Chapter 1Nehemiah mourns, fasts, and prays for the Jews in Jerusalem. Chapter 2Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem—Sanballat and others oppose Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem. Chapter 3The names and order of those who help to build the walls and gates of Jerusalem are listed. Chapter 4The Jews’ enemies seek to prevent them from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem—Nehemiah arms the laborers and keeps the work progressing. Chapter 5Many Jews are in bondage to their fellow Jews—At Nehemiah’s direction they are freed, their lands are restored, and the taking of usury is discontinued. Chapter 6Sanballat engages in intrigue against Nehemiah and the building of the wall—The Jews finish the construction of the wall. Chapter 7Provision is made to protect Jerusalem—The genealogy is given of the Jews who returned from Babylon—Priests without genealogical records are denied the priesthood. Chapter 8Ezra reads and interprets the law of Moses to the people—They keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Chapter 9The Jews fast and confess their sins—The Levites bless and praise the Lord and recite His goodness toward Israel. Chapter 10The people covenant not to marry outside of Israel—They also covenant to honor the Sabbath, to pay tithes, and to keep the commandments. Chapter 11The people and their overseers are elected by lot to dwell in Jerusalem and the other cities. Chapter 12The priests and Levites who came up from Babylon are named—The walls of Jerusalem are dedicated—The offices of priests and Levites are appointed in the temple. Chapter 13The Ammonites and Moabites are denied a place in the congregation of God—Tobiah is ejected from his dwelling place in the temple—Nehemiah corrects abuses and reinstitutes Sabbath observance—Some Jews are rebuked for marrying non-Israelite women and defiling the priesthood.