Nehemiah, Theology of
Doctrine of God. God is introduced as the God of heaven ( 1:4-5 ). He is great, mighty, powerful, and awesome ( 1:5 ; 6:16 ; 9:32 ). The one whose name is Yahweh is the only being worthy to be called God ( 9:6 ). Multitudes of heaven bow down before their Creator, who made all their host and gave life to all ( 9:6 ). This great Lord is exalted above all blessing ( 9:5 ).
God also enters into covenant with men. He brought Abram out of Ur and changed his name to Abraham ( 9:7 ). He was able to look into the man's heart and know that he was faithful. He himself makes his promises and fulfills them ( 9:8 ). Yahweh is reliable and can be counted on to do what he says ( 9:32 ). He preserves his covenant and lovingkindness for those who love him and keep his word ( 1:5 ). He fulfills his promises because he is righteous ( 9:8 ).
Yahweh is the redeemer who brought his people out of Egypt by his great power and strong hand ( 1:10 ). He first saw their affliction and then delivered them with wondrous signs ( 9:9 ). He is their lawgiver from Mount Sinai and their preserver and sustainer in the wilderness.
He is not only the God of redemptive history; he is also the God who was favorable to Nehemiah ( 2:18 ). Nehemiah recognized that all of his thoughts prompting him to rebuild were put into his heart by God ( 2:12 ). The carrying out of these thoughts was done by the help of his God ( 4:14 ).
The greatest emphasis on the nature of God in this book concerns his lovingkindness, grace, and mercy. The remnant based their hopes for survival on the ancient "mercy confession" of Exodus 34:6. The Lord is a God of forgiveness, grace, and compassion, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness ( 9:17 ). Therefore he did not forsake Israel because of the golden calf episode ( Exod 32 ). He had great compassion on Israel in the wilderness, providing for all their needs ( 9:27-31 ).
For the small group of refugees God's mercy was not only a historical event but also a present reality. They base their ability to survive as a nation on it. Although God is compassionate, however, he is also just and righteous. Everything he brought upon the rebellious people was fair and just ( 9:33 ).
The People of God. To their enemies they are "feeble Jews" ( 4:2 ). They are in dire straights, having become slaves on their own land ( 9:36 ). Persian kings rule over their own bodies ( 9:37 ). Even their own brethren threaten to plunge them into serfdom ( 5:1-5 ). Yet, at the same time, they are the people whom Yahweh redeemed by his great power and strong hand ( 1:10 ).
In the midst of weakness and distress they "worked with all their heart" ( 4:6 ). Almost as one person they put their hand to the good work ( 2:18 ). Though there are some nobles who disdained to work on the wall, daughters are said to have worked alongside their father ( Nehemiah 3:5 Nehemiah 3:12 ). With swords in one hand and tools in the other they worked from dawn until the stars came out ( Nehemiah 4:17 Nehemiah 4:21 ).
In the past their fathers acted arrogantly, would not listen, and failed to remember God's wondrous deeds ( 9:16 ). They cast the law behind them and killed the prophets ( 9:25 ). Their sons are mourning and confessing their sins. They stand as one person shivering in the rain to listen to the Torah in chapters 8 and 9.