The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "The words of Nehemiah" doesn't just introduce his story; it signals that this is his personal account, distinguishing it from potentially compiled histories. This verse immediately anchors us to a specific time and place, placing Nehemiah not in Jerusalem, but far away in Susa, the Persian capital, highlighting his position within the empire before his crucial mission begins.
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nehemiah, a high-ranking official in the Persian court, begins his account from Susa, the winter palace. This setting places him in the heart of the empire during the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign. The narrative immediately establishes Nehemiah's position and the time, preparing the reader for the critical news he is about to receive regarding his homeland.
Ever wonder why some Bible books start so matter-of-factly, almost like a journal entry? Nehemiah's opening is a clue to his unique perspective.
The book of Nehemiah begins with 'The words of Nehemiah...' This isn't just a name drop; it signals that we are entering a personal account. Unlike many other historical books, this one is presented as the direct record of Nehemiah himself. While Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book, the distinct style here marks Nehemiah as the primary author of his own story. This personal framing invites us to connect with his experiences and feelings on a deeper level from the very start.
Imagine living in the heart of a vast empire, serving powerful kings. Nehemiah's introduction places us right there, in a world far removed from Jerusalem.
Nehemiah is located in 'Susa the citadel' during the 'twentieth year' of King Artaxerxes. Susa was one of the primary royal residences of the Persian Empire, known for its magnificent palace. This wasn't just a small town; it was a hub of political power and luxury. As the king's cupbearer, Nehemiah held a position of significant trust and access, operating within the inner circles of the Persian court. This context is crucial because it highlights the immense journey and the bold faith required for him to later undertake the mission to Jerusalem.
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Kislev · Hebrew Noun
A Jewish month (Kislev) corresponding to November/December, historically significant as the time of the Feast of Dedication and marking the onset of winter.
birah · Hebrew Noun
A title or geographical designation for the administrative capital of the Persian Empire; often associated with royal palace complexes, implying Nehemiah's position of proximity to the king.
Nehemiah's personal account begins not in Jerusalem, but in the heart of the Persian Empire, Susa. This highlights the vast distance between the Jewish people's homeland and the imperial power that both oppressed and, at times, aided them.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great conquers the Babylonian Empire, leading to the eventual return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple in Jerusalem completed
Under Zerubbabel's leadership, the Second Temple is completed in Jerusalem, marking a significant moment for the returned exiles.
c. 465–424 BC
Reign of Artaxerxes I
Nehemiah serves as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I during this period. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is later prohibited during his reign.
c. 445 BC (Month of Chislev)— this verse
Nehemiah hears of Jerusalem's distress
Nehemiah, in Susa the citadel, receives devastating news from his kinsman Hanani about the suffering of the Jews in Jerusalem and the ruined state of its walls and gates.
c. 445 BC (Month of Nisan)
Nehemiah's request to Artaxerxes
Following his prayer and fasting, Nehemiah asks King Artaxerxes for permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls, receiving the king's approval.
This verse functions similarly to how Jeremiah's prophecy begins, setting the stage by introducing the prophet and the context of his message.
Ezra 1:1This verse, as the end of Ezra, provides a natural transition, suggesting that Nehemiah's narrative was originally considered part of a larger historical account, much like Ezra's begins the story of the return.
Daniel 8:2This passage also places Daniel in Susa the citadel, showing that this was a significant location within the Persian Empire where important divine revelations or historical events occurred.
Esther 1:2Esther also begins by setting the scene in Susa the royal palace, highlighting its importance as a center of Persian royal power and administration where key figures like Nehemiah served.
clarkeNehemiah 1:1: "The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,"
The words of Nehemiah - That this book was compiled out of the journal or memoranda made by Nehemiah himself, there can be no doubt: but that he was not the compiler is evident from several passages in the work it. self. As it is written consecutively as one book with Ezra, many have supposed that this latter was the author: but whoever com…
pulpitNehemiah 1:1: "The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,"
Verse 1. - The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. Compare Jeremiah 1:1; Hosea 1:2; Amos 1:1, etc. No other historical book commences in this manner, and we may best account for the introduction of the clause by the consideration that "Nehemiah" having been originally appended to "Ezra," it marked the point at which a new narrative bega…
The phrase "The words of Nehemiah" doesn't just introduce his story; it signals that this is his personal account, distinguishing it from potentially compiled histories. This verse immediately anchors us to a specific time and place, placing Nehemiah not in Jerusalem, but far away in Susa, the Persian capital, highlighting his position within the empire before his crucial mission begins.
Nehemiah, a high-ranking official in the Persian court, begins his account from Susa, the winter palace. This setting places him in the heart of the empire during the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign. The narrative immediately establishes Nehemiah's position and the time, preparing the reader for the critical news he is about to receive regarding his homeland.
Nehemiah, a high-ranking official in the Persian court, begins his account from Susa, the winter palace. This setting places him in the heart of the empire during the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign. The narrative immediately establishes Nehemiah's position and the time, preparing the reader for the critical news he is about to receive regarding his homeland.
"The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.
Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel," — The phrase "The words of Nehemiah" doesn't just introduce his story; it signals that this is his personal account, distinguishing it from potentially compiled histories. This verse immediately anch…
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Last reviewed October 2026