Nehemiah was in mourning because the walls of Jerusalem had been broken down. At the time that he heard about the walls he was in the area of Susa (southwest Iran today). Nehemiah held an important position with the king and surely was respected and trusted by the king. Again King Artaxerxes shows his moral character by noticing the sadness displayed by Nehemiah and offering to let him go to Jerusalem. And again the leaders of Trans-Euphrates get a letter telling them to give safe passage to yet another Jewish refugee and to provide supplies.

When Nehemiah told the leaders about the ruins of the walls of Jerusalem, he inspired them to rebuild the wall.

Scripture next details the division of labor on the rebuilding of the gates. Why such detail? Could it be a reminder that each of us has a part in the Lord's work? Do we sometimes think that our part is insignificant? God doesn't think so.