- This book begins by stating that it's the first person account of Nehemiah.
- He says that he was living in the Persian capital, Susa.
- His brother Hanani came to him, and Nehemiah asked him how the Jews who had left exile and returned to Jerusalem were doing.
- Hanani explains that they're in trouble: Jerusalem's wall is broken down and its gates have been burned.
- Nehemiah weeps, mourns, fasts, and prays for days.
- He asks God to listen to his words, as he repents for his family and his nation's failure to keep God's commandments.
- He admits that God told them all this would happen when he gave the law to Moses.
- But he also promised that he'd gather them from exile if they managed to keep his commandments again.
- Nehemiah asks God for success and mercy in the mission he's about to undertake.
- He ends by noting that he was cupbearer to the King of Persia, at this time. This was a pretty important position, so he was really close with the king.