July 30, 2026

Before this week, I couldn't tell you hardly anything about Nehemiah, which is sad because he was truly a hero and a model of how to be righteous and faithful. As I read, I noticed similarities between his actions and those of many other scripture heros. That might even make him a _super_ hero.

First, like Esther, he is terrified to ask King Artaxerxes to send him back to Jerusalem, so he prays to God for strength and acts in faith, resulting in the king blessing the Jews because of Nehemiah.

Second, like Nephi, when Sanballat and Tobiah mock and chide him for trying to build the wall, he says God will prosper them.

Third, like Captain Moroni, when he arms the people and calls on them to fight in the defense of their brothers, sons, daughters, wives, and houses.

Forth, Kings Mosiah and Benjamin for their condemnation of slavery, and even more like King Benjamin for the servant-leader he was to the people rather than requiring them to serve and support him.

Fifth, Lehonti, except that Nehemiah never gave in and came down because he said "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?". A powerful example of staying anxiously engaged in a good work and the power that has to keep us safe.