Nehemiah

Who

Largely Nehemiah's own memoir, in the first person.

When

From 445 BC.

What it is

A wall rebuilt in fifty-two days against opposition, and then the harder work of rebuilding a community.

What to watch for

It is unusually practical — rotas, night watches, money — and unusually candid about his own temper.

Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”Nehemiah 8:10