While I read through the Book of Nehemiah and contemplate its meaning for then and now, I am struck by the similarity of the problems he faced. (Nehemiah sought to restore a fallen nation to notoriety.) I’ll list them for you below to see and consider yourself.
First, consider what Solomon must have witnessed over a thousand years ago to say…
Eccl 1:9 That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.
Nehemiah’s List of Problems
1. Walls broken and gates burned (Nehemiah 1:2-3)
2. False accusation of the workers (Nehemiah 2:19)
3. Ridicule of the workers (Nehemiah 4:1-3)
4. Plot to attack the workers (Nehemiah 4:7-8)
5. Physical exhaustion and threat of murder (Nehemiah 4:10-12)
6. Economic crisis and greed (Nehemiah 5:1-5)
7. Plot to assassinate (Nehemiah or at least harm) Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:1-2)
8. Slander against Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:5-7)
9. Plot to discredit Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:13)
10. Tobiah moved into a temple storeroom (Nehemiah 13:4-7)
11. Neglect of temple tithes and offerings (Nehemiah 13:10)
12. Violation of the Sabbath by business activities (Nehemiah 13:15-16)
13. Mixed marriages (Nehemiah 13:23-24)
(This list is from Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament Copyright © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries; Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament Copyright © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries. All rights reserved. PC Study Bible Demonstration)