outline of Nehemiah

1.  Return of Nehemiah and Rebuilding of the Wall (1:1-7:3)

1. Return of Nehemiah (1:1-2:10)

   1.  Preparations for the Return (1:1-2:8)
        a.  Report from Judah (1:1-3)
        b.  Response of Nehemiah (1:4-11)
        c.  Request Before the King (2:1-8)
   2.  The Trip and the Beginning of the Conflict (2:9, 10)
    

2. Rebuilding the Wall (2:11-7:3)

   1.  Inspection and Proposal (2:11-18)
   2.  First Escalation of the Conflict (2:19, 20)
   3.  Rebuilding Begun (ch. 3)
   4.  Second Escalation of the Conflict (4:1-6)
   5.  Rebuilding Continued (4:7-23)
   6.  Internal Problems Threaten the Rebuilding (ch. 5)
   7.  Climax of the Conflict (6:1-14)
   8.  End of the Conflict (6:15-7:3)  

2.  Return of the Exiles and Rebuilding the Community (7:4-13:31)

1. Return of the Exiles (7:4-73)

   1.  The Need to Repopulate Jerusalem (7:4, 5)
   2.  Record of the Returnees (7:6-73)
    

2. Rebuilding the Community (7:73-13:31)

   1.  Renewing the Covenant (7:73-10:39)
        a.  Reading of the Law (7:73-8:18)
        b.  Confession of Sin (9:1-37)
        c.   Ratification of the Oath (9:38-10:39)
   
   2.  Dedication of the Wall (chs. 11; 12)
        a.  Listing of Residents (ch. 11)
        b.  Listing of Priests and Levites (12:1-26)
        c.  The Dedication Proper (12:27-43)
        d.  Provisions for Clergy (12:44-47)

   3.  Reformation of the People (ch. 13)
        a.  Exclusion of Foreigners (13:1-3)
        b.  Attention to the Temple (13:4-14)
        c.  Observance of the Sabbath (13:15-22)
        d.  The End of Intermarriage (13:23-31)