The book of Nehemiah continues on the story of the rebuilding of Israel shortly after the events of Ezra. Much of the book is written in the first person by Nehemiah, but it is understood that Ezra was the overall author/editor of the book.
The themes I considered on reading through the book were threefold (easy to think in terms of threes!). Firstly, there is a continually mention of God behind events, motivations, and actions. Secondly, there is a theme of protection - the walls being built, the weapons held and the watch set, the cancellation of debt for the oppressed. Finally, there is a theme of preparedness - being ready with the next step, considering carefully before responding.
As with Ezra, there are also the themes of reliance on the Law for guidance, teaching, instruction. There is opposition, and there is respect to the appropriate authorities.
The theme of God behind events comes out strongly. Nehemiah was very mindful of it, evidencing due humility before the Lord as to his part in these events. Twice the phrase "that God put it into my heart" occurs, and we see that prayer is an important part of his life. God also influences the opposition - in chapter 4 we see that God frustrated their plan.
Walls of protection were an important thing for any city in those days - they made defence much easier, and enabled control of who came in or went out, if necessary. If the city was provided with a water source (which Jerusalem had), and either stockpiles or a source of food, it could protect those within it for a long time. The walls also provide a high point to watch for approaching enemies. Until the walls went up, Nehemiah ended up setting a guard rotation on, in order to be ready for attacks.
Equally, in our lives we need to be watchful for opposition - attacks can come on many levels, subtle or obvious, powerful or weak, intellectual or emotional - and each can impact on our spiritual wellbeing if we are not prepared to watch and withstand or fight. People today extol an 'open mind' - but as with any good thing, it can be taken too far, and often is. It is fine and indeed exemplary to be willing to listen to a well-reasoned idea, and consider it on its merits even if it challenges what you originally thought. What is not wise is to naively accept anything, or to listen/watch any opinion without considering it carefully. Much can enter through conversation, the media, or entertainment that can influence our ideas unless we are considering critically - watching the gates of the city to only allow the good to remain inside.
The other aspect of protection evident in the passage is that of justice for the oppressed. Despite having the 'right' to a large salary/provision in his role as governor, Nehemiah refused to accept it, because he knew it would be oppressive to the people. Equally, he was outraged to see the wealthy in the land exploiting the workers of the land, requiring high interest rates to maintain mortgages they had to take to pay the taxes to the king, and instituted reform that saw the land and produce returned to the people so they could again succeed. Again, Nehemiah leads by example, lending grain and money to the people without requiring interest.
Finally, the theme of preparedness. This theme is strongest in the first part of the book, where Nehemiah is confronting new situations. When he hears the news about the walls in Jerusalem still being in ruins, he turns immediately to God. When he goes in to see the king as a cupbearer, he has not only considered the problem, but also has a solution prepared if asked. When he comes to Jerusalem, before he tells anyone why he is there, he goes out to assess the situation himself. When he responds to the opposition, the answer is always careful and considered - not an angry retort. When the suggestion is made to protect himself in the Temple, again, he carefully considers the situation and realises that response to danger is wrong, and the suggestion is a trap. When he assigns people to build the wall, there are many assigned beside their own houses - people will make sure it is a good job if they benefit directly from doing their best. He prepares the builders in case of attack. Later, after the wall is built, there is the reading of the law, to protect the people from themselves (sinning against God, and falling again into judgement). We, too, need to prepare ourselves for situations by reading God's Word, and carefully consider situations, and anticipate solutions. Always remembering, of course, on Whom we rely for the outcome, and the wisdom to respond rightly.
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