Nehemiah and the remainder of the Jewish exiles lived in the lands of the Persian Empire. Even though Nehemiah was a foreigner, he had a job of great honor, serving King Artaxerxes as a cupbearer. By the time of the exile’s end, some Jews had already returned in two groups with Zerubbabel and Ezra.

Yet the city and its walls remained in ruins. When the Almighty has a plan, He sets aside certain people to carry it out. Nehemiah was one of those servants who willingly renounced his stable life in the king’s court to lead back the Israelite remnant.

And that was how the city was rebuilt in 52 days after having lain in ruins for almost a hundred years.

Despite a great deal of opposition, the walls and gates were restored, and the nation took on a new life. Like Jerusalem had once been, the family, financial, spiritual and love lives of some people have been torn down. They need belief, courage, and willingness to rebuild these areas of their lives, for there is much resistance from the forces of hell to impede them from achieving their goal.