Synopsis of The Book of Nehemiah

Synopsis: Nehemiah (was the cup bearer of King Artaxerxes of Persia) upon hearing of the pains done unto his Jews in Jerusalem prays unto God to have his blessings return. God grants this to which Artaxerxes allows his cup bearer to return home with the king's blessing (letters) to rebuild the walls. He does this in 12 years; rebuilding the great wall, the broad wall, the sheep gate, the fish gate, the valley gate, the gate of the fountain, and the dung gate listed amongst others. Sanballat threatens his people repeatedly to which he arms them and his people even slept clothed so as to be constantly vigilante. Upon hearing of his peoples usury (debting), Nehemiah rebukes his people and does away with usury, so all the debts are dropped and everything and everyone are returned. when the walls are finished he appoints his brother Hananai and the palace ruler Hananaih to rule Jerusalem, A genealogy is reckoned to gather the people which equals 42,360 Jews in the congregation (a devastatingly low number in comparison to the numbers in, well, Numbers). Those not in the genealogy were not allowed to eat of holy things until they held Urim and Thummim in front of a priest (these stones stand for yes and no, or right and wrong, from what I grasp). Upon this completion Ezra reads the Book of Moses, the book found in Ezra, to the entire congregation which stands as the book is opened. The reading was done so that all could understand. The congregation then cut booths for the celebration of the Seventh Month (HARVEST) and reaffirmed their covenant with the Lord. the feast lasted Seven days. than the rulers were stayed in Jerusalem and by lot 1/10 of the Jews moved to Jerusalem to inhabit the newly built city. And Nehemiah served in the way of Moses, and the way of the Lord. Those of mixed blood were sent without and Sabbath was kept holy by law, and the tithes of the people were given to the Levites and to the singers.