The Book of Nehemiah: The man of tears, weeping, fasting, and prayer! (Bible stories for kids 16)

A long time ago, Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and had destroyed the city and its walls. The Samaritans and the opposing gentiles found destroying the walls an opportunity to enter without resistance from its inhabitants. God has allowed that to chastise His people for a time.
Also, God ordered Cyrus, the king of Persia, to return the Jews from captivity and build the temple. So He sent Zerubbabel and all the Jews who wanted to return, and they started putting the foundation of the temple; however, the enemies opposed them, but finally, it was built.
After that, King Artaxerxes, the king of Persia, allowed Ezra, the priest and the scribe, to lead the second group, teach the Law to the people in Jerusalem, and start a spiritual reform for them.
After approximately thirteen years, the same king allowed Nehemiah to lead the third group from the returning Jews to build the walls of Jerusalem.
In His great love, God permits that His people go through tribulations, but then He grants them success when they repent and return to Him. Didn’t you hear about Nehemiah how he cared to build the walls of Jerusalem, the city of God? My heart does not stop to cry to the Lord, saying: “The walls! The walls! Who can build it and sanctify it except You!”
Tonight, I will tell you a lovely story about Nehemiah.”