways God has already provided for them.
   
• Nehemiah navigates adversity with flexibility and determination (Nehemiah 4): The Israelites face constant mockery and threats from the neighboring Ammonites, Ashdodites, and Arabs, yet are undeterred and keep doing their good work. They labor on, carrying materials with one hand and holding a weapon in the other.
   
• Nehemiah stands up for the oppressed (Nehemiah 5): When Nehemiah hears that many of the Jewish people are being starved and overtaxed by leaders, he becomes enraged, demanding justice until he sees the people’s lives restored. 

Why Does Nehemiah’s Story Matter?

Nehemiah’s story reminds us that, with God’s help and a determined spirit, we can confront injustice in the world and make a meaningful difference. We can do it today. Right now. We don’t need a degree in leadership or years of experience to make a difference; we simply need to recognize a need and take the next right step.  

Nehemiah had no idea what he was walking into or what would be needed to fix the problems his people were facing. But he did know that his heart was broken by the injustice he saw, and he let that move him beyond fear to action. 

Each day of the rebuilding process brought about new challenges, and God provided what Nehemiah needed to continue that good work. 

God wants us to confront injustice in the world. He wants us, like Nehemiah, to take the next right step, trusting Him to give us what we need to help heal a broken world. 

What Lessons Does Nehemiah’s Story Teach Us?

• You can make a difference: Fear may tell you that you’re not enough, but Nehemiah’s story reminds us that God can do incredible work through those willing to trust Him with the next right step. Pray the prayer. Ask the question. Make the call. Why not you?
   
• You don’t need to be an expert: If Nehemiah had waited for the “perfect plan” or “exact right time” to act, he may never have done anything at all. Nehemiah simply said yes to God’s prompting, and then he took it one day at a time. He learned as he went, he stayed flexible and resilient, and he recruited passionate people to work alongside him. You, too, can get started on your good work before you have it all figured out.
   
• The journey matters: If you read to the end of Nehemiah’s story, you’ll learn a disheartening fact: Eventually, things went back to how they were. But this doesn’t discount the good work Nehemiah did. He made a true difference in the lives of hurting people and righted many wrongs. Even if the changes we make don’t last forever, that doesn’t mean they’re not good or worthwhile. Only Jesus can heal forever, but He uses us to heal the world today.

Reflect or Discuss

• What injustice in the world is breaking your heart right now?
• What fears are keeping you from taking the next right step?
• What’s one good work you can do today to trust God and partner with Him in fighting injustice?

A Nehemiah Bible Adventure for Kids

Does Nehemiah’s story have anything to offer the little ones in your life? It sure does. Join Marty, Shine, Britt the Bible Gal, and Mr. Music as they answer the question: “What can I do when I see something sad?” Bible Adventure is an engaging video series, perfect for kids aged 2-4. Check out the episode about Nehemiah, or look here to see the whole catalog of available episodes. On your mark, get set, go!