Name means: “Comforted of the Lord”

Did you know? Nehemiah was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Cupbearers in ancient times were generally high-ranking and highly trusted officers in the king’s court. To counter palace intrigues, the cupbearer would often taste the wine and foods served to the king to make sure it was free of poison. Nehemiah was a trusted man in the king’s court, and the king freely granted him all that he asked in order to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Startling facts: It took Nehemiah 52 days to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but he didn’t do it alone—skilled laborers, and Jewish people of unrelated trades and skills (perfumers, shepherds, and even the priests) all pitched in. In the third chapter of Nehemiah, you can find the names of all who took part in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.

Coolest trait: Nehemiah was deeply troubled by the state of the city of his ancestors—but he didn’t leave it at that! He made a plan and took action; he didn’t allow anything to stand in the way of the important work that God had called him to do. In spite of being mocked and threatened, he carried on—one hand leading others in the building of the walls, and the other hand holding a sword.

You can too: Let God speak to your heart to take action for Him.