Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem’s Wall

Long ago, the city of Jerusalem was broken and sad. Its walls were cracked and falling down. The people who lived there felt scared because the city was not safe. They wished the walls could be strong again, like a big hug to keep them safe inside.

Far away, a man named Nehemiah heard about the sad city. Nehemiah loved God very much. When he heard about Jerusalem, his heart felt heavy, like a big stone was sitting on it. He prayed to God and asked, “Please help me! I want to make Jerusalem safe again.”

Nehemiah worked for the king, so he asked the king for permission to go and fix the walls. The king said yes! Nehemiah was very happy. He packed his things and traveled to Jerusalem. When he saw the broken walls, he felt a little scared, but he trusted God to help him.

Nehemiah talked to the people and said, “Let’s build the walls together! God is with us, and He will help us.” The people smiled and said, “Yes! We want to help!” Everyone picked up stones and wood. They worked hard under the hot sun. The sound of hammers and voices was like a happy song.

Some people who did not like Jerusalem tried to stop them. They said mean things and tried to scare them. But Nehemiah told the people, “Don’t be afraid! God is our strong shield. We will keep working.” The people held their tools tightly and kept building the wall.

Sometimes, the work was hard, and the sun was very hot. But the people felt joy in their hearts. They knew they were helping God’s city. Every stone they put in place was like a little prayer, saying, “Thank you, God, for keeping us safe.”

After many days, the wall was strong and tall again. The city looked beautiful and safe. The people danced and sang songs of joy. Nehemiah thanked God and said, “God is good! He helped us do what seemed impossible.”

The people felt happy and safe inside their city. They knew God loved them and helped them when they worked together. The wall was not just stones; it was a sign of God’s love and protection.

Now, when you feel scared or think something is too hard, remember Nehemiah and the people. God can help you too! Just ask Him, and He will give you courage and strength.

Questions to think about

Why did Nehemiah want to rebuild the wall?
How did the people feel when they worked together?
What did Nehemiah say to help the people not be afraid?
Who helped Nehemiah and the people build the wall?
How can God help you when you feel scared?

Message of the story

God loves us and gives us strength to do hard things when we trust Him and work together.

Bible passage

Nehemiah 1–6

Nehemiah 1–6 (ICB)

Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king. One day, some men came from Judah. Nehemiah asked about the people in Jerusalem. They said, “The city is broken down, and the gates are burned.” Nehemiah was sad and prayed to God. He asked God to help him and the people.

Nehemiah 2
Nehemiah asked the king if he could go to Jerusalem to fix the walls. The king said yes and gave him letters for safety. Nehemiah went to Jerusalem and saw the broken walls. He told the people his plan to rebuild. They were happy and ready to help.