An Israelite nobleman in Babylon in the Old Testament (either a Levite or of the tribe of Judah) who held the office of cupbearer at the court of Artaxerxes, from whom he obtained a royal commission authorizing him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

The book of Nehemiah: This book is a continuation of the book of Ezra. It contains an account of the progress and difficulties of the work at Jerusalem following the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity. Chapters 1-7 tell of Nehemiah’s first visit to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the city walls, in spite of great opposition. Chapters 8-10 describe the religious and social reforms that Nehemiah tried to implement. Chapters 11-13 give a list of names of those worthy and give an account of the dedication of the wall. Verses 4-31 of chapter 13 record a second visit by Nehemiah to Jerusalem after being away for twelve years.