The Book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah is a book in the Old Testament that tells the story of a man who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The city had been destroyed years before, and the people were living in fear and shame. Nehemiah was a Jewish man who lived far away, working for the king of Persia. When he heard about the trouble in Jerusalem, he was deeply moved and wanted to help.

Nehemiah asked the king for permission to return to Jerusalem. The king agreed and even gave him supplies and guards. When Nehemiah arrived, he found the city in ruins and the people discouraged. But he had a strong sense of purpose. He gathered the people, made a plan, and began the hard work of rebuilding the wall.

Not everyone was happy about this. Some neighbors tried to stop the work. Others made fun of them. But Nehemiah stayed focused. He prayed often and trusted that God was with them. Even when danger came, the people kept building. They worked with one hand and held weapons with the other. With Nehemiah’s leadership, the wall was finished in just fifty-two days.

But the story does not end with a wall. Nehemiah also helped the people return to their faith. He worked with Ezra the priest to teach the Law of Moses. The people listened, wept, and promised to follow God again. The book of Nehemiah is about faith, courage, and rebuilding what was lost. It shows how one person can make a difference when they care deeply and take action.

The Book of Nehemiah takes place after the Jewish people had been taken away from their land. Many had lived in exile in Babylon for about seventy years. Later, the Persians took over Babylon. They let some of the Jews return home. This is the time when Nehemiah enters the story.

Nehemiah was not a prophet or a priest. He was a servant of the Persian king. He had an important job in the palace. Even though he lived far away, he still cared deeply about Jerusalem. When he learned the city was still in ruins, he wanted to help fix it. The book tells the story of how he came back and led the people.

Many think that Nehemiah wrote parts of this book himself. Some parts are written in the first person, like a journal. He talks about what he saw and what he did. Other parts may have been added later. Some think that Ezra, a priest and teacher, helped write or organize the book.

Together, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell one big story. They show how God’s people came home, rebuilt their lives, and returned to their faith. Nehemiah focuses on the wall, but also on worship, justice, and living as God’s people again.

The Book of Nehemiah reads a lot like a personal journal. Many parts are written in the first person. Nehemiah often says things like “I prayed” or “I said.” This makes the book feel close and real. It helps us understand what Nehemiah was thinking and feeling as things happened.

The book also includes lists, letters, and prayers. There are lists of people who worked on the wall or who returned to Jerusalem. Some parts include letters between leaders. These give extra detail and show what was going on behind the scenes. Nehemiah’s prayers are short and simple, showing his trust in God.

There is also action. The book talks about building the wall, facing enemies, and solving problems. It moves quickly from one part of the story to the next. Nehemiah does not spend time with fancy words. He just tells what happened and how he responded.

The style of the book makes it easy to follow. It is personal, clear, and direct. This helps readers connect with the story. It feels like Nehemiah is speaking to us from the page.

The Book of Nehemiah has many themes that connect with our Catholic faith. It shows how faith and action go together. It also reminds us how important it is to stay close to God as a community.

• Prayer in Daily Life: Nehemiah prays often. He talks to God before big decisions. He also prays when things get hard. This shows the importance of prayer in all parts of life.
• Serving Others: Nehemiah leaves a safe and comfortable job to help others. He gives his time and energy to rebuild the city and help the people. His example shows what true service looks like.
• Faith and Work Together: Nehemiah trusts God, but he also works hard. He makes plans, gives orders, and leads by example. This reminds us that faith should move us to act.
• Repentance and Renewal: After the wall is finished, the people gather to hear God’s Word. They confess their sins and promise to follow the Law. This shows the value of turning back to God and starting fresh.
• The Power of Community: The wall was built because many people worked together. Each family had a part. This shows the strength of a faith community working with one heart.

These themes remind us to stay faithful, serve others, pray often, and build up the Church together. Like Nehemiah, we are called to rebuild what is broken and help each other grow closer to God.

The Book of Nehemiah can be divided into a few clear parts. Each part shows a different step in the story. These sections help us understand what Nehemiah did and how the people responded.

• Nehemiah’s Call and Journey (Nehemiah 1:1–2:20)
  Nehemiah hears about the broken wall. He prays and asks the king for help. Then he travels to Jerusalem and starts planning.
• Rebuilding the Wall (Nehemiah 3:1–7:73)
  The people work together to fix the city wall. They face threats, but they keep going. In the end, the wall is finished.
• Reading the Law and Worship (Nehemiah 8:1–10:39)
  Ezra reads the Law to the people. They listen, cry, and then celebrate. They confess their sins and make promises to follow God again.
• Life in the New City (Nehemiah 11:1–12:47)
  The people return and settle in the city. There is a list of names. Then they celebrate and give thanks at the dedication of the wall.
• Nehemiah’s Final Reforms (Nehemiah 13:1–31)
  Nehemiah comes back and finds that some people have gone off track. He corrects them and helps them return to God’s ways.

These sections show the full journey—hearing the need, building together, learning the faith, and staying true to God.

The Book of Nehemiah has many people who help move the story forward. Some are leaders. Some are workers. Some try to stop the work. Each one plays a part.

• Nehemiah – He is the main person in the story. He leaves his job in Persia to help rebuild Jerusalem. He leads with courage, prayer, and hard work.
• Ezra – He is a priest and teacher of the Law. He helps the people understand God’s Word and leads them in worship and prayer.
• Sanballat – He is an enemy of the Jews. He tries to stop the wall from being built. He uses threats and tricks.
• Tobiah – He works with Sanballat to make trouble. He even has ties to some of the people in Jerusalem.
• The People of Jerusalem – Men, women, and families help build the wall. Each group takes a part. They pray, work, and worship together.
• The Levites and Priests – They lead the worship and teach the Law. They also take care of the temple and the people’s offerings.

These people show how different roles matter. Some help build. Some pray. Some lead. Even those who try to stop the work help make the story clear.

The story of Nehemiah still speaks to us now. It shows what it means to care for others, serve with faith, and work together for good. These lessons are just as important today as they were long ago.

Many people today see things around them that are broken. This could be in families, schools, parishes, or even whole communities. Nehemiah saw something broken too, and he did not walk away. He prayed, made a plan, and got to work. His story reminds us that we can take action when we see a need.

Nehemiah also shows us that prayer and trust in God should be part of everything we do. Before speaking or acting, he prays. When people laugh at him or try to stop him, he still prays. He never gives up. That kind of faith can guide us in hard times too.

The Book of Nehemiah also reminds us that we need each other. No one builds a wall alone. The people work side by side, and each person has a part. The same is true in the Church. We all have something to offer. When we work together with faith, good things can happen.

The Book of Nehemiah does not appear often in the readings at Mass, but it is still included in the Roman Catholic lectionary. When it is read, it often focuses on prayer, worship, and the power of God’s Word.

One well-known reading comes from Nehemiah chapter 8. In this passage, Ezra reads the Law to the people. They stand and listen carefully. They begin to weep, but Ezra and Nehemiah remind them to rejoice. This reading shows how important God’s Word is to the community. It is sometimes used when the Church wants to highlight the joy of Scripture.

Even though Nehemiah is not read often, its message still fits well with Catholic life. It shows the value of prayer, service, and working together for what is right.

Click on a link below for more information and resources for a specific reading.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The Joy of God’s Word

In Nehemiah 8:2-4A, 5-6, 8-10, the people gather to hear Ezra read the Law of God. They listen closely and stand with respect. Men, women, and even children are there. As Ezra reads, others help explain the meaning so everyone can understand. The people begin to cry, touched by what they hear.

Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites tell the people not to be sad. This is a day of joy. They remind everyone to celebrate, share food, and be glad. God’s Word is a gift, and understanding it brings strength. This moment marks a return to faith for the community, filled with worship, learning, and hope.

Nehemiah is also read during weekday Masses. These readings show parts of the story about rebuilding the wall and renewing the people’s faith. They are reminders of staying faithful in times of trouble.

• Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time I –  Nehemiah 2:1-8: A Request to Rebuild
• Thursday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time I –  Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12: The Reading of the Law

Nehemiah’s Call to Rebuild

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz focuses on Nehemiah chapters 1 and 2. He explains that Nehemiah hears about the broken walls of Jerusalem and responds with prayer, fasting, and mourning. Fr. Mike highlights how Nehemiah’s first reaction to bad news is to turn to God.

Fr. Mike points out that Nehemiah accepts responsibility for the sins of his people and asks God for help. He admires how Nehemiah prays before making a request to the king and trusts God even in fear. When the king notices Nehemiah’s sadness, Nehemiah seizes the moment but does so with prayer.

Fr. Mike notes how prepared Nehemiah is. He knows what he needs and asks for letters and supplies. When people oppose him, Nehemiah doesn’t panic. He trusts that God will help. Fr. Mike says this shows great leadership.

Fr. Mike calls the Book of Nehemiah a masterclass in how to follow God clearly and boldly. He says Nehemiah is just building walls, but it matters because God asked him to do it.

Many Hands, One Wall

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Nehemiah chapter 3. He explains that Nehemiah didn’t rebuild the wall alone. Many people worked together, each one taking a different section. This teamwork shows how big things happen when people each do their part.

Fr. Mike points out how even the high priest and other priests got to work right away. They didn’t wait or think the job was beneath them. He shares a story from seminary about how priests should be ready to work hard, just like Eliashib and the others who built and consecrated the Sheep Gate.

He also notices that some nobles refused to help. Fr. Mike challenges us to ask if we ever think certain work is “below us.” He reminds us that all work, when done for God, has meaning.

Finally, Fr. Mike reflects on those who repaired the wall near their homes. This could show either humility or a small-hearted attitude. He invites us to ask God whether we’re being called to care for our small corner or to reach out and help others too.

Building with One Hand, Guarding with the Other

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Nehemiah chapters 4 and 5. He explains how the people face heavy opposition while rebuilding the wall. Their enemies mock them and even plan to attack. But Nehemiah leads with prayer and action. They keep building while standing guard.

Fr. Mike says Nehemiah shows strong leadership by turning to God first. He also takes real steps to protect the workers. Some hold a tool in one hand and a sword in the other. Fr. Mike reminds us that doing God’s work doesn’t mean we won’t face problems.

In chapter 5, Fr. Mike highlights how Nehemiah handles injustice among the people. The poor are being mistreated, and Nehemiah steps in. He tells the leaders to stop charging interest and to return what they’ve taken. He leads by example and refuses to take the food allowance as governor.

Fr. Mike says Nehemiah is one of the most consistent leaders in Scripture. He prays, he acts, and he puts others first. He stays focused on the mission and trusts in the Lord while doing the hard work.

I Cannot Come Down

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Nehemiah chapters 6 and 7. He focuses on Nehemiah’s courage and how he keeps working even when people try to stop him. When enemies try to trap him, Nehemiah answers, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” Fr. Mike says this line is helpful for all of us when others try to distract us from what God has called us to do.

Fr. Mike points out how Nehemiah faces fear and pressure but stays steady. He prays for strength and refuses to run away or hide in the temple. Even when people try to scare him into sin, he stays faithful. He keeps his focus and asks God to keep his hands strong.

Chapter 7 includes a long list of names. Fr. Mike says these names matter because they show this is a real story with real people. Each person listed had a part to play. He reminds us that we are also part of the story God is telling today.

The Word That Pierces the Heart

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Nehemiah chapter 8. He shares how Ezra reads the law of God to the people. The people listen closely and begin to weep. Fr. Mike says this happens because they realize how far they’ve drifted from God.

Fr. Mike explains that the law is not just a list of rules. It comes from a relationship. The people weep because they see the beauty of God’s justice and mercy. They’re reminded they belong to the Lord.

He points out that Ezra and Nehemiah tell the people not to mourn. This day is holy, and they should celebrate. Fr. Mike reminds us of the line, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Fr. Mike says that many people know their religion by name but forget what it really means. Hearing the law again helps the people remember who they are. It shows them they are God’s people, loved and chosen.

Remembering God’s Faithfulness

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Nehemiah chapter 9. He explains that Ezra retells the story of God’s goodness to the people. Ezra reminds them that every good thing they have comes from the Lord.

Fr. Mike says Ezra doesn’t just tell the story to the people. He tells it back to God in prayer. He thanks God for His care and admits that the people turned away from Him.

Fr. Mike highlights two key ideas. First, God has done every good thing. Second, when things went badly, it was because of the people’s choices.

He says Ezra also shows us what true prayer looks like. It’s honest and clear. Ezra praises God, admits failure, and asks for help because God is faithful.

Choosing to Belong to God Again

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Nehemiah chapter 10. He explains that the people of Israel make a firm decision to renew their covenant with God. They sign their names and commit to living by God’s law.

Fr. Mike says this is a big shift from the time of the divided kingdom. Back then, people turned to false gods and gave up on the covenant. But now, the people choose faithfulness. They say yes to being God’s people again.

He points out that real relationships come with both rights and duties. The people take responsibility for their worship, their tithes, and how they live. Fr. Mike compares it to someone who left the Church but returns with new faith.

This moment in Nehemiah shows a kind of revival. Fr. Mike says it began when the people heard the law and remembered who they are. They are choosing to live like they belong to God.

Ancestral Homes and Personal Choices

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Nehemiah chapter 11. He explains that one out of every ten people was chosen to live in Jerusalem. The rest stayed in their own towns. Living in Jerusalem was an honor, but staying in your ancestral home was also important.

Fr. Mike talks about how each tribe had land passed down through generations. He says this was a gift, but it could also feel like a burden. Some families were faithful with what they had. Others were not.

He says our family history shapes us, but it doesn’t control us. We can break away from bad patterns or build on the good. Fr. Mike reminds us that what we do with what we’re given is our choice.

Nehemiah 11 shows people returning to their roots. Fr. Mike encourages us to think about how we use the gifts we’ve received. He says each of us has a part to play.

Celebrating with Joy and Gratitude

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Nehemiah chapter 12. He talks about the dedication of the wall and how the people gathered with joy, music, and thanksgiving. The Levites and singers came from all around to celebrate what God had done.

Fr. Mike points out how the people gave thanks in two large groups, walking along the top of the wall. He highlights the joyful mood and how everyone—even women and children—joined in. Their joy was so great that it could be heard far away.

He also talks about how the priests and Levites were honored and how everyone gave what was needed for worship. Fr. Mike mentions that the people took care of the singers and gatekeepers, just as King David had taught long ago.

Through it all, Fr. Mike says the people were thankful. They remembered God’s help and wanted to show their joy. Nehemiah 12 shows a moment of real celebration and faith.

Nehemiah’s Return and the Same Old Struggles

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Nehemiah chapter 13. He explains how Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and finds that the people have gone back to old sins. The priests are corrupt, the Sabbath is ignored, and there is more intermarriage with foreign nations.

Fr. Mike points out that Nehemiah takes strong action. He clears out the temple, sets things right, and calls people back to faithfulness. He even reminds them of King Solomon, who was led into sin because of foreign wives.

Fr. Mike says this chapter shows how easy it is to drift from God, even after a fresh start. Nehemiah had left everything in good order, but the people fell back into bad habits when he was gone.

Fr. Mike reminds us that Nehemiah ends the book with the same message it began with—calling the people to return to God. Even after progress, we still need to stay alert and faithful.

The Bible

Want to learn more about the Bible? Whether you’re new to Scripture or just looking for a fresh start, we have a simple resource to help you get going. It’s a great place to begin your journey.

Visit our page about Reading the Bible. It explains how to start reading, what to expect, and why it matters. It’s made for teens, families, and anyone who wants to grow in faith.

Who was Nehemiah?

Nehemiah was a Jewish man who worked for the king of Persia. He later became governor of Jerusalem and helped rebuild the city walls.

Why is Nehemiah important in the Bible?

Nehemiah showed strong faith and leadership. He helped the people return to God and rebuild their city after years of trouble.

Is Nehemiah a prophet?

No, Nehemiah was not a prophet. He was a leader and servant who trusted God and helped others.

What is the main message of Nehemiah?

The book shows that prayer, hard work, and trust in God can help us face big problems. It also reminds us to stay faithful.

Does the Catholic Church read Nehemiah at Mass?

Yes, parts of Nehemiah are read during weekday Masses. One well-known reading is when Ezra reads the Law to the people.

How does Nehemiah connect to Catholic life today?

Nehemiah teaches us to care for others, stay close to God, and work together as a community.

The Book of Nehemiah tells how one man left a high position in a foreign land to help his people. Nehemiah lived in Persia, but his heart was with Jerusalem. When he heard the walls were broken and the people were suffering, he prayed and made a plan to help.

With the king’s support, Nehemiah went to Jerusalem. He faced many challenges. Enemies tried to stop the work. Some of his own people were discouraged. But Nehemiah stayed strong. He led with courage, and the people rebuilt the wall in just fifty-two days.

The book is not just about a wall. It’s also about worship and faith. Nehemiah worked with Ezra the priest to teach the people God’s Law. They prayed, confessed their sins, and promised to follow God again.

Nehemiah’s story reminds Catholics today to pray often, serve others, and work together for what is right. His life shows that one person, guided by faith, can help rebuild a community.

Take time to read the Book of Nehemiah. It’s a short but meaningful story that speaks to everyday struggles. It shows how faith and action go hand in hand.

After reading, we’d love to hear from you. Share what stood out to you in the comments. Has Nehemiah ever inspired you to step up and help others?