This reading began with discussing the leaders in Jerusalem. Some of them lived in Jerusalem while others remained in their own towns of Judah. It discussed who these people were, the family they came from, and how many of each there were.
It then went on to discuss the villages outside of Jerusalem, listing them all out and briefly stating who was in each.
The priests and Levites were next in listing the names of them, their families, and who was ruling at their time.
When the time came to dedicate the wall of Jerusalem, all of the Levites were sought and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication. There was gladness, thanksgiving, singing, and music.
There were two choirs appointed to give thanks. One went to the south on the wall and the other went to the north. This part also listed out the names of people that went with each choir.
Both choirs of those who gave thanks, Nehemiah, and half the officials stood in the house of God. They sang and gave thanks and made great sacrifices. “For God had made them rejoice with great joy.”
On that day men were appointed over different duties and they performed the service of their God.
This book ended with Nehemiah’s final reforms and they read from the Book of Moses. The people were reminded not to mix with peoples of foreign lands; to give the portions where they were appointed; and to do no work on the Sabbath.
Nehemiah became very angry during this time because people were starting to disobey these rules. They would buy and sell goods on the Sabbath, and did not stop until Nehemiah forced them to.
Even at the end of the book Nehemiah continued to follow the Lord and abide by the rules and statutes. He said, “Remember me, O my God, for good.”