It is very commonly suggested Nehemiah must have been a eunuch, if only because of his office in the Persian court (e.g. Fensham, The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, 157). If he is a eunuch, it would certainly contribute to understanding his multiple pleas that God 'remember' his name and his legacy (cf. Isaiah 56.4-5).

The prophet Nehemiah provides modern day leaders a wonderful model of leadership. Upon learning of the distress of his people, Nehemiah receives permission from the king he was serving to go help them. Despite obstacles and opposition, he discerns a challenging vision and leads the people in accomplishing it.

1Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, 2saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they're doing?

Traditionally, the Book of Nehemiah was attributed to the prophet Ezra. However, most modern scholars believe that Nehemiah himself wrote the book. This is because many of the experiences in the book and of Nehemiah's life have been supported by documentation outside the Book of Nehemiah.