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Affliction and reproach

Nehemiah 1:3 "And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire."

The details in this verse provide important context for the rest of the book.

Nehemiah asks certain men of Judah what has come of those who survived the exile? And what about Jerusalem?

Nehemiah has never seen Jerusalem. But the city and people of God are of deep concern to him.

They are having this conversation nearly 100 years after the first captives from Babylon have come back to the Promised Land.

The discussion takes place in Shushan, the capital city of the Persians, where Nehemiah lives.

The report is not good. While residents of Jerusalem have tried to rebuild the walls before, they were prevented by their enemies.

This city, of key importance to the Jewish people, and central to the plans of God for Israel, remains in ruins.

God’s people are vulnerable and have no defense. But God is about to use this man to turn things around.

Nehemiah 1:3 "And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire."