The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah go together. They tell the story of Israel's return to the Land of Promise from the exile in Babylon.
These books represent two periods in Israel's restoration to the land at the end of the exile: first, the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of Israel's spiritual life (538-516 B.C./Ezra 1-10); then the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem (458-420 B.C./Nehemiah 1-13). Ezra, the priest, returned first (see the book of Ezra), followed later by Nehemiah, a high ranking official in the service of Artaxerxes, King of Babylon.
Nehemiah is an exciting book that tells of the faithfulness of "Yahweh" (The LORD), the Elohim (God) of Israel. It also records the obedience of a layman, Nehemiah, in the service of the purposes of God. Without question, God is sovereign over Israel and the nations of this world.
Ezra, the priest, gathered the people together for the reading of the Word of God (the Law). It was a time of great joy and of thorough repentance on the part of the people (see also for prayers of repentance: Daniel 9, Ezra 9, Nehemiah 1 & 9). The people renewed their commitment to the LORD.
Opposition to the rebuilding was voiced by the surrounding non-Jewish nations. Nehemiah met the opposition head-on in the strength of God. The rebuilding of the wall went forward and was completed.
Upon the completion of the wall of Jerusalem and the renewal of their spiritual commitments, the people joined together in a great worship celebration. Nehemiah's final reforms are noted at the end of the book.
Nehemiah dares to ask the king for permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. Permission was granted and he returned. He challenged the people to join him in rebuilding the wall.
On hearing of the "great trouble and disgrace" of the people of Jerusalem, and of the broken down wall of the city, Nehemiah was deeply troubled. He prayed a prayer of repentance.