Israel came before the Lord in sackcloth and ashes to confess their sins to God recognizing that he was faithful and they and their fathers were disobedient. The land of milk and honey which he gave them was now ruled over by foreign kings who had dominion even over their bodies.

Esdras read the book of the law to the people. Who discovered they were guilty of breaking God's commandments. However, this was a holy day (likely celebration in anticipation of the birth of Christ). They were told to rejoice and to keep the feast of booths. (Is this a celebration of the savior being born in a manger?)

This chapter identifies the names of the children of the captivity.

Sanaballat and Tobias attempted to set many traps for Neemias particularly as the work neared completion. And after it was done fear overcame the enemies of Israel because they understood the work was complete because of God.

Nehemiah confronted the nobles and the princes and demanded they put an end to extorting their own brethren.

The builders in Jerusalem had to work armed in one hand, with their tool in the other.

This chapter is an accounting of who repaired what on the wall.

King Arthasastha sees Nehemiah's sorrow of heart and granted him permission to go and rebuild Jerusalem. He sends an authorization letter ahead and letters granting him the lumber for the work.

Nehemiah mourns for Jerusalem and weeps and fasts and prays to God for forgiveness for Israel, favor in God's eyes, and mercy in the sight of the king

All Israel meets to discuss the matter of the strange wives and their children and agree to divorce them and put them away