The book of Nehemiah covers about 11 years of Israel's history. Ezra built the temple-- which should always come first. Nehemiah built the walls and the city-- and this should follow. The name Ezra means ''help'' or ''saving help''; Nehemiah means ''comfort.'' Jesus Christ came to be the saving help of His people; the Holy Spirit came as the Comforter to guide and strengthen His people.
All Scripture was given by inspiration of God. ''The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy'' (Rev 19:10). Since this is the case, then what message does the Lord Jesus have for us in the book of Nehemiah? Just as Nehemiah was the one who restored the walls of Jerusalem and the morals of his people, so the Lord Jesus Christ will be the One who restores the nation of Israel. This promise of the Lord is sure: ''And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts'' (Haggai 2:7). Not only were the temple and the walls of Jerusalem restored, but the nation itself will someday experience rebirth under the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The theme of Nehemiah is set forth in this verse: ''The God of heaven will prosper us; therefore we, His servants, will arise and build'' (Neh 2:20).