(comfort of Jehovah)
The returned Jews civilly. Thirteen years after Ezra, Nehemiah, having God’s interests at heart, felt the state, prayed, confessed, and returned to the place (1:9) where God had chosen to put His name (Deut. 12). There they worked and warred on the wall and sought the civil welfare of God’s people, especially the poor. Encouraged by the word of God he rejected the help of the subtle enemy from without and within, preferring God’s help and consequently drew down persecution. In “difficult times,” “troublous times” (Dan. 9:26), a day of ruin, a humble remnant represents the whole body, returns to the word, feels the ruin but finds “the joy of the Lord” (that is, His joy in them thus gathered) gives them “a little strength.” This younger “layman,” Nehemiah, has to supplement and revive the venerable priest and scribe, Ezra, who preceded him years before, and diligently correct the abuses of the declining people. Malachi records the still further shameful declension.
Nehemiah is the author, chapter 1 verse 1.
B.C. 455-443, just 12 years (5:14 and 13:6, 7).