Nehemiah
2 Esdras in the Douay-Rheims
This Book takes its name from the writer, who was cupbearer to Artaxerxes (surnamed Longimanus) king of Persia, and was sent by him with a commission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. It is also called the second book of Esdras; because it is a continuation of the history, begun by Esdras, of the state of the people of God after their return from captivity.
- 1 Chapter 1 Nehemiah hearing the miserable state of his countrymen in Judea, lamenteth, fasteth, and prayeth to God for their relief.
- 2 Chapter 2 Nehemiah with commission from king Artaxerxes cometh to Jerusalem: and exhorteth the Jews to rebuild the walls.
- 3 Chapter 3 They begin to build the walls: the names and order of the builders.
- 4 Chapter 4 The building is carried on notwithstanding the opposition of their enemies.
- 5 Chapter 5 Nehemiah blameth the rich, for their oppressing the poor. His exhortation, and bounty to his countrymen.
- 6 Chapter 6 The enemies seek to terrify Nehemiah. He proceedeth and finisheth the wall.
- 7 Chapter 7 Nehemiah appointeth watchmen in Jerusalem. The list of those who came first from Babylon.
- 8 Chapter 8 Esdras readeth the law before the people. Nehemiah comforteth them. They celebrate the feast of tabernacles.
- 9 Chapter 9 The people repent with fasting and sackcloth. The Levites confess God's benefits, and the people's ingratitude: they pray for them, and make a covenant with God.
- 10 Chapter 10 The names of the subscribers to the covenant, and the contents of it.
- 11 Chapter 11 Who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the other cities.
- 12 Chapter 12 The priests, and Levites that came up with Zorobabel. The succession of high priests: the solemnity of the dedication of the wall.
- 13 Chapter 13 Divers abuses are reformed.