Nehemiah. This was anciently united with the Book of Ezra, and in the Vulgate it is called II. Esdras. It carries on the history from about twelve years after the close of Ezra's book to the last jubilee (B.C. 413), covering a period of thirty-six years. Zerubbabel had rebuilt the Temple, but not the city walls of Jerusalem, which were replaced in fifty-two days under Nehemiah's direction. He was full of zeal, and gave up his lucrative post of cupbearer to the King of Persia, that he might join his fellow-countrymen in their difficulties. He reformed their civil and religious condition, enforcing economy and justice, attracting a larger number of settlers to the city, restoring the Temple services, and

re-enacting the Mosaic Covenant. This closes the Old Testament History; and Nehemiah, after twelve years' sojourn in Judea, returned to his post in the Persian Court.