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Project Management Lessons from the Book of Nehemiah (Volume 1)

Author: Rukshan Perera
An author publication

The Book of Nehemiah is in the Bible (the old testament). It is about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah, a Jew who was a cup-bearer to the King in Susa (the Persian capital), Nehemiah's expertise in the King's court equipped him adequately for the political and physical reconstruction necessary for the remnant of Israel to survive.

Under Nehemiah's leadership, the Jews withstood opposition and came together to accomplish their goal. His hard work and humility before God was an example to the people. He did not claim glory for himself but always gave God the glory for his successes.

The book was written in the 5th century BC. Judah is one of several provinces within larger satrapy (a large administrative unit) within the Persian Empire.

The capital of the empire is a Susa. Nehemiah was a cup-bearer to king Artaxerxes II of Persia - an important official position.

Jerusalem had been conquered and destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC and Nehemiah found it still in ruins. His task was to rebuilt the walls and to re-populate the city.

He faced opposition from three powerful neighbours, the Samaritans, the Ammonites and the Arabs, as well as the city of Ashdod, but managed to rebuild the walls to secure the city.

He then purified the Jewish community by enforcing its segregation from its neighbours and enforced the laws if Moses.