Bible Study

Just for your thoughts.
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*Expository Commentary on the Book of Nehemiah
Bible Study 1*


Although there are many views about the Book of Nehemiah, in the coming posts I want to strongly emphasize one important truth:

Main Theme
Even those who are not full-time ministers have an important role in God’s Kingdom.

Those who are not in full-time ministry can still be used by God.
Nehemiah was not a priest; he worked in the king’s palace. Yet, God used him for a great purpose.
In the same way, even in the midst of work and family life, one can participate in God’s work.
“I am not a full-time minister” is not a limitation. God uses everyone.
God has a pre-planned purpose for each person.
Everyone has a personal calling.

Ministry calling is not limited to a few.
Such people must be valued.
In God’s sight, everyone is important.
They should not be ignored.
Their role in the church is essential.

In short:
“I am not in full-time ministry, so I am not insignificant; God can use me for great things.”
Basic Facts about the Book of Nehemiah
Nature: Historical book in the Old Testament
Chapters: 13
Period: 445–430 BC
Closely related to the Book of Ezra
In the Hebrew Bible, Ezra and Nehemiah are considered as one book.
Historical Background
First Return
Led by Zerubbabel
About 50,000 people returned from Babylon to Jerusalem
Time: 538 BC
King who sent them: Cyrus (Persian king)
They first built the altar and then laid the foundation of the temple.

Worship was restored.
Second Return
Led by Ezra
Time: 458 BC
King who sent them: Artaxerxes
Ezra taught the Law and spiritually reformed the people.
He prevented intermarriage with foreign nations and preserved holiness.
At this time, the temple had been rebuilt, but the walls of Jerusalem were still broken.
It is in this situation that Nehemiah’s ministry begins.
Who is Nehemiah?


Born in Babylon
Did not return when Ezra went to Jerusalem
Held a high position close to the king (cupbearer)
His job was to taste the king’s food first and ensure safety.
He had to always appear cheerful and wise before the king.
In today’s terms, he was like a trusted personal assistant (PA) to a high-ranking official.
The Beginning of His Ministry.

When he heard about Jerusalem’s condition—
that the people were in trouble and disgrace,
the walls were broken,
and the gates were burned—
Nehemiah sat down and wept.
He fasted and prayed for many days (Nehemiah 1:3–4).
He prayed: “I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against You…” (Nehemiah 1:6)
He identified himself with the sins of his people.
This was the beginning of his ministry.

Deep Spiritual Insight
He could have lived comfortably in Babylon.
But he chose not to.
He cared for his people.
Out of that burden, his ministry began.
A believer who lives only saying,
“Myself, my job, my family,”
cannot be a true believer.
If someone gives tithes and thinks their responsibility is over,
they cannot fulfill God’s will.
Thinking “ministry is only for a few” is wrong.
It is a selfish mindset.
It is like a vine that bears fruit only for itself.
Final Thought
The first things Nehemiah did:
He cared about his people
He prayed for them
This is the first ministry of a believer.
Even today, every believer is called to care and pray about:
The condition of the church
Weaknesses in ministry
Spiritual decline
This is the entry point.