In Nisan of Artaxerxes' twentieth year, Nehemiah served wine to the king with a sad face for the first time, and when questioned, he explained that Jerusalem, the city of his fathers' tombs, lay in ruins with its gates destroyed by fire. After praying silently, Nehemiah requested permission to go rebuild Jerusalem, which the king granted along with letters for safe passage and timber from the royal forest, because the good hand of God was upon him. Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah secretly inspected the walls by night on his mount, then assembled the Jewish leaders and revealed his mission, the king's support, and the evidence of God's hand, prompting them to rise and build; when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite servant, and Geshem the Arab heard, they mocked and accused them of rebelling against the king, but Nehemiah declared that the God of heaven would give them success and they had no portion, right, or memorial in Jerusalem.
Cupbearer to the king who led wall rebuilding and reform
Priest and scribe who read the Law publicly leading to revival
Samaritan opponent who tried to stop the wall building
Ammonite official who opposed Nehemiah's work
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Levite Musician and Psalmist
Nehemiah hears of Jerusalem's condition, prays, receives permission from Artaxerxes, surveys the walls.
