Theme - The Book of Nehemiah is largely a personal narrative relating the work accomplished by the nobleman for whom it is named. Nehemiah was appointed governor of Palestine by Artaxerxes, and in this official capacity led in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and in making significant reforms. He was joined in his reforms by Ezra, and these two illustrious souls worked in close cooperation.

Outline - A simple analysis in eight principle divisions follows: I. Nehemiah's Journey to Jerusalem (1:1-2:20) II. The Rebuilding of the Wall (3:1-6:19) III. The Taking of a General Census (7:1-73) IV. The Renewal of the Covenant and Religious Revival (8:1-11:36) V. The Census of the Priests and Levites (12:1-26) VI. The Dedication of the Rebuilt Wall (12:27-43) VII. The Restoration of Temple Worship (12:44-47) VIII. The Second Tenure of Service as Governor; The Effectuation of Additional Reforms (13:1-31)

According to Ussher, the records of Nehemiah cover eleven years. Considering the fact of Nehemiah's governorship of Palestine was interrupted by a return to Babylon and that he later resumed his duties in Jerusalem, Ussher's calculation appears somewhat short.