Nehemiah's Journey
Neh 1–2 · 445 BC
From the Persian royal court to the ruins of Jerusalem – Nehemiah rides out at night to inspect the broken walls and rebuilds the city (Neh 1–6).
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Nehemiah’s Journey on map
Neh 1–2 · 445 BC
From the Persian royal court to the ruins of Jerusalem – Nehemiah rides out at night to inspect the broken walls and rebuilds the city (Neh 1–6).
Trip stops (9)
1
Susa (Persian winter residence)
Neh 1:1-11
Nehemiah is cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. He receives news from Jerusalem: "The wall is broken down, and its gates are burned." He fasts, mourns and prays for four months.
2
Susa (before the king)
Neh 2:1-8
The king sees his sorrow: "Why is your face sad?" Nehemiah prays a silent prayer – and dares to ask for leave to rebuild Jerusalem. The king gives him letters, materials and a military escort.
3
Through the province Beyond the River
Neh 2:9
Nehemiah travels with army officers and horsemen. He shows the governors the king's letters. Sanballat and Tobiah hear of the journey and are greatly displeased.
4
Jerusalem (arrival)
Neh 2:11-12
Nehemiah spends three days in Jerusalem without telling anyone his plan. "I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do."
5
The Valley Gate (night ride)
Neh 2:13
At night Nehemiah rides out through the Valley Gate with only a few men. He inspects the broken walls and burned gates.
6
The Dung Gate
Neh 2:13
On along the south side. The walls lie in rubble, the gates in ashes.
7
The Fountain Gate and the King's Pool
Neh 2:14
There is so much rubble that his animal cannot get through. Nehemiah notes everything in the dark.
8
The Kidron valley (up along the wall)
Neh 2:15
He goes up along the Kidron valley and examines the wall from below. Then he turns back and rides in through the Valley Gate again.
9
Jerusalem (the speech to the people)
Neh 2:17-20
Nehemiah gathers the priests, nobles and officials: "You see the trouble we are in – Jerusalem lies in ruins. Come, let us rebuild the wall!" They answer: "Let us rise up and build!" The wall is rebuilt in 52 days.