Nehemia, and Ezra, are two of the least read books of the Scriptures by Christians.
So sad though, because they are rich in history of how the Jews were more devoted than ever after the return, then they ever were before their captivity.
Which is why I was eager to illustrate them. I must add that they were as difficult as any I've attempted; by contrast, I've moved on now to Esther, which is as easy as any.
more devoted than ever after the return, then they ever were before their captivity
If true, it demonstrates God's wisdom: captivity >>>yields>>> devotion. But seemingly their deeper devotion still tripped over Israel's classic Stumbling Block of Self-Salvation, as it does even today.