What Made Nehemiah Different

Nehemiah means “Comfort of Yahweh”. He was the cupbearer to the King in the Persian palace. He led the third and last return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Nehemiah learnt of the afflictions of those at Jerusalem. He was concerned and asked the King for a favour. The king granted him permission to return and rebuild the shattered walls of his homeland. Nehemiah encouraged his countrymen to take part in the rebuilding. Despite opposition from without and abuse from within, the task was completed in record 52 days!! Even the enemies of Israel attributed this miracle to God.

Nehemiah 6:15 -16: So, the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

The following are attributes that make Nehemiah different from other leaders:

He stood in the gap, fasted and interceded on behalf of the sins of Israel, He reminded God of the covenant with Israel and pleaded for His mercy Nehemiah 1:1-11.

He was bold enough to approach the King and asked for permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and letters of favour to get timber.

Nehemiah refused to be discouraged by Sanballat and Tobiah the Ammonite, who were laughing and despising his efforts. He prayed and God heard him. Nehemiah 4:1-4.

Nehemiah was a very generous leader as a governor. He gave money to the children of Israel for grain and wine because he feared God. He did not take advantage of the people.

Sanballat and Tobiah tried to distract him by asking him to come for a meeting in the valley of Ono. He refused but responded that he was doing a great work. Nehemiah 6:1-8 He was not moved by the lies of the enemy and refused to retaliate.

Lessons from Nehemiah is to be focused and determined so that God can entrust us with great assignments. Trust God for everything, He has the answers to all our needs. Nehemiah was diligent in supervising the worked and it was completed in record time. With the Favour of God, you can ask for anything boldly and it will be granted.

Praise be to His Holy Name!!