Turning broken down walls into windows of blessing Nehemiah 2:16-19; 4:1-9, 13-14; 5:6-12; 6:10-16; 10:28f

Susa, Persia Nehemiah Jerusalem, 444 BC City still in ruins: 586BC destroyed 536 BC exiles returned Jerusalem destruction: 605, 595, 586, city, walls and Temple destroyed; Jews exiled to Babylon, 70 years. Babylon defeated by Persians in 537BC 536BC Cyrus, King of Persia, released the exiles to go home. Some stayed in Persia Temple, smaller model constructed; Ezra Walls in ruins – 100 years. 444 BC - Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerzes of Persia – report about Jerusalem The city is still in ruins. Nehemiah 1:3-4; Word from the Lord Nehemiah 2 – goes to King and receives permission Arrives in Jerusalem – 2:17-18