Nehemiah

Definition

Nehemiah was an Israelite forced to move to the Babylonian empire when the people of Israel and Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians.

• While he was the cupbearer to the Persian king, Artaxerxes, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to return to Jerusalem.
• Nehemiah led the Israelites in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.
• For twelve years Nehemiah was the governor of Jerusalem before returning to the king’s palace.
• The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells the story of Nehemiah’s work in rebuilding the walls and his governing of the people in Jerusalem.
• There were also other men named Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Usually the name of the father was added, to distinguish which Nehemiah was being talked about.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: Artaxerxes, Babylon, Jerusalem, son)

Bible References

• Ezra 2:1-2
• Nehemiah 1:2
• Nehemiah 10:3
• Nehemiah 12:46

Word Data

• Strong’s: H5166