When David’s son Solomon died, the kingdom split into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. Each had many kings. Judah fell in 586 B.C. because it was very evil. The people were sent to Babylon. When Babylon fell, Persia took over.
Nehemiah, an Israelite, lived in Persia. He was the king’s cupbearer. One day, Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem (Israel’s old capital city) was in ruins. He prayed to God, “Please, Lord, do something!”
The king saw that Nehemiah was sad. He asked why. Nehemiah told the king about Jerusalem. The king let Nehemiah go and rebuild the walls.
Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem and gathered a team of workers.
The enemies of Israel didn’t like what they were doing. They tried to attack them, but God protected Israel. Nehemiah made an army. The enemies saw they couldn’t stop the Israelites. God was on their side.
While rebuilding the walls, Nehemiah helped poor people.
Ezra read the law, and the people listened. The Israelites admitted they sinned against God and repented. Then they praised the Lord.
The builders finally finished the wall after 52 days. Nehemiah prayed, “O Lord, please, remember all that I have done!” That ends Nehemiah’s story.
What we can learn:
1. Prayer produces miracles.
2. God protects us.
3. God shows other people His power.
4. Repent to God if you have sinned. God will forgive you.
5. With God, nothing is impossible!
