Nehemiah models the way by avoiding hypocrisy as well, as he is never accused of bad deeds by anyone. The second of the five leadership practices, inspiring a shared vision, is at the heart of the Book of Nehemiah. The ultimate shared vision of the Jewish people during his time was to live peacefully under God's law in the Promised Land. Included in the shared vision was a geographical home: places to grow crops and raise animals, homes for families, temples, and markets. Therefore, rebuilding the Jerusalem wall became a shared vision for the entire Jewish community. Rebuilding the wall symbolized triumph over the past and over oppression. Rebuilding the wall would impart a sense of pride and victory. Nehemiah was able to inspire the shared vision by appealing to the high priests to participate together in the rebuilding of the wall. Chapter Three of the Book details the rebuilding process, which was a collective effort. When Sanballat, Tobiah and other enemies arrived to taunt and mock the Jews for their efforts, Nehemiah organized his men to resist them. They succeeded through a shared vision: "When our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, then all of us returned to the wall, each one to his work," (4.15).

The third of the leadership practices, challenging the process, is at the crux of Nehemiah's story. The entire book is filled with conflicts and challenges that Nehemiah must address creatively. He challenges the authority of the Persian rulers early in the book, by boldly approaching King Artaxerxes when no one else would. He challenges Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab at several points. Nehemiah also challenges his own people, those who are corrupt, exacting usury and forced labor, or who have failed to keep the Sabbath. In Chapter 10, Nehemiah admonishes those Jews who have worked on the Sabbath or who have otherwise disobeyed the rules of the Covenant. Nehemiah hopes to rebuild Jerusalem according to God's law.

Through his ascription to God's law, Nehemiah inspires those around him...

Initially, Nehemiah inspires people to rebuild the Jerusalem wall against all odds, and he succeeded. Then, his complaints in Chapter 5 caused the rulers to cease exacting usury or forced labor: "Then they said, "We will give it back and will require nothing from them; we will do exactly as you say." So I called the priests and took an oath from them that they would do according to this promise," (5.12). Nehemiah could inspire those around him to act, even those who did not initially agree with him. Nehemiah inspires others to help physically and politically rebuild the community in Jerusalem, to establish and enforce a rule of law, and to act according to the will of God. Through his words and his deeds, Nehemiah inspired righteous action among the Jews.
Finally, Nehemiah encouraged the heart. Because one of his chief concerns was for the well-being of the exiles, Nehemiah engendered their trust to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their communities there. Nehemiah also encouraged the heart through his deep devotion to God, which is evident throughout the book because of his continual prayers and supplications. Moreover, Nehemiah sets himself apart from other leaders by demonstrating their failings and shortcomings, such as the high priests' abusing their power. Encouraging the heart is accomplished through his dedication to the laws of the covenant, which he strictly imposes on the Jewish people.

Works Cited

Boice, James Montgomery. Nehemiah: An Expositional Commentary. Baker House, 2003.

Henry, Matthew. "An Exposition, With Practical Observations, on the Book of Nehemiah." Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible. 1708. Online at http://www.ccel.org/h/henry/mhc2/MHC16000.HTM.

Stedman, Ray C. "The Walls of Jerusalem Rebuilt (Nehemiah 1-3)." (excerpts) 2004. Online at http://www.ldolphin.org/daniel/neh01.html.

Van Hoonacker, a. "Book of Nehemiah." New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. Transcribed by Sean Hyland. Knight, 2003. Online at http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10737c.htm.