Nehemiah

The Book of Nehemias, also called the Second Book of Esdras

This book takes its name from the writer, who was cupbearer to Artaxerxes (surnamed Longimanus) king of Persia, and was sent by him with a commission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. It is also called the second book of Esdras; because it is a continuation of the history, begun by Esdras, of the state of the people of God after their return from captivity. (For more information, see the article NEHEMIAS in the Catholic Encyclopedia.)

Chapter 1. Nehemias hearing the miserable state of his countrymen in Judea, lamenteth, fasteth, and prayeth to God for their relief.
Chapter 2. Nehemias with commission from king Artaxerxes cometh to Jerusalem: and exhorteth the Jews to rebuild the walls.
Chapter 3. They begin to build the walls: the names and order of the builders.
Chapter 4. The building is carried on notwithstanding the opposition of their enemies.
Chapter 5. Nehemias blameth the rich, for their oppressing the poor. His exhortation, and bounty to his countrymen.
Chapter 6. The enemies seek to terrify Nehemias. He proceedeth and finisheth the wall.
Chapter 7. Nehemias appointeth watchmen in Jerusalem. The list of those who came first from Babylon.
Chapter 8. Esdras readeth the law before the people. Nehemias comforteth them. They celebrate the feast of tabernacles.
Chapter 9. The people repent with fasting and sackcloth. The Levites confess God's benefits, and the people's ingratitude: they pray for them, and make a covenant with God.
Chapter 10. The names of the subscribers to the covenant, and the contents of it.
Chapter 11. Who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the other cities.
Chapter 12. The priests, and Levites that came up with Zorobabel. The succession of high priests: the solemnity of the dedication of the wall.
Chapter 13. Divers abuses are reformed.