Nehemiah lived in a day and age when Judea and Jerusalem were in shambles. More than a century earlier, after God had given them countless warnings to turn away from their wickedness, the Lord withdrew from His temple and allowed the kingdom of Judah to fall. The Babylonians invaded, destroyed the temple, tore down their buildings, demolished the city walls, led the Jews into exile, leaving the holy city of Jerusalem in ruins. When the Jews were finally permitted to return, they had the monumental task of rebuilding the city and rebuilding their covenantal relationship with God. As we watch our own society plunging into decline, Nehemiah offers an encouraging message of hope and a sacred call to action.