Nehemiah 5-7

“For they recognized the work had been accomplished with the help of our God” (6:16).  Rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls was a miraculous accomplishment for the small community of returned exiles, and their enemies recognized God’s hand.  They had tried to discourage the Jews, but under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, the work had continued.  While Ezra taught that marrying unbelievers was disastrous (Ezra 10), Nehemiah condemned the wealthier citizens for enslaving the poor and taking their land (Neh 5). 

The reconstruction of Jerusalem was pointless without spiritual renewal.  As God helped the Jews rebuild, He also wanted them to live in obedience to His ways.