The Book of Nehemiah was primarily written by Nehemiah himself. Much of the book is written from his first-person perspective, suggesting it is based on his personal memoirs and records as the leader who oversaw the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls after the Babylonian exile. Jewish tradition and internal textual evidence support Nehemiah as the main author, although some scholars suggest later editors, possibly including Ezra, compiled or supplemented the text with official documents and genealogies. The book was likely written soon after the events described, around the mid-5th century BC.
In summary:
- Nehemiah is the central figure and main author.
- The book contains his personal accounts and leadership narrative.
- Some editorial work may have been done by Ezra or other scribes.
- The book and Ezra may have originally been a single work before becoming separate books in the Hebrew canon.
