Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall

Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king of Persia. When he heard that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and its gates burned with fire, he wept and mourned. He fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. He said, "Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel."

Nehemiah asked the king for permission to go to Judah and rebuild the city of his ancestors. The king granted his request. Nehemiah went to Jerusalem and inspected the walls at night. He said to the officials, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace."

They began the work. Sanballat and Tobiah heard about it and mocked them. But Nehemiah prayed, "Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads." They rebuilt the wall to half its height. When their enemies heard that the rebuilding was progressing, they plotted to attack Jerusalem. Nehemiah stationed guards and armed them. He told the people, "Do not be afraid. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."

The wall was completed in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, they lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.