Nehemiah is a very interesting figure, a complement of sorts to Ezra. Ezra was very much a religious leader for post-exile Israelites, setting a powerful example of righteous conduct and insisting on strict adherence to the Mosaic law. Nehemiah is more of a civic leader to this same group. He calls to mind Joseph. Like Joseph, Nehemiah is a trusted servant of a king--cupbearer to Artaxerxes, king of Persia. Nehemiah learns of the struggles of the remnant of the Israelites in captivity (here for the first time referred to as "the Jews"), who are trying to re-establish and rebuild Jerusalem. He mourns and prays and, soon after, has the opportunity to intercede with Artaxerxes on their behalf. The king permits Nehemiah to leave his employ to travel to Jerusalem to assist the remnant there. Because of his fondness for Nehemiah, the king richly provisions Nehemiah and the group who accompany him to Jerusalem.
Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah rallies the people to engage in the rebuilding effort. Despite the jealousy and intrigue of other communities -- and even some treachery within this remnant itself -- Nehemiah oversees the repair of the great wall around Jerusalem as well as the gates to the city. Nehemiah shows himself to be a faithful servant of God. He is also a dedicated and loving leader to the remnant. For example, he successfully convinces members of the remnant to cease lending money at usurious rates to other Jews, because this has led to poverty and even slavery for some of them. Nehemiah is a bit self-aggrandizing at times, but his heart and his efforts are absolutely in the right place.
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