Prepared by Larry Crouch

Transcription

1 SUNDAY SCHOOL Help for the Teacher Prepared by Larry Crouch Vol. 60, No. 2 Issued March 1, 2000 Spring Quarter Texarkana, TX Courage To Face the Challenges Studies in Nehemiah and Malachi Quarterly Aim: That these studies will challenge the student to meet the foe with confidence of victory by faith in Christ. Lesson Content Bill Johnson Editor in Chief March 5 Challenged To Face a Need The Challenge of Preparation Challenged To Cooperate Challenged by Enemies April 2 Challenged by Brethren Challenged To Correct an Evil Challenging Gossip and Lies Challenged by the Book The Challenge To Be Orderly and Dedicated Wayne Sewell Business Manager May 7 The Challenge to Separation Challenged To Love God The Challenge of Good and Evil Challenged to Faithfulness HELP FOR THE TEACHER, Sunday School, is published quarterly at $1.18 per quarter. Copyright 2000, BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE of the American Baptist Association, 4605 N. State Line, Texarkana, TX Cover design by Jeff Allen. Image 1996 PhotoDisc, Inc.

2 American Baptist Association Through-the-Bible Series Sunday School Lessons Winter Spring Summer Fall Zechariah Genesis 1 11 Job Exodus Joshua Judges Ruth Mark Galatians Luke 1 13:21 Isaiah Chronicles Kings Ephesians John Nehemiah Malachi Genesis Romans Acts Samuel Chronicles Kings 1, 2 1 Kings Chronicles Kings 1 13 Joel, Jonah, Obadiah Luke 13:22 24 Isaiah Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Daniel Ezekiel Revelation Matthew 1 13 Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Acts James 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Corinthians Hosea, Amos Micah, Zephaniah 2 Kings Philemon Philippians Colossians Jeremiah 2 Kings 24, 25 2 Chronicles 36 1 Peter 2 Peter Jude Revelation Matthew Hebrews 1 Samuel 2 Samuel Chronicles 1 10 Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon 2 Corinthians 2 Kings Chronicles Lamentations Habakkuk John 1 12 Zechariah Ezra Haggai, Esther

3 Help for the Teacher 3 Introduction: Book of Nehemiah The Name of the Book The title of the book comes from its principle character, Nehemiah. Nehemiah was chosen to lead the remnant from Babylonian captivity in the rebuilding of Jerusalem, in particular the city wall. The name Nehemiah, Nechemyah, [nekh-em-yaw ] in Hebrew, means consolation of Jehovah. The early Hebrew and Greek Bibles considered Ezra and Nehemiah as one book. The Latin Vulgate was the first to separate them by calling Nehemiah, 2 Esdras. In A.D. 1448, the Hebrew Bible used the same division as the Vulgate. The Author of the Book The book begins with these words: The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. Hachaliah means darkness of Jehovah. This name appears only in the book of Nehemiah. Nothing more is known of Nehemiah s father. Nothing of Nehemiah s ancestry can be established with any certainty. It is thought that he was of the tribe of Judah. His acceptance by the people of Judah as governor and his position as Artaxerxes cupbearer would indicate that he was of noble birth and lineage. The book is written in the style of memoirs or journal of the author. This is noted by the fact that much of the book is written in the first person. The use of the first person clearly identifies Nehemiah as the author. The writer used the word I one hundred eleven times and the word me thirty-nine times. The Date of the Book Nehemiah was serving in the court of Artaxerxes I (King of Persia, B.C.) as a cupbearer. The writing began in the twentieth year (445 B.C.) of Artaxerxes. This date places a twelve year gap between the last recorded event in the book of Ezra and the opening lines of the book of Nehemiah. The later reforms carried out by Nehemiah (chapter 13) were done after he had returned to the Persian court to visit Artaxerxes during the king s thirty-second year. During this visit Nehemiah s commission as governor of Judea was renewed (verse 6). From these times and dates given within the book itself we learn that the events recorded by Nehemiah took place over a period of fifteen years from 445 to 430 B.C. There is mention of Darius the Persian (Neh. 12:22). This is a likely a reference to Darius II Nothus ( ). Critics attempt to discredit the authorship of the book to Nehemiah because of the reference to the name of Jaddua (verses 10, 12). According to Josephus, Jaddua ( B.C.) was the high priest when Alexander the Great came to Jerusalem. He was the greatgrandson of Eliashib, who was the high priest while Nehemiah was in Jerusalem. Nehemiah mentions a married grandson of Eliashib (Neh. 13:28). This grandson and great-grandson are named and listed as priests (Neh. 12:22). It is highly possible that Nehemiah would have known Jaddua as a child. In 1903 a number of papyri written in Aramaic and Hebrew were found on the island of Elephantine in the Nile River of Egypt. This island is near the modern city of Aswan about 550 miles south of Cairo at the lower end of the First Cataract. The documents are all from the fifth century B.C. The oldest one is dated 495 B.C. They are contemporary with Ezra, Malachi and Nehemiah. Many Jews were left in Palestine after a great number were taken to Babylon. Gedaliah was appointed governor by Nebuchadnezzar. Ishmael led a rebellion and Gedaliah was assassinated (2 Kings 25:23-25). Fearing the certain

4 4 Help for the Teacher repercussions, they fled to Egypt and forcefully took Jeremiah with them (2 Kings 25:26; Jer 43:1-7). They first settled near Migdol. The Elephantine colony was established between 569 and 526 B.C. The Jews built a Temple to Yahweh (Yahu) on Elephantine Island. One papyrus is a copy of the Behistun Inscription of Darius II. One document dated the year 419 B.C., instructed the Jews at Elephantine to keep their Passover Feast, according to their Law. Also among the documents found at Elephantine was a letter addressed to Johanan (Neh. 12:22), high priest in Jerusalem, asking his help to refurbish their Temple. Letters were also sent to Bogoas, governor of Judah, and also to Delaiah and Shelemaiah, the sons of Sanballat, governor of Samaria during the time of Nehemiah. These documents help us establish dates and names that are given in the biblical accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah. The book was completed during or after Nehemiah s second term as governor around the years B.C. The Purpose of the Book No indication is given of the exact number of people who came from Susa to Jerusalem with Nehemiah during this third return. The number was large enough that Artaxerxes provided captains of the army and horsemen to escort them on their journey (2:9). It seems strange that the city wall had not been rebuilt before this time. The first return in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia had taken place nearly a century earlier. Therefore, the historical purpose of the book of Nehemiah was to record the date of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem (Dan. 9:25). This was Artaxerxes decree which was given on Nisan 1, 445 B.C. This date is also the starting point of Daniel s seventy weeks prophecy. The book recounts how Nehemiah and the Jews rebuilt the wall against strong opposition. Theologically the book has several purposes. One being the reformation of the people of God. After his visit with Artaxerxes, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and instituted Temple, Sabbath and marriage reforms (Neh. 13:4-31). The sins denounced by Malachi are those addressed and corrected by Nehemiah: the looseness of the priest (Malachi 1:6-2:9 and Neh. 13:4-9); the non-payment of tithes (Malachi 3:7-12 and Neh. 13:10-13); and the intermarriage with the foreigners (Malachi 2:10-16 and Neh. 13:23-28). Malachi exposed the sins of the people ( B.C.) and Nehemiah completed the revival with the needed reforms. Another practical lesson to be learned is that the work of God requires patience and endurance. The Lord s people will meet with Satan s opposition forces. The book of Nehemiah shows us how to be overcomers over ridicule (Neh. 4:1-6), over conspiracy (verses 7-9), and over discouragement (verses 10-18). It also shows us that we can overcome these things by faith and hard work (verses 19-23).

5 Help for the Teacher 5 Carchemish Haran Rezeph Tadmor Damascus Rabbath-bene-ammon Arbela M E D I A A S S Y R I A Asshur Achmetha TigrisR. Euphrates R. Aleppo Arpad Hamath Sumur Byblos Sidon Tyre Samaria Jerusalem Return under Ezra and Nehemiah ( B.C.) BABYLONIA Sippar Judean exiles concentrated in area around Nippur Babylon Nippur Shushan (Susa) ELAM K arun R. T A U R U S M T S. Ezra uses dangerous route without military escort Return of exiles in days of Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel ( B.C.) N ehem iah Mediterranean Sea

6 6 Help for the Teacher Lesson 1 March 5, 2000 Challenged To Face a Need Text: Nehemiah 1:1-11. Focus: Nehemiah 1:1-11. SUNDAY DEVOTIONAL Make Your Requests Known, Philippians 4:4-9. Joy is the key word in the book of Philippians. The joy that should have been manifested was interrupted by the scene that faced Paul. In this passage two sisters in the church at Philippi had become cross ways with one another but were encouraged to be like-minded. Prayer is the way back to joy in and with the Lord. Often conditions arise in our lives that cast gloom over our joy with one another and the Lord. The shadow can be removed by a season of prayer. Paul instructed these ladies to let their moderation be known unto all men. The literal meaning is forbearance, gentleness, and reasonableness. If they would do this the stubborn, hard-headed spirit would be gone and rejoicing would return. The Lord is at hand expresses the hope and confidence of the early church. Paul s admonition was to look to the future and the return of Jesus Christ. Many Christians today live in sorrow and gloom because they do not have the sense of the nearness of Christ. Daily Devotionals M. Moses Challenged, Exodus 3:7-12. T. David s Challenge, 1 Samuel 17: W. Seek the Lord, 1 Chronicles 16:7-13. T. Esther s Challenge, Esther 4: F. Church Challenged, Matthew 28: S. Peter s Challenge, Acts 10:9-43. Be careful for nothing. In other words do not let this get you down... do not worry about things. Anxiety is a contradiction to Christian faith. It is destructive to self and all those around us if we insist on being worrywarts. Struggling with worry over a given situation has never changed the situation. Paul said not to worry, but, or rather, pray. The sisters situation and all other problems may be solved by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. To request is to ask for the things required. What is required or what is needed today for you to rejoice in the Lord? Let it be made known with thankfulness that God does hear and will answer our prayers. Those who will come before the Lord with such prayer will find the peace of God filling their hearts and lives. With the hostilities removed peace can reign. If we allow enmity to come between us and God peace is sure to be disrupted between us and our brothers and sisters in Christ. What we allow our minds and hearts to dwell upon for any length of time will greatly affect what we say and do. Paul s finally should be duly noted by us all. Once the prayer is made and peace has been restored, it needs to be maintained. This is done by following Paul s advice to think (take an inventory, use proper judgment, take into account, reason it out, fully evaluate) upon the right things. Among these are truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, good report and virtue. Paul s last words on the subject appear like an invitation at the close of a message. They heard his message and knew that what he said was right. Paul had not only preached this but had shown it by example.

7 Help for the Teacher 7 His command was to do. Put into practice and perform repeatedly or habitually, in order to accomplish the desired action. We will never be closer to Christ and our brothers and sisters than when we give God control of every thought and deed in our lives. We are guaranteed God s peace when we follow these instructions. May God in His mercy grant that we do so today. LESSON OUTLINE 1. NEHEMIAH HEARS A BURDENING REPORT, Nehemiah 1:1-3. A. Time and place, Nehemiah 1:1. B. Nehemiah s brother, Nehemiah 1:2. C. Affliction and reproach, Nehemiah 1:3. 2. NEHEMIAH SEEKS AFTER GOD, Nehemiah 1:4. A. A time of weeping. B. A time of mourning. C. A time of fasting. D. A time of prayer. 3. NEHEMIAH S PATRIOTIC PRAYER, Nehemiah 1:5-7. A. Entreaty, Nehemiah 1:5. B. Adoration of Jehovah, Nehemiah 1:5. C. Confession of sins, Nehemiah 1:6, NEHEMIAH S BURDEN LIFTED, Nehemiah 1:8-11. A. Because God keeps His Word, Nehemiah 1:8, 9. B. Because God remembers His redeemed, Nehemiah 1:10. C. Because God grants mercy, Nehemiah 1:11. TIPS FOR THE TEACHER Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will be challenged to pray for divine guidance in all endeavors. Our aim comes before us in the form of a five-fold challenge: 1. to accept God s call to service with zeal and faithfulness; 2. to feel and see the needs before us today; 3. to be convicted of sin, especially the sin of indifference; 4. to witness repentance toward God; and 5. to witness a God sent, Spirit led revival. The key is found in verse 5 of today s lesson. Nehemiah beseeched (prayed) unto the Lord God of Heaven. The Lord s people should be burdened when they witness the things of God in disarray. Most of the Jews of Nehemiah s time were referred to as the people of God. Most folk in America today, because they are affiliated with some religious organization, count themselves as the people of God. But who were the burdened of Nehemiah s day? Like today, there were not too many who really saw the challenge to face the need before them. Christians today need to face the challenge of a society that is morally and religiously bankrupt. According to the prophets of Nehemiah s time the people pitied themselves rather than looking at the plight of God s house and city. God was dishonored by the sorry condition of the Temple, Jerusalem and His people. Let us not be guilty of bringing such dishonor to Christ. Nehemiah was in Shushan, which was part of the ancient land of Elam at the northwestern end of the Persian Gulf. This area should be located on a map (See map on page 5). Archeologists have concluded that this site was inhabited for more than five thousand years. The most important find here was the Codex Hammurabi engraved on a black diorite stela eight feet high and containing two hundred eighty legal clauses. Hammurabi became king in 1750 B.C. and was a contemporary with Abraham. Society benefited from the Sumerian sixty second minute, the solar year and code of law. The ruins of the palace of Cyrus have been excavated at this site. Travel from Susa to Jerusalem by a direct route was not possible during this time because of the hostile desert, and this would have been a trip of over seven hundred miles. The route was northwest up the Euphrates valley to Aleppo and then south through Hamath and on to Jerusalem. This latter route was a journey of about 1,100

8 8 Help for the Teacher miles. According to Ezra 7:9 it took Ezra and those with him four months to make this journey which was a long and tedious time for those who returned from exile to Jerusalem. Perhaps we need to ask ourselves how far am I willing to go to do the work of the Lord? What type of hardships am I willing to undertake for the cause of Christ? There are a number of challenges before God s people today. Perhaps the greatest of these is the need for revival among the Lord s people in His New Testament churches. Before we pray for revival elsewhere, we should first pray, Lord help me face the challenge before me and send a revival in my life. LESSON COMMENTARY 1. NEHEMIAH HEARS A BURDENING REPORT, Nehemiah 1:1-3. Nehemiah began the book that bares his name by identifying himself, giving his readers a date and his location. The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace (Neh. 1:1). The month and year mentioned by Nehemiah would place this introductory verse sometime during the months of November-December in the year 445 B.C. At that time he was still in the palace of Artaxerxes in Shushan. Shushan, also called Susa, was the capital city of the Elamite empire. It is located on the Karun (Ulai) River in modern day Iran. We learn from Nehemiah 7:2 that Hanani and Nehemiah were brothers. The name Hanani means gracious. Among the papyrus discovered at Elephantine, Hanani was named as the writer of the Passover Papyrus. It appears that Hanani was a government official who came into Egypt on state business. On such a trip he viewed the ruin of Jerusalem and when he returned to Babylon he related his finding to Nehemiah. Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem (Neh. 1:2). And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire (verse 3). The word remnant literally means the left over ones. Nebuchadnezzar s last and decisive attack against Jerusalem began in January, 588 B.C. It was not until July, 586 B.C. that his soldiers breached the city wall. Nebuzaradan, captain of the King s guard burned the city and the Temple to the ground. So, for 141 years the city lay in ruins. The Medes and Persians, under Cyrus, won a victory over Babylon. The decree was given that the Jews could return. Zerubbabel attempted to rebuild the Temple and repopulate Jerusalem ninety-one years before today s lesson. Zerubbabel was unable to maintain leadership under the opposition of their neighbors. Soon the people were discouraged and quit. Judah s adversaries managed to bring the work to a stand still. Sixteen years passed before the people continued to work on the Temple. Ezra led a group back in the seventh year of Artaxerxes (457 B.C.) to complete the work on the Temple. However, opposition to the work continued and the wall and the city were in such ruin that most of the Jews had no desire to live there. The city and the Jewish remnant were a laughing stock to those around them (Neh. 2:19). Such a scene was not conducive to a Spirit of Worship in the house of God. 2. NEHEMIAH SEEKS AFTER GOD, Nehemiah 1:4. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven (Neh. 1:4). The news moved Nehemiah to action. He did not just shrug off the bad news with an O well, there s nothing I can do or What do you want from me?

9 Help for the Teacher 9 Nehemiah had a time of weeping. It is not unmanly to shed tears. The Lord takes notice of the tears shed by His children (Psalm 56:8). God noted Hezekiah s tears and answered his prayer with healing, deliverance and added life (2 Kings 20:5-7; Isa. 38:5, 6). Jeremiah has been called the weeping prophet. Yet he was one of the strongest of the Lord s Old Testament prophets (Jer. 9:1; 13:17; 14:17; Lam. 2:11). Those who sow in tears will have a day in which they reap in joy (Psalm 126:5, 6). Nehemiah had a time of mourning. Mourn is from a Hebrew word meaning to bewail or lament. This word is used when one mourned the death of someone or when one comes under great distress. Nehemiah continued to weep for several days which would indicate that he mourned the conditions he saw. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (Matt. 5:4). James admonitioned that as we submit and draw nigh unto God we do so with affliction, mourning and weeping (James 4:7-9). Nehemiah had a time of fasting not as public display but in private. The word fasting in both Hebrew and Greek has the literal meaning of to cover over the mouth. Thus, it is the abstinence from food for a given period of time. It is also identified in Scripture by the term to afflict the soul. The only fast required by Moses was that of the Day of Atonement. During the Babylonian captivity, several other appointed fasts were instituted for special occasions. Four annual fasts were held to commemorate the national calamities suffered during the Babylonian era. Fasting among the Jews was either partial or total depending upon the length of the fast. Fasting was observed as a token of mourning because of sin. Israel often abused fasting by doing it for the wrong reason. In the New Testament we are shown several examples of proper fasting. Anna served God with fastings and prayers night and day (Luke 2:37). Jesus fasted while in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1, 2). The church at Antioch fasted before they laid hands on Barnabus and Saul, Paul (Acts 13:1-3). Nehemiah had a time of prayer. The Hebrew word translated prayer means to place for judgment; to intercede, or intreat. Nehemiah was ready physically and spiritually to come before the God of heaven with his requests. Note that this was not done in haste or quickly but for several days. 3. NEHEMIAH S PATRIOTIC PRAYER, Nehemiah 1:5-7. I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven (Neh. 1:5). The word beseech (O now I implore, beg, entreat) shows the urgency with which Nehemiah approached the throne of grace with his petition. That this was done for days is a reminder to us of Paul s words to pray without ceasing [uninterruptedly, without omission, on appropriate occasions] (1 Thess. 5:17). Nehemiah s prayer was an adoration of Jehovah. The great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments (Neh. 1:5). God was addressed as being awe-inspiring. The word terrible means to strike with fear, to revere. This is the God of Heaven, as opposed to the many false gods that were worshiped by the Babylonians and the Persians. This is the God that continued to keep His covenant. The Lord had not forgotten nor forsaken His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His covenant with David was still in force. In Christ, believers have a better and surer covenant that establishes even greater promises (Heb. 8:6-13; 12:24; 13:20). God cannot lie; therefore, His Word can be trusted at all times (Titus 1:2; Psalm 18:30; Prov. 30:5). Our prayers, the fruit of our lips should always be to God the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ in thanks and praise (Heb. 13:15; 1 Peter 4:11). Nehemiah s prayer was a confession of sins. After a time of prayer and praise, he addressed the direct problem and need.

10 10 Help for the Teacher Note carefully Nehemiah s use of the pronouns thy, I and we. Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father s house have sinned (Neh. 1:6). Nehemiah prayed for his brethren, but he did not fail to include himself. This is a point of prayer that we need to remember. If we are not careful we can get so caught up in the church s weekly prayer list that we neglect to bring ourselves before the Lord. Nehemiah did not point the finger and blame others. Too often we may hear about, that church, that pastor or those people rather than our church, my pastor and my brothers and sisters. The sin is identified as perverting God s Law. We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses (verse 7). There is not a man that has lived since Adam that is not a sinner (Rom. 3:23; 5:12). Therefore, we all need to come to a place of repentance toward God and faith toward Christ (Acts 20:21). When we are saved, the inner man has a new birth. However, the outer man, the old man of the flesh, is still plagued by sin. Therefore, we need to come before the throne of grace daily and confess our sins (1 John 1:7-10). The word confess is from a Greek word which means to come into agreement, make a covenant. It is an agreement either spoken or written that binds the two parties to the covenant that has been made between them. The usage in this verse notes actions that are continuous or repeated. It also emphasizes that this is a necessary thing. 4. NEHEMIAH S BURDEN LIFTED, Nehemiah 1:8-11. The burden was lifted because God keeps His Word. Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: but if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there (Neh. 1:8, 9). Nehemiah and the remnant in Judah were living proof of God s Word to Moses. God s Word is sure because He cannot lie (2 Peter 1:19-21; Titus 1:2). Nehemiah s burden was lifted because God remembers His redeemed. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand (Neh 1:10). The Lord knows those that are His (2 Tim. 2:19). Those that have come to Him will never be forsaken or cast out (Heb. 13:5; John 6:37). The redeemed are purchased never to be sold again. The redeemed are His purchased possession (Eph. 1:14). Nehemiah s burden was lifted because God is merciful. O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king s cupbearer (Neh. 1:11). No doubt, as the king s cupbearer, Nehemiah lived in some comfort with certain privileges. However, He was not insensitive to the needs at Jerusalem. He realized that though the Temple was ready, the city and people were not ready for service. He was eager, even though it would cost him self denial, trouble, money, and danger, to get to the task at hand. Nehemiah prayed Lord, today I need You to hear my prayer. I need You to grant me mercy in the sight of this man Artaxerxes. Nehemiah prepared himself to present the need to those who could help. May God grant us the same mercy to face the challenge before us today.

11 Help for the Teacher 11 Lesson 2 March 12, 2000 The Challenge of Preparation Text: Nehemiah 2:1-20. Focus: Nehemiah 2:1-10 SUNDAY DEVOTIONAL Ezra Prepared, Ezra 7:6-10. The Scriptures declare that Ezra was a ready (quick, skillful, diligent) scribe. He was a qualified man for the work which God called him to do. Ezra was well versed in the Law and could accurately make known its teachings to those to whom he was sent. His main task was to spiritually strengthen the brethren in Jerusalem. This done, the next task was to complete the work needed for the service and worship of God in the Temple. The Persian King, Artaxerxes, was touched both by Ezra s ability and the Spirit of God. Therefore, he granted Ezra all that he requested. Ezra left Babylon with a rather large party of fellow brethren. It took them four months to make the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. When they arrived in Jerusalem they worked to complete the work begun by Zerubbabel during the reign of Cyrus. When one is called into the service of the Lord, like it was with Ezra, the good hand of his God will be upon him. God s help and protection went with Ezra. His Daily Devotionals M. Surveying the Damage, Nehemiah 2: T. People Challenged, Nehemiah 2:17, 18. W. Ridiculed by Enemies, Nehemiah 2:19, 20. T. Gideon s Call, Judges 6: F. Gideon Tested, Judges 6: S. Gideon Assured, Judges 6: training was united with the Lord s divine enablement. God knows the abilities of each one He calls. Each one that is called should strive to make the most of their God-given abilities. This will include prayer, Bible study, and perhaps more education on a college or seminary level. Ezra is a model of how a Christian today should approach education and readiness in the Lord s service. Verse 10 reveals Ezra s heart s desire. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Note the three things he purposed to do. 1. He would study the Word of God (the Law). This would be his textbook, as it should be ours. 2. He would put to practice what he learned from the Word of God. 3. He would teach what he learned and would be willing to practice it before others. Ezra was a walking visual sermon from God. If we are going to teach and convince others we must take the time to be properly prepared by the Lord and His Word. LESSON OUTLINE 1. STANDING BEFORE THE KING, Nehemiah 2:1-3. A. A sad countenance, Nehemiah 2:1. B. A startling question, Nehemiah 2:2. C. A sure reply, Nehemiah 2:3. 2. WINNING THE KING S FAVOR, Nehemiah 2:4-9. A. God is in control, Nehemiah 2:4. B. Precise request, Nehemiah 2:5. C. Pleased the king, Nehemiah 2:6. D. Official assistance, Nehemiah 2:7-9.

12 12 Help for the Teacher 3. A NIGHT SURVEY, Nehemiah 2: A. The devil s crowd, Nehemiah 2:10. B. No time wasted, Nehemiah 2:11, 12. C. A complete viewing of the needs, Nehemiah 2: A GREAT TASK AND WORK, Nehemiah 2: A. A humble spirit, Nehemiah 2:16. B. A noble goal, Nehemiah 2:17. C. A good work, Nehemiah 2: WHOSE JOB IS IT ANYWAY? Nehemiah 2:19, 20. A. Facing the challenge, Nehemiah 2:19. B. God will prosper us, Nehemiah 2:20. TIPS FOR THE TEACHER Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will be challenged to confidently accept every divine call. The key in chapter 2 is found in verse 4: So I prayed to the God of heaven. Nehemiah s success was contingent upon prayer. Nehemiah was God s colaborer. His goal was to enlist the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea to join with him as fellow helpers (laborers together) in the good work. This was Paul s admonition to the church at Corinth and it should be ours today. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God s husbandry, ye are God s building (1 Cor. 3:8, 9). Jesus taught the importance of proper preparation to a great multitude when He spoke of counting the cost and sizing up the enemy. Preparation for the Lord s service includes the willingness to forsake all else in order that we may follow Him (Luke 14:25-33). It is important that pastors, deacons, teachers and pupils count the cost of serving the Lord. One who voices the desire to teach but will not make the time to take teaching technique classes and doctrinal classes offered by the church perhaps needs to reconsider their desires. Men who say the Lord has called them to preach need not only to answer the call, they need to surrender to that call. When a man enters a seminary and then drops out after only a few semesters or a couple of years of classes, he not only does himself a disservice, but it will later prove to be detrimental to the sheep he may endeavor to pastor. Learn stickability (faithfulness) so you can teach it and show it to others by your example. Also note that Nehemiah did not act in haste. It had been five months since he received the news from his brother. This time was spent in prayer and fasting (review Lesson 1). Nehemiah knew the importance of answered prayer. As a cupbearer in the king s court he also knew the value of silence until all plans were made and settled. When the Lord presented the proper time, he would be ready. The state of Jerusalem was one of desolation. Even though thousands returned with Zerubbabel and others with Ezra, about ninety years had passed since Cyrus degree, and the city still lay in ruins. Nehemiah was quick to identify the right enemy. This is a must for successful preparation and service. This writer was taught in Bible Analysis and Biblical Interpretation classes that the best way to defeat heresy is to preach the truth. I was also taught to know the heretics argument before he makes it and to know it better than he. The enemy will defeat himself if we learn to take the same approach Nehemiah and Ezra took. Teachers and pupils must realize the certainty of satanic opposition to every good work of the Lord. Make careful preparation for today s lesson. Spend much time in prayer and study. Carefully evaluate the needs of your local church, the needs of your particular class and exactly what it is God would have you to do. Count the cost and look around for the resources that God has made

13 Help for the Teacher 13 available to you. Then go to work trusting the Lord to supply and give the victory. May the Lord prepare our hearts to meet today s challenge and build up the church. LESSON COMMENTARY 1. STANDING BEFORE THE KING, Nehemiah 2:1-3. After three months of prayer and fasting the burden of Jerusalem weighed heavily upon Nehemiah (Neh. 2:1). People who are called of God cannot shake off their duty and responsibility. Jeremiah thought to do so, only to find that the Word of God was in his heart as a burning fire shut up in his bones, and he was weary with forbearing, and could not stay (Jer. 20:9). To some degree every man that has been called into the gospel ministry has had this same experience. A cupbearer served drink at the king s table. Wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king (Neh 2:1). This person was one in whom the king placed great confidence and trust. Because of the threat of plots, the cupbearer was required to taste the wine before it was served to guard against poison. This position in the king s court is first mentioned in Genesis 40:1 where the Hebrew word mashkeh is translated butler. These favored servants often had political influence which gave them access to the king s court and ear. Nehemiah s position regularly brought him face to face with the king. But on this day there was a noticeable difference in his appearance and behavior. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence (Neh. 2:1). Artaxerxes question likely startled others in the court, but especially Nehemiah. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart (Neh. 2:2). The sorrow of Nehemiah s broken heart for the conditions in Jerusalem could no longer be hidden. Nehemiah tread dangerous ground to approach the king in such a manner as this. Then I was very sore afraid. Was there an assassination plot? Was Nehemiah to be no longer trusted? Would he be put in prison or worse, killed? But God worked in the lives of Artaxerxes and Nehemiah. Nehemiah, though shaken by the king s question, gave a sure reply that came from his heart. Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? (verse 3). Nehemiah showed much wisdom as he stood before Artaxerxes. Not once did he call the city by name. Jerusalem may still have been considered a disgraceful place in the courts of the Persians. Nehemiah referred to the city as the place of his father s graves. Jerusalem s wall, gates and tombs were in ruins and the people became disheartened to continue the needed work. Look around today at our cities, homes and churches and you will see a great need to rebuild the faith in God that made our nation great. Nehemiah had been faithful in his duties to the king of Persia. But, he was first and foremost a servant of God. We are to render proper respect and service to those our government has placed over us (Rom. 13:1, 7). However, we should never forget that our first allegiance must always be to Jesus Christ who died for our sins that we might have life more abundantly (Matt. 22:37; John 10:10). 2. WINNING THE KING S FAVOR, Nehemiah 2:4-9. Through his time of prayer and fasting, Nehemiah showed that he trusted God to move hearts in order to accomplish His will. Artaxerxes reply to Nehemiah was proof that God was on the throne, in control and answering prayer. Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? (Neh. 2:4). Nehemiah was not quick to answer. He showed much wisdom in what he did next. So I prayed to the

14 14 Help for the Teacher God of heaven (verse 4). Such examples as this in Scripture should thrill our hearts and give us great boldness in prayer. Jesus promised the disciples in the upper room that whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it (John 14:13, 14). We can pray to the Father with confidence knowing that He both hears and answers the prayers of His children (1 John 5:14, 15). We cannot receive if we do not ask neither will we receive if we ask the wrong way (James 4:2, 3). Nehemiah s request was precise. And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers sepulchres, that I may build it (Neh. 2:5). We often pray in general rather than in specific. How about being bold enough to put names and places in our prayers, and then put our feet and hands to the prayer. Artaxerxes had but two questions for Nehemiah. For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? (verse 6). Nehemiah gained the king s favor without compromising his belief in God. So it pleased the king to send me (verse 6). Nehemiah was a man of his word so he set the king a time. Nehemiah covered all the bases. He showed he was the leader God needed at that time. Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah; and a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me. Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me (verses 7-9). God used Artaxerxes to supply the materials needed to finish the work. It is important that we properly present ourselves to those in the world. Their favor and help may be needed to help us further the Lord s work. Every pastor must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil (1 Tim. 3:7). The men chosen as deacons for the Jerusalem church were to be men of honest report (Acts 6:3). This should be the manner of life for every child of God (1 Peter 2:12; 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:12; James 3:13). 3. THE NIGHT SURVEY, Nehemiah 2: The devil s crowd is always upset when God s people are on the move. When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel (Neh. 2:10). Nehemiah did not waste time once he arrived at Jerusalem. He quickly got to the job he came to do. So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days. And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon (verses 11, 12). His night survey started at the Gate of the Valley, also known as the Gate of Humility. He then went eastward by way of the Dung Port, the city garbage gate. Through the under-ground channels leading to the Tyropoeon Valley the city sewage ran out this gate along with the sweepings and filthy remains of the Temple animals. This strongly suggests to us the need for cleanliness. Finally he came to the Gate of the Fountain, by the pool of Siloam. This was the city s lifeline and water supply. Note, that at this point he could not find a place to pass. Which would suggest the working of the Spirit of

15 Help for the Teacher 15 God. Until humility and cleanliness is met we cannot expect the Spirit of God to move and work freely among us. After viewing the east wall, Nehemiah returned by way of the Valley Gate. What he witnessed that night brought even more humility in his life. Nehemiah took the time to count the cost and fully see the need and work before him. This is a worthy pattern to follow that was also taught by the Lord (Luke 14:28). 4. THE GREAT TASK AND WORK, Nehemiah 2: Nehemiah did not involve others until all was ready. And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work (Neh. 2:16). Nehemiah s goal was to remove the reproach of Israel and Jerusalem from before the eyes of their enemies. This was the main point of his address to the leaders. Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach (verse 17). The survey done, the materials ready, it was now time to go to work. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king s words that he had spoken unto me. Nehemiah had God s hand on him and the king s authority. He was ready to put the challenge to the people. Let us rise up and build. The challenge was met as the people strengthened their hands for this good work (verse 18). 5. WHOSE JOB IS IT ANYWAY? Nehemiah 2:19, 20. They hardly got started before they were challenged. What is this that ye do? will ye rebel against the king (verse 19) Why did they not use force? They likely outnumbered these feeble Jews. There were several reasons they kept hands off. One was because Artaxerxes sent captains of the army and horsemen along with Nehemiah (verse 9). The enemies of God s people may laugh, scorn and question but they cannot stop the real work of the Lord. Why? Because the hand of God was on Nehemiah and that was all the assurance he or we need. Nehemiah knew he [God] will prosper us (verses 8, 18, 20). The enemy has no place in the Lord s camp. It is not and therefore cannot be their work. Nehemiah s answer to Sanballat is still the answer today. The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem (verse 20). Are you ready to put first things first? How much do you want to see the good work of the Lord succeed? Remember the Lord s blessings upon Judah during the reign of Asa, because they rejected idols and stood up for the living God (2 Chron. 15:8-15). It is foolish to oppose the good work of God, and those He has appointed to lead (Psalm 2:1-4; Heb 13:17). We need to be aware of the Sanballats and Tobiahs among us today and not be discouraged or deferred from God s plan for our lives (Rom. 8:31; 1 Peter 3:15, 16) A question to ponder: What do we need to finish the good work of Jesus Christ? 1. People who will see the need. 2. People who will pray to God. 3. People who will confess their sins. 4. People who will count the cost. 5. People who are willing to work. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? (1 Chron. 29:5)

16 16 Help for the Teacher Lesson 3 March 19, 2000 Challenged To Cooperate Text: Nehemiah 3:1-32 Focus: Nehemiah 3:1-12. SUNDAY DEVOTIONAL The Beauty of Unity, Psalm 133:1-3. There are many benefits in maintaining unity in the body of Christ. It is essential to the well-being of the Lord s work. It is amazing that a church with so many physical differences is able to abide in unity. It is conducive to worship, prayers, songs, classes and preaching when the Lord s people are in unity. The word unity is found only three times in the King James Version of the Bible (Psalm 133:1: Eph. 4:3, 13). The Hebrew word translated unity is also translated as together, altogether, alike and withal. There is a serene beauty in unity. The psalmist declared that it is a sight to see or behold. That it is good shows that it is beautiful, favorable, joyful or beneficial. It is also pleasant which means it is delightful, agreeable, sweet or lovely. It is noted that it is for the brethren. This is a translation of a Hebrew word which refers to those who are descendants from the same father or common ancestor. There is a sacredness about real unity. It is like the precious ointment. This speaks Daily Devotionals M. The Leaders Lead, Nehemiah 3: T. Temple Servants Labored, Nehemiah 3: W. Merchants and Craftsmen, Nehemiah 3: T. Live Peaceably, Romans 12: F. Maintain Unity, Ephesians 4:1-6. S. Be at Peace, 1 Thessalonians 5: of the holy ointment used for anointing the Tabernacle and those dedicated to its service (Ex. 30:23-30). There was no other ointment like it (Ex. 30:31-38). It was used in abundance from the head, down the beard and upon the garments. The whole being was anointed. You cannot have a little bit of unity and maintain peace. Such unity is like the dew of Hermon which descends on the mountains of Zion. Hermon was to the land what Aaron was to the people: a window to Heaven. Dew comes in the still of the night and never during a storm. It is not man-made or manufactured. It is a gift from God. It is fruitful for through it the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. More is accomplished in every phase of the Lord s work when His brethren dwell together in unity. The words together and unity are from the same Hebrew word. The thought is that when brethren meet together be together or when they meet as one, be one. LESSON OUTLINE 1. THE SHEEP GATE, Nehemiah 3:1, 2. A. Builder, Eliashib. B. The gate of the Lamb. C. Suggests the cross. 2. THE FISH GATE, Nehemiah 3:3-5. A. Builders, sons of Hassenaah. B. Suggests the need of fisherman. 3. THE OLD GATE, Nehemiah 3:6-12. A. Repairers, Jehoiada and Meshullam. B. Suggests the old paths. 4. THE VALLEY GATE, Nehemiah 3:13. A. Repairer, Hanum. B. Suggests humility.

17 Help for the Teacher THE DUNG GATE, Nehemiah 3:14. A. Repairer, Malchiah. B. Suggests the need for cleanliness. 6. THE GATE OF THE FOUNTAIN, Nehemiah 3: A. Repairer, Shallum. B. Suggests fruitfulness. 7. THE WATER GATE, Nehemiah 3:26, 27. A. Nethinims and Tekoites. B. Suggests the need of the Word. 8. THE HORSE GATE, Nehemiah 3:28. A. Repairers, the priests. B. Suggests warfare. 9. THE EAST GATE, Nehemiah 3:29, 30. A. Repairers, Zadok and Shemaiah. B. Suggests the coming of Messiah. 10. THE GATE MIPHKAD, Nehemiah 3:31. A. Repairer, Malchiah. B. Suggests judgment. 11. BACK TO THE SHEEP GATE, Nehemiah 3:32. TIPS FOR THE TEACHER Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will accept the challenge to work in harmony with the church. Nehemiah 3 contains the most detailed description of Jerusalem found in the Bible. Nehemiah began near the northeast corner of the city; from this corner the narration goes in a counterclockwise direction around the city. This chapter says much about the leadership skills of Nehemiah. Knowing where the various gates and towers mentioned in the book of Nehemiah are located will give the reader a greater understanding and appreciation for the work that was accomplished by Nehemiah (See map on page 28). Remind the students of the reason behind Jerusalem s destruction and the need to rebuild. Continued sin and rebellion against God will always bring destruction upon any nation (Prov. 14:34). The Northern Kingdom, called Israel, fell 135 years before the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar s army in 586 B.C. Mixed families repopulated the northern areas of Israel. The adversaries of Nehemiah and Israel were the descendants of these foreign intruders who became known as the Samaritans. Nehemiah did three things in his work plan that serve as excellent examples for us today. First, there was Nehemiah s night investigation. Next, there was cooperation between him and all the workers. Finally, there was a strong determination to see the work finished. LESSON COMMENTARY 1. THE SHEEP GATE, Nehemiah 3:1, 2. The builder in charge here was the high priest Eliashib whose name means, restored of God. This gate was where the sheep to be sacrificed entered. They were cleansed and washed in a pool that at this time, was outside the city walls. It was here that the sheep were separated and prepared for sacrifice on the brazen altar. The Sheep Gate suggests to us the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross (John 1:29). This is a most important truth of the Scripture (1 Peter 2:24; 3:18). There are several reasons why the work was started here. Israel needed the presence and blessings of God restored. Their idolatry came with a high price tag (Ezek. 8:5-18). They needed the shed blood of the lamb because it was the only way to God. They needed protection from their enemies. The gates on the north wall faced the open slope toward Mount Scopus. The enemies attacked here first. The other gates faced steep hillsides and valleys below. The Lamb of God has long been the focal point of Satan s attacks. This is the gate of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Jesus entered this gate during His ministry (John 10:1, 2). Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Gen. 22:8; John 1:29). 2. THE FISH GATE, Nehemiah 3:3-5. This gate faced the north and stood across the Tyropoeon Valley in much the

18 18 Help for the Teacher same way as the Damascus Gate does now. The wall ran east and west from the middle of the west Temple wall to the area near present day Joppa Gate. The name possibly came about because the men of Tyre sold fish here (Neh. 13:16). The purpose of the gate was that it served as a market area. Here Israel came in contact with their neighbors to whom they should have been witnessing to about the living God. The builders where the sons of Hassenaah whose name means the hated one. This gate brings to mind Jesus words when He called the disciples (Matt. 4:19), and told them that they were to be fishers of men. How sad that Nehemiah had to note that the so-called nobles missed out on the blessings of working together with the Lord and His people. This gate naturally follows the Sheep Gate. It is the first love that constrains us to fish for men (John 1:40-45). There is a great need for fishers of men today. Never feel that we are too noble to go fishing for men. The Bible is our equipment and Jesus is all things to all men that we may save some. The Bible is the bait: get to know it. 3. THE OLD GATE, Nehemiah 3:6-12. In Nehemiah s time this gate stood at the northwest corner of the city. This is at the junction of two ancient roads. One road leads south to Bethlehem (the house of bread), the birthplace of King David and of Jesus; from here it goes on to Hebron (league, alliance). This was the home and burial site of Abraham. The other road leads west to the coast and Joppa. Lebanon cedars landed here for the Temple (2 Chron. 2:16). It was here that Peter saw the vision that led to the gospel being presented to the Gentiles (Acts 10). The builders were Jehoiada (Jehovah knows) and Meshullam (friend). The gate was also known as the Pilgrim s Gate, the Gate of Entry, the Night Gate and the Needle s Eye Gate. It suggests to us that the old and proven is the best (Jer. 6:16). It took Israel some time to learn this (Neh. 9:2, 3). The question is, will our way stand under the test of God s Word? (Prov. 16:2). There is a need for the tried and proven today (Prov. 22:28); such as the Word of God (2 Tim. 3;16, 17); the blood of Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:24, 25); the New Testament church (Matt 16:18); the faith (system of doctrine) which is tried and proven (Jude 3). 4. THE VALLEY GATE, Nehemiah 3:13. The builders here were Hanun (favored) and Zanoah (rejected.) This gate opened to the Valley of Hinnom near the southwest corner a little farther south from today s Zion Gate. This gate suggests to us the need for humility. The sinful pride of Judah destroyed this gate. The final result of pride is destruction (Prov. 16:18). The gate was being rebuilt by humble men. Humility is having or showing a consciousness of one s defects or shortcomings: not proud, modest. Nehemiah, after his night tour, reentered the city by this gate (Neh. 2:12-15). There will be no soundness of faith, clean life or filling of the Spirit until the Gate of Humility is entered. On the day of dedication all the people entered by this gate (verses 30, 31, 38). Note that the gate is not named but it is clearly indicated by the other references. Humility is a strange thing: when you boast that you have it, it is quickly gone. 5. THE DUNG GATE, Nehemiah 3:14. The builder at this gate was Malchiah (my king is Jehovah). He was a Rechabite. They were a family that remained faithful to God during the days of Jeremiah (Jer. 35:1-19). The name Dung Gate is derived from the fact that this served as Jerusalem s back door. The sewer system ran underground along the bed of the Tyropoeon Valley and out this gate. The animal waste from the Temple and city were carried out here and placed in the King s Garden. This gate was located one thousand cubits eastward along the southern wall from the Valley Gate (verse 13). This would put it just west of the Pool of Siloam.

19 Help for the Teacher 19 The purpose of this gate was to keep the city clean and free from defilement. It suggests to us the need to keep our lives and churches clean least we be defiled. The evils of Judah s last three kings defiled the Temple and the city. They made the city and the Temple an abomination before God. It was time for a cleanup campaign. It was time to carry out the garbage. Paul dumped the dung in his life (Phil. 3:4-8). There needs to be a dumping of the garbage that stinks up our lives morally and spiritually. Garbage that piles up in many churches needs to be dumped. The garbage of religious rites, works for salvation, universal church, New Lightism, Calvinism and the such needs to be carried out (Gal. 5:6; Rom. 3:27, 28; Jude 3; 2 Thess. 3:6). This is a must if we are to be blessed of the Lord. 6. THE GATE OF THE FOUNTAIN, Nehemiah 3: The builder was Shallun (recompense). Archaeological evidence shows that the wall crossed the Tyropoeon Valley by the Pool of Siloam. This gate was near the pool and the King s Garden. This gate reminds us of the fountain of living water. It is symbolic of the work of the Holy Spirit. The gate between two walls (2 Kings 25:4) suggests the closeness and security believers have in and with the Spirit. By the king s garden (Jer. 52:7) suggests fruitfulness and growth. Nehemiah s night ride found this gate in such ruin that he could not pass while riding on his animal (Neh. 2:14). This was the result of all the other gates and what they suggest to us being neglected. The Sheep Gate or the blood of the Lamb was misplaced by idolatry. The Fish Gate or witnessing for God was misplaced by heathenism. The Old Gate or God s way was misplaced by the ways of man. The Valley Gate or humility was misplaced by pride. The Dung Gate or cleanliness was misplaced by the filthiness of idolatry. Thus, the glory of God had left the city (Ezek. 10:4, 18, 19). The free working of the Spirit is vital to our spiritual life. This gate must be strong if there is to be growth. 7. THE WATER GATE, Nehemiah 3:26, 27. The builders here were the Nethinims (given ones) who lived in Ophel, the old city of David. They were a large group of Temple servants (Neh. 7:60). The tower mentioned here was uncovered at this point in the old city walls (Neh. 3:19-25). This gate was connected with the city water supply and has recently been excavated just west of the Gihon Spring. The Temple area had thirty cisterns. The largest of which held over two million gallons of water. Solomon s pools, near Bethlehem, brought water via aqueducts winding some fifteen miles into these cisterns. This gate suggests to us the Word of God (Eph. 5:25, 26). Note no repairs were mentioned to this gate. The other gates were in ruins but this one had been neglected. The Word of God needs no repairs; it will endure (1 Peter 1:25; John 12:34). Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. It stands or falls on its own merit. This gate was vital to the service of the Temple and the daily life of the people. The Word of God must be maintained as it was delivered by the prophets and apostles. The priests performed daily cleansing in order to be free from the defilement of sin. It is God s Word that keeps us and cleanses us (Psalm 119:9; 1 John 1:8-10). This gate must firmly stand. On the day of dedication the people gathered before this gate to hear Ezra preach the Word of God (Neh. 8:1-3, 6, 9, 10). 8. THE HORSE GATE, Nehemiah 3:28. The repairers here were the priests, the called and anointed ones of God. This gate was near the southeast corner by the king s house (2 Chron 23:14, 15; Jer. 31:38-40). Solomon s stables are located under the southeast corner of the Temple area. There are eighty-eight columns in twelve rows. The area is twenty-eight feet high, two hundred seventy-three feet from east to

20 20 Help for the Teacher west and two hundred feet from north to south. Near this corner has been found an ancient gate that measures eighteen feet high and sixty-nine feet wide. It is in line with the broad aisle in the stables. The repairs were made from above the horse gate. This would imply that it, like the Water Gate, had been neglected. The horse is used as a figure of the warrior (Zech. 1:7-11; Rev. 6:2-8), and the gate speaks to us of our warrior service for the King of kings. Warfare is certain in our Christian life (Gal. 5:17). As soldiers of the cross we need to learn to use our armor skillfully (Eph. 6:11-18). Our weapons are supplied by God (2 Cor. 10:4). We are to be prepared for battle, fighting a good fight and waging a good warfare (1 Tim. 1:18; 6:12). 9. THE EAST GATE, Nehemiah 3:29, 30. The builder was Shemaiah (Jehovah is heard). His father was Shechaniah, keeper of the East Gate. This gate overlooks the Kidron Valley and faces the rising sun and the Mount of Olives. It is a fifty-five foot wide projection which extends outward six feet from the main wall. The walls and the gate in this area have not changed positions since the days of Jerusalem s ancient glory. Ezekiel s prophetic word that Jehovah s Prince would enter in here and dwell in glory is a great comfort to the people of God (Ezek. 43:1-4; 44:1-3). Jews believe the Messiah will enter the city through this gate when He comes to Jerusalem. In the hope of postponing this day, the Turkish governor of Jerusalem blocked up this gate in This is the only gate that leads directly into the Temple area. This gate suggests to us the coming of God s Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus is coming again and this gate will open (Ezek. 43:4; 44:3). Scoffers would keep it closed (2 Peter 3:3, 4), but Jesus is coming again ready or not (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Zech. 14:4). 10. THE GATE MIPHKAD, Nehemiah 3:31. The repairer here was Malchiah (my king is Jehovah) the goldsmith s son. This gate was located near the northeast corner; close to the present day Stephen s Gate. The name Miphkad means appointed place to review for judgment. The purpose of the gate was a place where controversies were heard and tried. It suggests to us the judgments that will come during the end time with the return of the Messiah. A time of judgment has been appointed (Psalm 9:7, 16). Sin has been judged at Calvary (Col. 2:14-17; Heb. 10:10-14). Believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). Israel will be judged and purged during the time of Jacob s trouble (Jer. 30:7). Nations will be judged in the Valley of Jehosaphat (Joel 3:9-17). Satan will be judged and cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). Unbelievers will be judged and be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:12-15). 11.BACK TO THE SHEEP GATE, Nehemiah 3:32. In closing his narrative Nehemiah once again spoke of the Sheep Gate. The work began and ended here. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. It is in Him that we begin and end our spiritual life. In the eternal age it is the Lamb that is on the throne. It is the Lamb that is worthy to be praised (Rev. 5:6-13). Come to God s Lamb today and trust Him to take away your sin.

21 Help for the Teacher 21 Sheep Gate (Herod s Gate) The Sheep Gate was near the northeast corner of the city walls. Near this gate were holding pens and two large pools known as sheep s pools. This pool area is also called the pool of Bethesda. During the Temple era this was the area where the sheep were prepared for sacrifice on the altar. This is located about one hundred fifty yards south of the present-day Herod s Gate. A sheep auction takes place next to Herod s Gate each week.

22 22 Help for the Teacher Fish Gate The Fish Gate was near the center of the north city wall. This gate got its name from the men of Tyre who came to sell fish and other wares at this site (Neh. 13:16). The Fish Gate stood across the northern beginning of the Tyropoeon Valley in much the same way as the Damascus Gate does today. An open air market takes place around the Damascus Gate each week. It is mostly Arab farmers and merchants who have come to sell and barter the exchange of needed goods.

23 Help for the Teacher 23 Old Gate (Jaffa Gate) The Old Gate was at the northwest corner of the city wall. This was at the junction of two ancient roads; the one leading west toward the coast and Joppa and the other leading sound toward Bethlehem and Hebron. It was also called the Corner Gate, the Pilgrim s Gate, the Gate of Entry and the Night Gate. Today s Jaffa Gate stands just a few yards to the west from where Nehemiah s Old Gate entered the city. This view is looking south toward the ramparts above Jaffa Gate.

24 24 Help for the Teacher Valley Gate (Zion Gate) The Valley Gate was at the southwest corner of the city wall. The Valley of Hinnom runs south from just west of the Old Gate (Jaffa Gate) and at the Valley Gate (Zion Gate) it turns in a southeastern direction until it joins the Kidron Valley. The Valley of Hinnom served as the boundary between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah (Joshua 15:8). Nehemiah entered here on his night survey and then led the people through this gate and up onto the walls on the day of dedication.

25 Help for the Teacher 25 Dung Gate The Dung Gate was on the south wall of the city and stood across the Tyropoeon Valley just west of the pool of Siloam (the square structure in the lower left of the picture). This was also called Jerusalem s back door. The sewer system of the city ran along the bed of the Tyropoeon Valley and out this gate as seen in this picture. The animal excrement from the Temple sacrifices were carried out through this gate. Some of the fertilizers were used in the King s Garden.

26 26 Help for the Teacher Water Gate This gate connected with the water supply of the Temple and the city. The Gihon Spring was the only fresh water supply near the city during biblical times. Solomon s pool some five miles south of Jerusalem also brought water via aqueducts winding some fifteen miles long through the hills and emptying in thirty different cisterns within the city and Temple area. Water could be drawn safely from within the city from this source. Hezekiah had a tunnel dug from here to the Pool of Siloam. Horse Gate This gate was located near the corner by the king s house. This would be near the southeast corner of the Temple area. An ancient gate measuring eighteen feet high and sixty-nine feet wide was found at this site. It is in line with the broad aisle of the stables under the Temple area. There are eighty-eight columns and twelve rows in the entire area measuring twenty-eight feet high, two hundred feet from north to south, and two hundred seventy-three feet from east to west.

27 Help for the Teacher 27 East Gate This gate overlooks the Kidron Valley and faces the Mount of Olives and the rising sun. The wall in this area is part of the Temple area enclosure. The walls and location of the gates in this area have not changed since the days of Jerusalem s ancient glory. Ezekiel s prophecy that Jehovah s Prince would enter through this gate prompted the Turkish governor to have it sealed up in The Gate Miphkad This gate was located near the northeast corner on the eastern wall. It stood very near where the present-day Stephen s Gate is located. This was the gate where controversies were heard and tried. It was here that the Jews brought to Jesus the woman who was taken in adultery. It was near this gate that Stephen was stoned.

28 28 Help for the Teacher NORTHEASTERN HILL NORTHWESTERN HILL central valley MISHNEH TEMPLE HILL kidron valley m ount of olives SOUTHWESTERN HILL MAKTESH SOU TH EASTERN central valley (ZION ) H ILL O phel Jerusalem hinnom City walls in Nehemiah's day. valley kid r on Approximate location of Nehemiah's city gates. valley Modern walls built in the 16th century.

29 Help for the Teacher 29 Lesson 4 March 26, 2000 Challenged by Enemies Text: Nehemiah 4:1-9. Focus: Nehemiah 4:1-9. SUNDAY DEVOTIONAL Be Strong in the Lord, Ephesians 6: There is a great battle raging today between the forces of Satan and the children of God. It is imperative that we know the nature of the conflict, the secret of our strength and the weapons of our warfare. We need to be personally acquainted with our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus. He knows our weaknesses and the armor we need and how to properly use it. We also need to know the enemy and his artful deceptions and fiery darts. He is a formidable foe that has much battlefield experience. The real super-power is the Lord. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Eph. 6:10). He is the Captain and Lord of hosts (Joshua 5:14, 15; 1 Kings 22:19; Psalm 46:7). He has supplied to the believer the proven armor needed to defeat the enemy. The whole armor of God is needed. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11). No piece of the armor is to be neglected or we will be weakened in the battle. Satan knows our weaknesses also Daily Devotionals M. Judah s Adversaries, Ezra 4:1-5. T. A Letter of Protest, Ezra 4:6-16. W. Work Made To Cease, Ezra 4: T. Call upon the Lord, Psalm 50: F. An Appeal to God, Psalm 83:1-18. S. Jeremiah s Prayer, Jeremiah 18: and he will concentrate his attack on those areas of our lives. It is a real battle. It is a battle for each life and its testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not a battle against our fellowman, but against the forces of hell. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (verse 12). We are battling the one who rebelled against God and Heaven (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:11-19). The apostle issued a call to arms and then tells us what the dress uniform of the day is for the Christian soldier. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:13). We are provided with the best defensive arsenal the Lord can supply (verses 14-17). The girdle of truth keeps us looking ever fit. For the truth is the same every time you tell it and hear it. It is a tried and proven weapon that will never let its user down. The breastplate of righteousness guards the heart. When Satan fires the dart that our righteousness is filthy and of no value, we can successfully counterattack with the imputed righteousness of God given us in Christ. Satan s fiery dart misses its target and falls to the ground. The boots are put on to keep us on our feet and on the move. Soldiers who are entrusted with the keeping of the gospel will ever be on the move to proclaim its salvation glory. All of this is guarded by the shield of faith. The strong enduring faith of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us

30 30 Help for the Teacher (Gal. 2:16, 20; Heb. 12:2). Since our faith is Jesus Christ, victory can be declared (1 John 5:4, 5). The helmet of salvation covers not only the head but the mind. It is from here that we formulate our plans for warfare. Our mind must be renewed and focused upon Christ (Rom. 12:2; Isa. 26:3; 59:15, 17). Our offensive arsenal does not have many weapons. But those weapons have never failed (Eph. 6:17). The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is quick and powerful (Heb. 4.12). In the heat of battle Jesus used it to defeat Satan s temptings (Matt. 4:4). A state of war still exists so there is a great need for ready soldiers on the front lines of battle. Watching unto prayer is the oil that keeps the armor working without a squeak or hitch. Fully armed and trained soldiers are bold in their service. They are ever ready with the gospel of peace. We are not only soldiers but ambassadors as well. May God grant that we may serve long and well in the army of the Lord and as ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). LESSON OUTLINE 1. THE OPPOSITION OF MOCKERY AND RIDICULE, Nehemiah 4:1-3. A. Sanballat s anger, Nehemiah 4:1. B. Sanballat s cry to arms, Nehemiah 4:2. C. Sanballat s foolish questions, Nehemiah 4:2. D. Joining forces, Nehemiah 4:3. 2. NEHEMIAH S PRAYER, Nehemiah 4:4, 5. A. Nehemiah set the example. B. Prayer for deliverance. 3. THE WORKER S RESOLVE, Nehemiah 4:6. A. Willingness to cooperate. B. Finishing what you start. 4. PREPARED FOR THE ENEMY, Nehemiah 4:7-9. A. An all out attack, Nehemiah 4:7. B. Enemy banding together, Nehemiah 4:8. C. Israel prayed to God, Nehemiah 4:9. D. Israel set a watch, Nehemiah 4:9. TIPS FOR THE TEACHER Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will resist the enemies of truth and righteousness. Children of God are to resist the enemies of truth and right. There is a great need to properly identify and locate the enemy. Sanballat was a Horonite; that is, a man of Bethhoron a city on the boundary line between Benjamin and Ephraim about twelve to thirteen miles northwest of Jerusalem. Sanballat was a Samaritan, which is a term of contempt with the Jews. Samaritans were descendants of Jews who had married Assyrians during their time of deportation, and then they returned and repopulated the area around Samaria. Tobiah was an Ammonite. He was a descendant of Ben-ammi, or Ammon, who was the son of Lot by incest with his youngest daughter (Gen. 19:38). He is called the servant, likely an officer of Sanballat. The Ammonites were a nomadic people who lived east of the Jordan River. Their capital was Rabbath-Ammon. They were a warrior people who were in constant battle with Israel. They refused to help their cousins on the way to the Promised Land or aide them against Babylon or Egypt. Geshem was an Arabian. Arabia is the large peninsula that is southeast from Israel. The Arabians in the north of this land are descendants of Ishmael. Those in the south are descendants of Joktan the son of Eber, and brother of Peleg, from the line of Shem and Noah (Gen. 10:22-26). They too often sided with Israel s enemies. In today s lesson they are coming with an army to halt God s work. Satan continuously raises up forces to oppose God s people and their work for Him. Satan will make it just as

31 Help for the Teacher 31 hard as he possibly can. He uses unscrupulous men and women to ridicule and mock what they do not understand and those who stand up for God. The fearless determination of Nehemiah challenged the people to keep a constant vigil and continue the work to the end. LESSON COMMENTARY I. THE OPPOSITION OF MOCKERY AND RIDICULE, Nehemiah 4:1-3. The enemy could not believe the resolve of God s people. But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? (Neh. 2:19). This was true of the apostles (Acts 4:13). It was also true of the apostle Paul (Acts 26:24). The early church followed the example of their leaders. This should be normal in the Lord s New Testament churches today (Matt. 5:11). Sanballat became angry when he saw what Nehemiah and the Jews were doing. But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews (Neh. 4:1) Wroth is from the Hebrew word charah which means to glow or grow warm, to turn red faced; to blaze up, to be jealous: fret one s self, be incensed. Nehemiah also said that Sanballat took great indignation. This is from the Hebrew words rabah and ka ac. These words tell us that Sanballat continued to excel, be full of, and nourish; trouble, rage, anger, unto wrath. He mocked (derided; to imitate a foreigner; to speak unintelligibly, laugh to scorn) God s people. This was the same as mocking God. Sanballat spoke to his countrymen and army. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria (verse 2). The enemies of the Lord like lots of help. They are cowards. They operate through lies, subtlety and deceit (John 8:44; Gen. 3:1; Eph. 6:11). Satan and his crowd never come alone. When Jesus cast the unclean spirit out of the Gadarene who was living in the graveyard, the demons that came forth were numerous (Mark 5:1-9). It seems to be a part of man s sinful nature to mock what he does not understand. Sanballat mocked Nehemiah and his workmen with five troublesome questions. 1. What do these feeble Jews? In the eyes of the enemy this small remnant looked feeble. Perhaps the enemy thought the Jews would hire artisans from Tyre like Solomon had done. Jews were thought to be unskilled workers. And surely, after their time in captivity, they were not warriors either. When the Jews began to return to Palestine after World War II most of the world thought it was a feeble attempt by but a few fanatics. When the Jews declared themselves a nation on May 14, 1948, most of the world s nations thought it could never last! 2. Will they fortify themselves? The word fortify is from the Hebrew word azab which means to loosen or to relinquish all ties. Here Sanballat questioned whether they would severe their ties with Persia and rebel against the king. 3. Will they sacrifice? He was mocking and questioning the slaughter of animals in sacrifice. This was, perhaps, his main concern! Was Israel returning to their Temple worship? Had they repented and turned to their God, Jehovah? The enemies knew from experience that if this was true it meant their defeat was inevitable. 4. Will they make an end in a day? Sanballat and his crowd were amazed that the work was being done at all, and they were utterly astonished at how rapidly it was being completed. The enemies of the Lord should never be allowed to cause any delay in His work. 5. Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Sanballat and his cohorts saw

32 32 Help for the Teacher only the outside appearance. They did not realize that Nehemiah s resources came from the Lord and from within the heart (Heb. 13:5, 6; 1 John 4:4). The children of God can do the impossible through Christ (Phil 4:13, 19). Tobiah joined his boss in the ridicule. Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall (Neh. 4:3). Tobiah was a yesman. The cry of mockery and laughter became, a fox (jackal) could break down this wall! Most of the devil s crowd are quiet and cowardly when they are alone, but mixed in the crowd like Tobiah they become boisterous and loud. Do not ever let others do your thinking for you. 2. NEHEMIAH S PRAYER, Nehemiah 4:4, 5. Nehemiah s prayer and attitude set the example for God s children. He was both direct and honest in his prayer. His greatest desire was to do the work of the Lord and put to silence the ignorance of foolish men who despised and scorned. Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: and cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders (verses 4, 5) The enemy either did not realize or they did not seem to care that when they touched Israel, it was as if they were laying hands on God. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye (Zech. 2:8). Critics find fault with the prayer because denunciation was asked upon the enemies. David often prayed prayers such as this (Psalm 6:10; 54:5). The question has been asked, Does God answer such a prayer? The truth is that Israel finished the work. So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days (Neh. 6:15). The Lord answered David s prayer and aided him in the triumph over his enemies (Psalm 44:7; 54:7). Let us pray that the Lord will grant us such a deliverance from the force of Satan! Paul prayed such a prayer and God answered him swiftly and directly. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:8-11). Jesus died for our sins in order that believers would be privileged to such a deliverance. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Gal. 1:4, 5). The gainsayers cannot and will not win over truth (Titus 1:9-11). 3. THE WORKER S RESOLVE, Nehemiah 4:6. So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work (Neh. 4:6). There was a willingness and cooperation that proved to be the keys to success of their work. Willing and cooperative workers are a must. A pastor once remarked that the church he pastored was made of such workers. About twenty-five percent of the membership were willing and cooperative workers; and the other seventy-five percent were willing and cooperative in letting them do it. But in spite of the enemy they continued. Literally the thought of verse 6

33 Help for the Teacher 33 is that the people s heart was in the work. Unto the half notes that they were already at half the height they desired for the wall to be when the work was finished. But well begun does not mean it is yet done. Too often the work of the Lord is stopped short of its original intended goal. Are we determined to finish what we have started? Jesus was not crucified until His work was finished. Jesus prayed the night of His betrayal, I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do (John 17:4). Paul stayed on the course the Lord laid out for his life and he finished the work given him to do. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:7). Paul s desire was to please the Lord and not man. He did not want to be considered a cracked pot (cast away) by any who knew him and heard him preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 9:25-27). Faithfulness was the key then as it is today. The Lord still requires that His stewards be found faithful (1 Cor. 4:2). 4. PREPARED FOR THE ENEMY, Nehemiah 4:7-9. When Sanballat and his cronies mockery and ridicule failed, an all out attack seemed imminent. But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth (Neh. 4:7). Word was out that Nehemiah and his handful of feeble Jews were up to no good. They were going to rebel and the enemy felt they had better strike first. Therefore, all the surrounding enemies of Israel began to band together. And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it (verse 8). There is a new name added to the group of mocking enemies. That of the Ashdodites. They were from one of the chief cities of Israel s old nemesis the Philistines. This confederacy of scorners had hardly been friends; but they became friends in their determination to destroy Israel. We have witnessed this same type of coalition in the Middle East today. The Desert Storm War against Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi army proved that the Arab world is not united. But the vast majority are united in any effort to thwart Israel and remove them from the Middle East. The enemies of the Lord s churches have multiplied over the years. They have often quarreled with each other, especially during the reformation. But they all hold the true church and truth in contempt. Nehemiah and Israel did two commendable things. 1. They prayed to God. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God (verse 9). 2. They set a watch day and night. And set a watch against them day and night, because of them (Neh. 4:9). These are still worthy pursuits for God s children. Jesus told the disciples to watch and pray (Matt. 26:41; Mark 13:33; Luke 21:36). As we pray and watch we draw closer to God. Such actions are alarming and frightening to the enemy who will turn and flee (James 4:7, 8). We can be certain that Satan will oppose God s children. Are we ready to repel his forces? Faithfulness is what is needed today among the soldiers of the Lord just as it was in Nehemiah s time. The final victory is with the Lord.

34 34 Help for the Teacher Lesson 5 April 2, 2000 Challenged by Brethren Text: Nehemiah 4: Focus: Nehemiah 4: SUNDAY DEVOTIONAL Why Cast Down? Psalm 42:5-11. Psalm 42 marks the beginning of book two of the Psalter. It contains thirty-one psalms. The theme of this section of the book of Psalms is ruin and redemption. The name God (Elohim) is used almost to the exclusion of the use of Jehovah. Because of the many comparisons drawn from the book of Exodus, this section is often referred to as the Exodus Psalm. The first eight of these psalms are assigned to the sons of Korah. Korah was a cousin of Moses, who joined in a rebellion against God s leaders. For this he was swallowed up in a pit by the hand of God (Num. 16:27-32). His descendants did not suffer his fate (Num. 26:10, 11). The Korahites were keepers of the gates to the sacred tent that was put up by David on Mount Zion before Solomon built the Temple (1 Chron. 9:19). They were caretakers of the shewbread and appointed as leaders over Temple musicians and singers (1 Chron. 9:32, 33; 2 Chron. 20:19). This group of psalms sing a song of devotion to worship and praise. DAILY DEVOTIONALS M. God Will Fight for Us, Exodus 14: T. Discouraged in the Wilderness, Numbers 21:4-9. W. God Is Mighty, Dueteronomy 10: T. Hope in God, Psalm 43:1-5. F. All Is Vanity, Ecclesiastes 1: S. Not Forsaken, 2 Corinthians 4:7-15. The author and occasion of this psalm is not given. The words and style are that of David. The time would best correspond to the time of Absalom s rebellion, when David was forced to flee his beloved city and cross over the Jordan. We hear the voice of one who had been in the habit of leading the pilgrims of Israel up Zion s hill to worship the Lord. David s situation bowed him down like one in mourning. He was humbled before God, God s prophet, his family and the nation. His soul was disquieted LESSON OUTLINE 1. DISCOURAGEMENT, Nehemiah 4: A. Workers in disarray, Nehemiah 4:10. B. Adversaries, Nehemiah 4:11. C. Brethren s cry, Nehemiah 4: CLOSING THE RANKS, Nehemiah 4:13. A. Lower places. B. Higher places. C. By families. D. Bring your weapon. 3. ENCOURAGEMENT, Nehemiah 4:14, 15. A. Take a look around, Nehemiah 4:14. B. God is in control, Nehemiah 4: TO THE WORK, Nehemiah 4: A. Every one unto his work, Nehemiah 4:16. B. Tools and weapon in hand, Nehemiah 4: SOUND THE BATTLE CRY, Nehemiah 4:18-20.

35 Help for the Teacher 35 A. Nehemiah and trumpet blower together, Nehemiah 4:18. B. Great work with few laborers, Nehemiah 4:19, 20. C. Rouse then soldiers, Nehemiah 4: DEDICATION TO THE WORK, Nehemiah 4: A. Labor all day, Nehemiah B. Safety within, Nehemiah 4:22. C. Ever ready, Nehemiah 4:23. TIPS FOR THE TEACHER Aim: By the end of this lesson the student will have the courage to resist all offers that would compromise the work of God. Knowing the topography of Jerusalem will help one s understanding of the scene in today s lesson (See map with Lesson 3). The city is situated in the heart of the Judean mountains. It is set upon five hills and across several valleys. The highest elevation within the city walls is 2,581 feet near the northwestern corner by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The southwestern hill is from 2,350 to 2,500 feet high and it drops steeply on all sides but the north. The northeastern summit in the Moslem Quarter is 2,500 feet and is separated from the Temple Mount by a rocky trench. The rock on the Temple Mount rises 2,404 feet. The hill of Ophel falls from 2,350 feet to 2,100 at the pool of Siloam. The Valley of Hinnom, on the west and south sides of the city drops 670 feet from north to south. The Kidron Valley on the east of the city is 400 feet below the Temple platform. Just outside the Damascus Gate, to the north, begins the Tyropoeon Valley that traverses the city with rapidly rising hills on both sides and drops over 400 feet to join with the Valley of Hinnom on the south of the city. It is of great importance that we have the courage to resist all offers that would compromise the work of God. Once truth is compromised it is no longer truth, it becomes a lie. Israel and Judah were challenged to live by the book. And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul (Deut. 30:9, 10). The Lord s New Testament church is also challenged to live by the book. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God (Luke 4:4; compare John 14:23; 15:7). Paul stood against compromise concerning the Gentiles being circumcised as stated in the Law of Moses in order to secure salvation. He preached justification by grace through faith without the deeds of the Law (Gal. 2:11-16). To do otherwise, Paul taught, would frustrate (set aside, neutralize or violate; bring to nought) the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain [without a cause] (verse 21). As children of God and members of New Testament churches it is a privilege and a responsibility to uphold and contend for the faith. We are to stand fast (be stationary, persevere) in the faith (1 Cor. 16:13). We are to examine and prove ourselves concerning the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). We are to receive Christ, walk in Christ, be rooted and built up in Christ; this done we will be stablished [stabilized, confirmed]) in the faith (Col. 2:6, 7). On every front we are to contend for the faith (Jude 3). Children of God who will strive to do what is taught in the above passages will not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine that comes along (Eph. 4:11-16), but they

36 36 Help for the Teacher will firmly stand in the faith as it was once delivered unto the saints. In the service of the Lord we are constantly challenged by our brethren either to go forward or stay put. The four F s are still present with us today as they have been in every generation. 1. Brother Forget It. His favorites words are, Forget it, we can t do that! 2. Brother Fearful. His message is always the same. I m fearful of what might happen! 3. Brother Finance. Always worried about the purse strings he remarks, We don t have the finances for that! 4. Brother Faithful. Thank the Lord there is a large family of them still in His service. They are always ready to say, We can do all things through Christ. May God grant us boldness in faith and the Word. This comes by prayer, the Holy Spirit and confidence in Christ (Acts 4:31; Eph. 3:12). LESSON COMMENTARY 1. DISCOURAGEMENT, Nehemiah 4: The workers were in disarray. They began to get tired and grow weary in their well doing. The bearer s vigor and capacity to work effectively had decayed. They appeared frail and weak. The amount of rubbish seemed to be just too much. Those who were once excited about the work and eager to get at it, were now saying, We are not able to build the wall (Neh. 4:10). The work of the Lord and His churches is just that, work! When one is first saved, there is that excitement and eagerness that every pastor and church loves to see. However, there is often a large pile of rubbish that needs to be cleaned up and trash that needs to be removed. This must be done in order for this new babe in Christ to continue to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. If careful pastoral care is not taken, burn-out can happen before the new growth in Christ has an opportunity to take a firm hold in and on the everyday life. The rubbish was all around Jerusalem because of Judah s sin of idolatry and rebellion against God. Every child of God, regardless of the number of years he has been saved, needs to constantly carry out the trash. Don t be guilty of letting it pile up. The adversaries watch for the rubbish that slows done the work of the Lord s people. The devil and his crowd are sneaky. And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease (verse 11). Satan and his followers work in the dark and behind the scene. They appeal to us through the pleasures of sin and the lust of the flesh. The consequences are not discussed. They seem sincere and innocent so that those around neither know nor see what is going on until it is too late (Gal. 2:4; Jude 4). Satan knows that the best way to stop the work is from the inside. This is how heresy and sin have entered far too may lives and churches and brought about disorder and oft times destruction. The adversaries of the Lord s will stop at nothing to hinder His work. Satan is ever poised like a hungry lion seeking whom and what he may slay and devour (1 Peter 5:8). It is expected that adversaries will attack from all sides, at all times, and in many ways (Eph 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:24-26). But, when we have met the enemy and found it is us, then we are faced with one of Satan s most vicious, hurtful and sadly successful wily snares contention and unrest within the ranks. The Jews that came to Jerusalem and continuously repeated their message of doom made several serious mistakes. One was that they dwelt by them, the adversaries (Neh. 4:12). It had long been time for them to come out from among them and be separate. This is the only way the Lord can fully bless His children (2 Cor. 6:14-18). When one accepts Christ as Savior, he is in the world but no longer of it (John 17:11-16). If the area in which you live, the people you are around

37 Help for the Teacher 37 daily or the job at which you work are not conducive to the Lord s work and spiritual growth, then it is time for a move. Check your priorities and be certain the Lord is listed at the top. Christ is to have first place in every phase of our lives (Col. 1:18). Next, they should have understood that brethren are to be encouragers and not discouragers. They repeated their message until it was like a chant. They said unto us ten times (Neh. 4:12). Let us beware of riding hobbyhorses that take us absolutely no where. The next error they made was when they attempted to take themselves out of the picture. Have you ever noticed how it is our church and our pastor until there is a problem. Then it becomes those people or that church and that pastor. These outsider Jews did not come and ask, What can we do to help? They seemed to be clear that whatever happened it would be upon Nehemiah and those at Jerusalem. From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you (verse 12). When, and if, the adversaries did attack, did they foolishly think they would be spared? The adversaries (the roaring lion and the stalking wolves), look for the young, stragglers and wounded first; for they are the easiest to catch and devour (Matt. 7:15; 10:16; Acts 20:29). Their biggest difficulty was their lack of faith in the Lord s promises to bring the remnant home and renew the land (Jer. 29:10-14; 30:3). Instead of looking at the size and number of the enemy they should have remembered the power of the Almighty God. They surely knew how God used Gideon and three hundred men to defeat the Midianites and the Amalekites who covered the valley of Jezreel like the sand by the sea (Judges 7:7, 12). And what of the defeat of 185,000 Assyrians, who surrounded and threatened Jerusalem and King Hezekiah, by the angel of the Lord? (Isa. 37:36-38). This too should have served as a strong reminder of God s feelings for Jerusalem and those who would come up against His chosen city (Isa. 31:5). 2. CLOSING THE RANKS, Nehemiah 4:13. Nehemiah covered all areas of the city in preparation of its defense. Several things are noteworthy in this verse. Note that there is no record given here of any complaints about the post to which they were assigned. If you are where the Lord would have you to serve, then there is no greater or more important place for you to be. Nehemiah set some in the lower places behind the wall. Others were set in place on the higher ground. Everyone was involved as they were set in their places of service by families. Each came not only to work with trowel and mortar, but also to defend and fight if necessary with their swords, spears and bows (Neh. 4:13). It is a blessing to see the service of the Lord being carried out as a family affair. Satan is always ready for battle. Therefore, we must ever be on guard against his fiery darts (Eph. 6:13-18). 3. ENCOURAGEMENT, Nehemiah 4:14, 15. Nehemiah took a good look around and faced the situation with God s help. He did not sit idly by while others worked. He got involved, which is a sign of a true leader. He spoke to all that were involved in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The nobles and rulers were not excluded from the work. Nehemiah s message was short and to the point. There was no reason to be afraid of the enemy. Instead of focusing their attention and fears on the enemy, Nehemiah encouraged the people to remember the Lord, which is great and terrible. The challenge was not just for self, but to rise and be ready to fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses (Neh. 4:14). We should be ready to defend our brethren and especially those of our own household.

38 38 Help for the Teacher If we are on the Lord s side who can stand against us? It was God that made the enemy threats as nothing. By trusting in God the counsel of the enemy is easily cast aside (Neh. 4:15). 4. TO THE WORK, Nehemiah 4: With the enemies threats behind them everyone returned to the wall. Note that each had an assigned place and job to do and they went to work (Neh. 4:16). There is no such thing as a menial task when the work is being done for the Lord. Jesus clearly taught that there were no such things as the big I and little you in His service. The way to greatness in the Lord s work is through ministering and service to others (Mark 10:42-44). The workers carried the tools of their trade in one hand and their weapons in other hand. The work was truly an united effort of great team work. While one half worked the other half stood guard, ready for battle. What a wondrous sight this must have been to behold. A look at the remains of Nehemiah s broad wall and one can quickly see that the stones used were of the size that could be lifted and put in place with one hand (Neh. 4:16-18). (See picture on page 39). 5. SOUND THE BATTLE CRY, Nehemiah 4: Nehemiah and the trumpet blower stood together upon the wall (Neh. 4:18). The sounding of the trumpet was directed by Nehemiah. There would be no false alarms but a sure blast of the trumpet when it was needed. Every pastor and missionary needs those who will walk with them sideby-side ready to sound the battle cry. This was great work and the laborers seemed few. There were places around the walls that the people were spread thin (verse 19). They were not only ready workers but were to be ready soldiers as well. When they heard the trumpet, they were to quickly assemble around Nehemiah. What a great blessing and comfort to know that in the service and army of the Lord, our God shall fight for us (verse 20). William Sherwin wrote, Sound the battle cry! See, the foe is nigh; Raise the standard high For the Lord; Gird your armor on, Stand firm, ev- ry one; Rest your cause upon His holy word. 6. DEDICATION TO THE WORK, Nehemiah 4: Nehemiah and the people labored daily from sunup until sundown. They were not lazy. The need and importance of the work warranted the time and effort they put forth (Neh. 4:21). Nehemiah realized the importance of protecting his people. All the workers, along with their servants, were to lodge within Jerusalem. To lodge outside of the city wall would have made the families vulnerable to ambush by the enemy under the cover of darkness. There is safety and blessings found within the Lord s house, among His people, while under the watchfulness of a faithful Shepherd and the Holy Spirit (verse 22). The enemy never sleeps. Therefore, guard was kept constant day and night. Nehemiah and his brethren stayed ever ready. They slept with their clothes on so they could quickly rise to meet any challenge (verse 23). Are we ready to meet the challenge? Are we prepared with the needed tools and weapons to build and contend for the faith? Are we willing to put off the old man of sin and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:22-24). Nehemiah overcame the dangers by going directly to the Lord and then to the people involved in the work. Nehemiah made certain that each worker was equipped with proper tools and weapons. Let us not forget that the Lord surveys our work today just as He did Israel s. How do we measure up in the work and service of the Lord? May God give us the victory over self, who is most often our greatest enemy.

39 Help for the Teacher 39 Nehemiah s Broad Wall This picture shows the remains of Nehemiah s broad wall. It should be noted that the size of the stones were small enough for the workers to lift and put in place with one hand. This was so they could hold their weapon in their other hand.