The book of Nehemiah does not end on a good note. It ends with the people failing in the areas that they said they would obey God's law in. However, the ending of Nehemiah is good in that it shows us that the law cannot save us, and that Jesus removed the curse of the law when he died for sin and gave us the blessing of his righteousness.

Israel renewed their commitment to obey the Lord. The people wanted to obey God in the areas of: marriage and sex, work and rest, money and giving. These were the areas that Israel had historically disobeyed God, and areas we need God's grace for today.

After celebrating the Jewish feasts the Israelites gathered again to read the law, worship, confess, and pray. They sought God through a prayer of repentance that brought about spiritual renewal.

With the wall completed, the people gathered together in unity to hear the Law of God read aloud. Ezra would read clearly and give sense to its meaning. The people were renewed by the truth they heard.

The spiritual battle is never ending in this life. After both external and internal opposition, Nehemiah is faced with a more subtle kind of attack - the scheming opposition of enemies.

The work on the wall had to stop because a great outcry arose among the people of God. Nehemiah corrected the leaders who were oppressing families and thankfully they responded with repentance.

When the enemy heard that the wall was being built with its breaches were closing in the enemy became angry. Nehemiah 4 shows us what opposition is and how to overcome it when a work of God is happening in your life.

The work of building the wall begins. What appears to be a long list of names in Nehemiah 3, actually shows us great truth and application for how we are to work together to build God's church and advance his kingdom.

The king grants Nehemiah's request to go rebuild Jerusalem for the good hand of God upon Nehemiah's good work.

Upon hearing about the condition of Jerusalem and the people of God, Nehemiah was struck with deep sadness and he was moved to prayer. Nehemiah's prayer sets a foundation for the rebuilding of the wall and the renewal of the people of God.