The Bible, King James version, Book 16: Nehemiah

In the twenty‑second year of the Persian ruler Artaxerxes, a humble cupbearer named Nehemiah receives troubling news from fellow exiles about Jerusalem. The city’s walls lie in ruins, its gates charred, and the people are living in shame and hardship. Deeply moved, Nehemiah weeps, fasts, and offers a heartfelt prayer, pleading for God’s mercy and recalling the covenant given to Moses. His lament sets the stage for a bold mission to restore the sacred place of his ancestors.

When Nehemiah presents his sorrow before the king, the monarch, moved by his sincerity, grants him safe passage and letters of authority to the regional governors. Armed with royal support and timber for construction, Nehemiah travels back to Judah, accompanied by a small escort. Under cover of night he inspects the shattered walls, gauging the enormity of the task that lies ahead. The narrative promises a story of leadership, faith, and the determination to rebuild a broken community.