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Nehemiah Builds the Wall

Bible passage: Nehemiah 2 to 6 · Ages 6 to 8 · Old Testament

Paraphrase Nehemiah lived far away in the king’s palace. One day he heard that the walls of his home city, Jerusalem, were broken down.

Paraphrase Nehemiah felt very sad, and he prayed. God, please help me to help my people.

Paraphrase The king saw that Nehemiah was sad. He asked, What do you want? Nehemiah asked for permission to go and rebuild. The king said yes.

Paraphrase When Nehemiah arrived, he looked at the broken wall by night. Then he told the people, Let us rise up and build.

Paraphrase Everyone helped. Each family worked on a different part of the wall, next to their own house.

Paraphrase Some people laughed and tried to scare them. But Nehemiah prayed, and the people kept on working.

Paraphrase In just fifty-two days, the wall was finished. They all celebrated together with music and thanks.

From the Bible (King James Version)

Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
Nehemiah 2:18 (KJV, excerpt)

Let us wonder

What is something big that you could do together with your family or friends?

One small thing to do

Build something together today, like a tower of blocks or a card house.

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Retold in simple words (a paraphrase), so it is not the Bible’s own text. The read-aloud voice is computer-made. Jesus is never shown with a face. Nothing you do here is saved or sent anywhere.

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