In this book, Nehemiah learns that the Hebrew exiles who had returned to Jerusalem in Judea after the exile were living in great danger. The walls and gates surrounding Jerusalem were broken and burnt. The people had no way to protect themselves or the newly rebuilt Temple. Nehemiah was serving the King of Persia in Susa, at least a 2-week journey away. What could he do, and what was his responsibility? Nehemiah gathered the right information, he began to intercede, and he considered how God was calling for him to act.
God wants to RENEW a people, REBUILD their Faith (local Church), to RESTORE their witness/testimony to the broken world. To regather a people so His name can dwell in their hearts and then he can send them to the cities, nations, and people groups all over the world. (Kendell Easley, Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible).
