The success attending Nehemiah's efforts shows what prayer, faith, and wise, energetic action will accomplish. Nehemiah was not a priest; he was not a prophet; he made no pretension to high title. He was a reformer raised up 676 for an important time. It was his aim to set his people right with God. Inspired with a great purpose, he bent every energy of his being to its accomplishment. High, unbending integrity marked his efforts. As he came into contact with evil and opposition to right he took so determined a stand that the people were roused to labor with fresh zeal and courage. They could not but recognize his loyalty, his patriotism, and his deep love for God; and, seeing this, they were willing to follow where he led.

Ezra og Nehemias ydmygede sig over for Gud under udøvelsen af deres gerning. De bekendte deres egne og folkets synder og bønfaldt Gud om nåde lige så indtrængende, som om det var dem selv, der havde overtrådt hans pagt. De arbejdede, bad og led tålmodigt. Det, der vanskeliggjorde deres opgave, var ikke hedningernes fjendtlige indstilling, men den hemmelige modstand, som de mødte hos folk, der foregav at være deres venner. Disse mennesker gjorde Guds tjeneres problemer ti gange vanskeligere, fordi de øvede en indflydelse, som fremmede synden. Disse forrædere skaffede Herrens fjender våben i hænde til krigen imod hans folk. Deres onde tilbøjeligheder og oprørske viljer gik altid på tværs af Guds krav.