Lesson: 2 Tim 3:15-17

Transcription

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2 The Book of Nehemiah Overall themes addressed in Nehemiah: The overall themes in this book include the value of community, the need for purity, and the faith we have in the Lord and His word. We will be discussing all of these and more as dive into our study of Nehemiah this session. Why we are studying this book: We see the people of God being restored back to their promised land. They were responding to a prophetic word: Jer 25: Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts,

3 Because you have not obeyed My words, 9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, declares the Lord, and I will send to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land and against its inhabitants and against all these nations round about; and I will utterly destroy them and make them a horror and a hissing, and an everlasting desolation. 10 Moreover, I will take from them the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole land will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. NASU Lesson: 2 Tim 3: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. NASU We will focus on community life in this session. Real community functions when every member is functioning. Each member has a part to play. Each one has been given gifts and abilities. Each member has been given a sphere of influence. Lesson: 1 Cor 12: For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the

4 whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it. NASU This is a practical everyday function we all live in. We all are part of the building process and we all have to fight the fight with an enemy that is bent on stopping the work of the Lord. We stand together and each build our portion. It was during the exile that we see the development of the synagogue (or local community center). We will discuss the development of the synagogue as the center of the community life. The temple was no longer available but the people gathered and prayed, they held onto their language and culture. The synagogue is where the law was taught and families were educated in the ways of God. The New Testament church was modeled on this kind of community life. What was going on at the time Nehemiah lived: Israel had been taken into captivity by Babylon just as the prophecy said. They were being disciplined by the Lord for idolatry and turning to other gods. The discipline of the Lord worked. They never

5 again turned to idols. Israel also learned the value of community and working as a people for the eternal purposes of the Lord. Great powers were rising and falling. Assyria was taken over by Babylon; Babylon was then removed by Persia. Egypt was taken over several times and also restored to power. But God remembered His promise to His people. We can take great comfort that the Lord never forgets His promise. Little Israel was given hope and the law was restored. That little strip of land that was promised to God s people was at the center of history at the time of Nehemiah and it remains at the center of history today. Timeline of Nehemiah and his contemporaries: Ezra, Esther, Haggai, Malachi and Zechariah were all contemporaries or overlapped the life and ministry of Nehemiah. There were many years in between but these lives influenced one another as the Lord used each one to fulfil His word and reestablish His people. Here are some basic timelines to consider as we start our study. 1) Zerubbabel led the first wave of Jewish exiles to return in 536 B.C. (Ezra 1-6) (Big gap of 57 years - Esther's time) In 535 B.C. the construction of the temple began. In Feb 18, 516 B.C. the temple was completed and dedicated. 2) Ezra led the second in 455 B.C. (Ezra 7-10) Ezra left with about 1500 men and their families in mid-march 455 B.C. In August of 455 B.C., the little group arrives safely in Jerusalem. 3) Nehemiah led the third in 445 B.C. (Neh 1-3) In Dec. of 446 B.C., Nehemiah hears of the report. In April of 445 B.C., after a prayer period of four months, Nehemiah speaks with the king. Early September, after just 52 days, the wall was completed.

6 Nehemiah's Time Chart of Old Testament 539 BC Cyrus overthrew Babylon Daniel prays (in Ecbatana?) Daniel 9 Cyrus allowed any Jews to return & rebuild temple Ezra 1:2 537 Return of the remnant Ezra Zerubbabel goes to rebuild the temple Ezra 3 Altar built and the foundation laid Angel comes to Daniel after 3 weeks of fasting Daniel 10,11, Cambyses (Cyrus son) succeeds Cyrus, opposition to Jews Ezra 4: Darius Hystaspes takes over the throne Haggai 1:2 Darius rejects opposition to building; orders Samaritans to stay away Ezra Ministry of Haggai. Haggai 1:1 on Aug. 29, Haggai 2:1 on Oct.17 Ministry of Zechariah. Zechariah 1:1

7 Oct/Nov Resume building temple Ezra Dec. 7, 518, Zechariah Temple completed by Zerubbabel Ezra 6:13-18 Interlude of 31 years: Time of ESTHER Persecution in Susa; Opposition continues in Judea: 27 year 485 Xerxes begins to reign; Samaritans take this chance to file a complaint Ezra 4:6 Xerxes says stop rebuilding of the rebellious city, Jerusalem 483 Xerxes vast display of wealth and banquets Esther 1 478/9 Esther goes to Xerxes and becomes Queen in Dec/Jan Esther Esther s fifth year as queen. On April 17 the execution date set by lot Esther 3:7 473 Jews are to be killed on March 7 Esther 3: ? Artaxerxes says to stop rebuilding Ezra 4:7-23 Artaxerxes says this city will not be rebuilt until I so order Ezra 4:21 (Dn.9:25) In Artaxerxes seventh year he issues the decree to rebuild and restore Ezra 7:12-26(Dn.9:25) Ezra leaves Babylon on April 8 to teach the law to the Jews that have returned; Ezra arrives in Jerusalem on Aug.4 Ezra 7:8,9 People assemble on Dec. 19;

8 The investigation of intermarriage begins Ezra 10: Committee ends a three month investigation by Mar/Apr Ezra 10:17 NEHEMIAH leaves Susa w/ King Artaxerxes permission to rebuild Jerusalem s wall: 13 years 445 Nehemiah leaves to rebuild the walls (Artaxerxes 20 th year) Nehemiah 1 Mar/Apr 445, no walls Nehemiah 2:1 Opposition to building walls Nehemiah 4 Oct. 2, 445, walls completed in 52 days Nehemiah 6:15 Oct. 8, 445, Ezra reads Law to public for first time in thirteen years Nehemiah 8:2 Oct. 9, 445, People celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles Nehemiah 8:13 Oct. 30, 445, Israel confesses their sin Nehemiah Nehemiah is recalled to Artaxerxes after a 12 year absence 432 Malachi written about 458 years of silence from God concerning his revelation Nehemiah 5:14, 13:6 26 AD Jesus public ministry begins. Daniel s 70 weeks (or, 490 years) are interrupted. They began w/ Artaxerxes decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem in 458 BC in Ezra 7: BC + 26 AD = 484 (Daniel s 69 7 s, 483 until Messiah) There are some differences in these time lines but they all are very close. We just wanted to give you some idea of the time line for Nehemiah.

9 Glossary of terms: Babylonian exile: The period, (ca. 587/ B.C.E.), when much of the population of Judah was deported to captivity in Babylonia. (from Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible.) BABYLON: Babylon s greatest period of prosperity and power came under the Neo (or new)-babylonian dynasty founded by Nabopolassar. The city became the capital of an imperial state that spanned much of the Near East under the rule of his son, Nebuchadnezzar II ( ). The Neo-Babylonian kings undertook massive building projects, and Nebuchadnezzar, partly to mimic the accomplishments of Hammurabi, sought to make Babylon the economic and administrative center of the world, a project in which he achieved some measure of success. (from Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible, 2000 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. All rights reserved.) BABYLON PERSIA: The history of Persia begins with the revolt from the Medes and the accession of Cyrus the Great, B.C Cyrus defeated Croesus, and added the Lydian empire to his dominions. This conquest was followed closely by the submission of the Greek settlements on the Asiatic coast, and by the reduction of Caria and Lycia. The empire was soon afterward extended greatly toward the northeast and east. In B.C. 539 or 538, Babylon was attacked, and after a stout defense fell into the hands of Cyrus. This victory first brought the Persians into contact with the Jews. The conquerors found in Babylon an oppressed race like themselves, abhorrers of idols, and professors of a religion in which to a great extent they could sympathize. This race Cyrus determined to restore to their own country: which he did

10 by the remarkable edict recorded in the first chapter of Ezra. Ezra 1:2-4. He was slain in an expedition against the Massagetae or the Derbices, after a reign of twenty-nine years. Under his son and successor, Cambyses, the conquest of Egypt took place, B.C This prince appears to be the Ahasuerus of Ezra 4:6. Gomates, Cambyses' successor, reversed the policy of Cyrus with respect to the Jews, and forbade by an edict the further building of the temple. Ezra 4: He reigned but seven months, and was succeeded by Darius. Appealed to, in his second year, by the Jews, who wished to resume the construction of their temple, Darius not only granted them this privilege, but assisted the work by grants from his own revenues, whereby the Jews were able to complete the temple as early as his sixth year. Ezra 6:1-15. Darius was succeeded by Xerxes, probably the Ahasuerus of Esther. Artaxerxes, the son of Xerxes, reigned for forty years after his death and is beyond doubt the king of that name who stood in such a friendly relation toward Ezra, Ezra 7:11-28, and Nehemiah. Neh 2:1-9, etc. He is the last of the Persian kings who had any special connection with the Jews, and the last but one mentioned in Scripture. His successors were Xerxes II., Sogdianus Darius Nothus, Artaxerxes Mnemon, Artaxerxes Ochus, and Darius Codomannus, who is probably the "Darius the Persian" of Nehemiah Neh 12:22. These monarchs reigned from B.C. 424 to B.C The collapse of the empire under the attack of Alexander the Great took place B.C (from Smith's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.) We just wanted to give you this info as background for the biblical context of Ezra and Nehemiah.

11 Geography of the nations at time of Nehemiah:

12 Chapter one: Nehemiah Read chapter one out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: Nehemiah introduces himself and the time he lived in. Then after hearing about Jerusalem's situation, Nehemiah confesses his people's sins to God. He plans to bring his request for restoration to the king. Outline: THE REPORT (Nehemiah 1:1-11) A. Learning about the wall (1:1-3): Nehemiah is told about the sad situation in Jerusalem. The wall of the city has been torn down, and the gates have been burned. B. Lamenting over the wall (1:4-11): Nehemiah is deeply saddened, and he mourns and fasts. He prays to the Lord about the following:

13 1. Israel's plight (1:4-7): God's people have disobeyed his laws and are suffering the penalty. 2. God's promise (1:8-10): If the people repent, the Lord has promised to restore them. 3. Nehemiah's petition (1:11): Nehemiah prays that the Lord will cause the king to grant his request to return to Jerusalem. Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 3. Nehemiah is given an unvarnished evaluation of the situation in Jerusalem. He accepts this report for what it is without trying to make it sound better or sound impossible. Verse 4. His reaction to the news was: Seek God and return to Him. He humbled himself and prayed and fasted. Verse 9. Nehemiah reminds God and himself of the promises the Lord had made. If they returned to the Lord He would restore what was lost. Verse 11. He has a plan in mind. He needs the favor of the king.

14 Questions to consider: We are looking to practically apply the bible to our individual lives and the life of our community. 1. Are we willing to face the truth when faced with it? Sometimes it is painful but we cannot repair it if we don t face it for what it really is. 2. What should be our first response to real need in our lives? 3. Do we take responsibility for the issues at hand or do we look to blame others for the situation we find ourselves? 4. Do we have faith to remember the word? He is big enough to forgive and restore!

15 Chapter two: Nehemiah Read chapter two out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: Nehemiah receives permission from King Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem to repair the wall. After Nehemiah arrives and inspects the wall, he rallies the people to rebuild. Nehemiah stands in the face of opposition with belief in God and His word. Outline: A. The petition to the king (2:1-5): Nehemiah asks King Artaxerxes for a leave of absence so that he might return and rebuild Jerusalem. B. The permission from the king (2:6-10): Artaxerxes not only permits Nehemiah to go, he also agrees to help finance the project! Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem, despite the protests of a couple of non-jews named Sanballat and Tobiah.

16 C. Nehemiah's examination (2:11-16): Nehemiah conducts a nighttime survey to inspect Jerusalem's wall. D. Nehemiah's exhortation (2:17-20) 1. The report (2:17): Nehemiah calls a meeting of the Jewish leaders and informs them of the terrible condition of the city's wall. 2. The recommendation (2:17-18): Nehemiah urges the leaders to begin the task of rebuilding the wall. 3. The response (2:18): The leaders cry out, "Good! Let's rebuild the wall!" 4. The ridicule (2:19): Sanballat, Tobiah, and an Arab named Geshem scoff at Nehemiah's plan, seeing it as rebellion against the king. 5. The rebuke (2:20): Nehemiah assures the three men that the wall will indeed be rebuilt without their help. Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 5. Nehemiah asks the king to rebuild the city in obedience to the Lord. Verse 12. The walls are inspected with the eye to rebuild. Verse 17. A real evaluation is made. He was not in denial. He embraced the truth knowing that God is big enough. Verse 18. The community is in unity for the purpose of building. Verse 19. The enemy brings opposition right away. It seems like the enemy wants to kill the effort at the start before there is any headway.

17 Questions to consider: 1. Have you ever had to make a request to someone in authority? Did the Lord open the door for you to make the request? 2. Have you seen the Lord turn a situation into great favor? Have you been surprised by what the Lord has done? 3. How do we rally a community to build? What did Nehemiah do? 4. How do we handle opposition to what the Lord has instructed?

18 Chapter three: Nehemiah Read chapter three out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: Nehemiah and the people begin the repairs to the walls and the gates. Those who worked on various portions of the gates and wall are recorded. Each one had a skill and each gate was important. Outline: THE REPAIRS (3:1-32): The work is divided up by the 10 various gates, each assigned to certain leaders.

19 A. The Sheep Gate (3:1-2) B. The Fish Gate (3:3-5) C. The Old City Gate (3:6-12) D. The Valley Gate (3:13) E. The Dung Gate (3:14) F. The Fountain Gate (3:15-25) G. The Water Gate (3:25-27) H. The Horse Gate (3:28) I. The East Gate (3:29-30) J. The Inspection Gate (3:31-32) Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 1. They consecrated the wall and tower. The work was started with consecration. Verse 8. Goldsmiths and perfumers are recorded. Verse 14. The refuse or dung gate had to be rebuilt by someone! Verse 31. Notice that name after name is recorded and read for thousands of years to come.

20 Questions to consider: 1. How do you consecrate your work as unto to the Lord? 2. What are your gifts and skills? How do you use them for the Lord? 3. Have you ever been called to do something that maybe you don t have the skill to do? 4. What if you were called to build the dung gate? How would you react?

21 Chapter four: Nehemiah Read chapter four out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: The enemies ridicule and threaten the wall builders, but Nehemiah posts guards to protect them. The community has to deal with discouragement for the outside. Threats and ridicule are the tools of the enemy. Outline:

22 A. Ridicule (4:1-6) 1. The pagans' scorn (4:1-3): Sanballat and Tobiah, enemies of the Jews, mocked at the Jews' efforts to rebuild their wall. 2. The prophet's supplication (4:4-5): Nehemiah prays to the Lord, asking him to punish the enemies for opposing the work. 3. The people's straining (4:6): After intense effort, the workers rebuild the wall to half its original height. B. Conspiracy (4:7-9) 1. The plot (4:7-8): Sanballat and Tobiah try to stop the work by making plans to lead an army against Jerusalem. 2. The prayers (4:9): The Jews pray and post a 24-hour guard. C. Discouragement (4:10): Some of the Jews become discouraged about the amount of rubble that must be cleared away. D. Intimidation (4:11-23) 1. The craftiness of the enemy (4:11-12): The enemies of the Jews make plans to swoop down upon them and kill them. 2. The challenge of the prophet (4:13-14): Nehemiah places armed guards in exposed areas and encourages the Jews to trust in the Lord. 3. The commitment of the workers (4:15-23): Nehemiah divides the workers in half. One half stands guard while the other half works. They labor from sunrise to sunset, being ever vigilant. Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 2. Can they revive the stones from the dusty rubble even the burned ones? Every stone is repurposed and reused.

23 Verse 6. For the people had a mind to work! There are was a unified call in the people. Verse 14. Remember the LORD! Our own commitments only go so far. We must look to the Lord and depend on His strength. Verse 20. The people rallied at the sound of the trumpet. We rally when there is need. When the enemy came in to disrupt the work the people stood with one another. Questions to consider: 1. Do you feel like dusty rubble or burned out? This is the very material that the Lord uses to build with. 2. What does it mean: to have a mind to work? 3. What do you do when you get discouraged? How do we encourage one another? 4. How do we fight for one another?

24 Chapter 5: Nehemiah Read chapter five out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: Nehemiah eases the financial burdens of the people by convincing the lenders not to repossess their property. In the last chapter we saw external pressure and difficulties. This chapter internal correction comes to the community. We are reminded of Acts chapter 2. This is where we see the needs of the people being taken care of by the community. Outline: Internal strife (5:1-19) 1. The ruthlessness (5:1-5): During difficult times some of the wealthier Jews loan money to the poorer Jews and charge interest. When they cannot repay the loan, their property is repossessed, and they become slaves to the wealthy Jews. 2. The reprimand (5:6-11): At a public hearing Nehemiah demands that the wealthier Jews restore what they have taken from the poor.

25 3. The repentance (5:12-13): The wealthy Jews agree and do what Nehemiah demands. 4. The role model (5:14-19): Nehemiah is an excellent example for those in positions of authority or influence. a. What he does not do (5:14-16): Nehemiah refuses to accept any salary during his 12 years as governor of Judah. b. What he does do (5:17-19): Nehemiah regularly feeds 150 Jewish officials at his own expense. Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 7. They were exacting usury in the community while they are building and fighting with external forces. Verse 12. There was repentance and restoration. Conviction of sin should result in change. Verse 14. Nehemiah would not put a burden on the people for his own expenditures. Verse 18. Nehemiah feeds officials at his own expense. Nehemiah leads by word and deed.

26 Questions to consider: 1. What is usury? How do we view loans and banks in our own society? 2. How do we view debt within the community of believers? 3. What are some other biblical examples of the use of money? 4. Have you ever evaluated your use of money? How we use money and time indicate what we value.

27 Chapters six and seven: Nehemiah Read chapters six and seven out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summaries: The enemies resume their opposition, but the wall is completed. Nehemiah takes a census of the exiles who returned. Offerings were taken for the work and the priests and singers are readied for their role. Outline: A. Ruse (6:1-4): Four times Sanballat and Geshem attempt to meet with Nehemiah so they could harm him. Realizing their evil plot, Nehemiah refuses each time, saying his work is too important to stop.

28 B. Slander (6:5-9): Sanballat and Geshem show Nehemiah a letter to King Artaxerxes that claims Nehemiah and the Jews plan to rebel. C. Treachery (6:10-14): The enemy uses a prophet named Shemaiah to try to persuade Nehemiah to seek refuge inside the Temple. Nehemiah sees through the scheme to intimidate and discredit him, and he refuses. D. THE TRIUMPH (6:15-19): Despite the many obstacles, the Jews complete the wall in 52 days! The Jews' enemies are fearful, realizing that this project had indeed been done with God's help. E. THE CITY OF GOD (7:1-3): Nehemiah assigns his brother Hanani to govern Jerusalem, and he assigns a faithful man named Hananiah to command the fortress. F. THE PEOPLE OF GOD (7:4-73): Nehemiah takes a census of all the exiles who have returned to Jerusalem and Judah. A. The names (7:4-65) 1. The 12 key leaders (7:5-7) 2. The clan leaders (7:8-38) 3. The priests (7:39-42, 63-65) a. Those with genealogical records (7:39-42) b. Those without genealogical records (7:63-65) 4. The Levites (7:43) 5. The singers (7:44) 6. The gatekeepers (7:45) 7. The Temple servants (7:46-56) 8. The descendants of Solomon's officials (7:57-60)

29 9. Families without genealogical records (7:61-62) B. The numbers (7:66-73) 1. The count (7:66-69): A total of 49,942 individuals return. They brought 8,136 animals with them. 2. The contributions (7:70-73): Some of the leaders give expensive gifts to help finance the work. Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 6:3. We cannot take time to listen to the enemy. The enemy is full of lies and half-truths. The goal of the enemy is to kill and destroy. Verse 6:15. The wall is completed in 52 days! It was completed in the face of opposition. The community overcame discouragement, threats and lies. Verse 6:16. The world around them recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of God! Verse 7:7. The number of men. Women and children were not even counted in this number. Verse 7: 70. Offerings were taken for the work of the Lord.

30 Questions to consider: 1. The enemy just does not give up easily. Have you seen the enemy give that last fight in your life? 2. Have you seen the Lord do the seemingly impossible? 3. How do we as a community work together in unity to partner with the Lord? 4. How do you set up memorials in your life?

31 Chapter eight: Nehemiah Read chapter eight out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the people, who then celebrate the Festival of Shelters. The word of God is proclaimed and foundations of a whole people are put in place. Outline: A. The communication (8:1-6): Ezra stands on a wooden platform in front of the Water Gate and reads the Book of the Law to the people. B. The clarification (8:7-8): As Ezra reads, the Levites explain the meaning of the passage being read.

32 C. The celebration (8:9-12): The people weep as they listen to the law, but Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites tell them to rejoice since it is a sacred day. They instruct the people to celebrate and feast together. D. THE FESTIVAL OF GOD (8:13-18): Ezra, the priests, and the Levites study the law and realize the Lord has called the people to observe the Festival of Shelters. So the people build temporary shelters with cut branches and live there during the Festival. Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 3. Ezra reads the law of Moses to the great assembly. Verse 6. The people worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Worship in the Hebrew context always involved expression of the body. Verse 9. This day is holy! Notice the holy day was when the law was read. It was not just when the work was completed on the wall. Verse 13. Discipleship takes place with the leaders by study of the word of God. Verse 18. The book of the law was read daily and the feasts and ordinances were followed.

33 Questions to consider: 1. Do you read the word of God? Do you study the bible? 2. How do you express worship to the great God of all creation? 3. The holy day is celebrated by feasting! How do you celebrate? 4. How should we celebrate as a community?

34 Chapters nine and ten: Nehemiah Read chapters nine and ten out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: The Book of the Law is read aloud again, and some Levites lead the people in a prayer of confession, reviewing God's dealings with his people. The people make a written oath to obey the Lord. A special document is written up and signed by the leaders of the people. Outline: A. The people (9:1-3): The people dress in sackcloth and put dust on their heads as they confess their sins to God. B. The Levites (9:4-38): The leaders of the Levites lead the people in prayer and recount God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness throughout history.

35 1. From Abraham to Moses (9:7-8): The Lord called Abram out of Ur of the Chaldeans and made a covenant with him, promising to give him and his descendants the land of Canaan. 2. From Moses to Joshua (9:9-23) a. God's faithfulness (9:9-15, 19-23) (1) He delivered them from Egypt (9:9-11). (2) He led them day and night in the wilderness (9:12,19). (3) He taught them His laws at Mount Sinai (9:13-14). (4) He provided food and water for them (9:15,20). (5) He provided for all their needs (9:21). (6) He gave them victory over their enemies (9:22-23). b. Israel's unfaithfulness (9:16-18) (1) They refused to obey God; therefore He wouldn't let them enter the Promised Land (9:16-17). (2) They worshiped a calf idol (9:18). 3. From Joshua to the Judges (9:24-26) a. God's faithfulness (9:24-25): God subdued the enemies of the Israelites. b. Israel's unfaithfulness (9:26): The Israelites disobeyed God, killing his prophets and committing terrible blasphemies. 4. From the Judges to Ezra and Nehemiah (9:27-31): God allowed the Israelites' enemies to conquer them because of their repeated sin. 5. At the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (9:32-38)

36 a. The Levites' plea (9:32-37): The Levites implore God to extend mercy upon his sinful people. b. The Levites' promise (9:38): The Levites attest that the leaders of God's people are making a solemn written promise to obey God. 6. The parties (10:1-28): The document is signed by Nehemiah, the priests, the Levites, the political leaders, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Temple servants, and others. 7. The promises (10:29-39): The document records six promises the people made to God. a. They will not intermarry with non-jews (10:30). b. They will obey all the Sabbath laws (10:31). c. They will take care of the Temple (10:32,34,39). d. They will observe all the sacred festivals (10:33). e. They will dedicate to the Lord the firstborn of their sons and animals (10:36). f. They will pay their tithes (10:35,37-38). Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 2. Israel stood and confessed their sins and iniquities of their fathers. Verse 5. Arise bless the Lord your God forever and ever. Verse 7. They tell the whole history of Israel to remind of Gods greatness. None of the story line was left out.

37 Verse 38. Agreement is made in writing. Commitment was made and was to permanent. Verse 10:39. We will not neglect the house of our God. Questions to consider: 1. Do we take responsibility for the sins of our fathers? How about our country? 2. Do we recognize the eternal nature of our God? 3. What agreements have you made with the Lord? 4. In our context how do we not neglect the house of our God?

38 Chapters eleven and twelve Nehemiah Read chapters eleven and twelve out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: One tenth of the people from Judah and Benjamin resettle in Jerusalem. Many of the residents of Jerusalem are listed. The priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel are listed. The wall of Jerusalem is dedicated with a great ceremony. The community settles in for the long term expansion of the Lord s influence on the earth. Outline: A. Those living in Jerusalem (11:1-24): Many people are relocated to Jerusalem to repopulate the city with others besides the leaders. 1. How they are selected (11:1-2) a. Some are selected by the casting of lots (11:1).

39 b. Some volunteer to relocate (11:2). 2. Who is selected (11:3-24): A list of the leaders who relocate to Jerusalem is given. a. The provincial officials (11:3-9) b. The priests and others (11:10-24) B. Those living in Judah and Benjamin (11:25-36): Various cities that the people of Judah and Benjamin inhabit are listed. C. The music (12:27-30): All the Levitical musicians throughout the land assemble by the wall in Jerusalem. D. The marching (12:31-43): Nehemiah divides the musicians and other leaders into two choirs; they are to march on the wall in opposite directions, praising God as they walk. E. The ministers (12:44-47): Nehemiah selects certain men to be in charge of the storerooms. Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 11:22. Singers were put in the service of the house of God to sing day by day. Verse 12:24. The temple worship was set up according to the divisions that David set up. Verse 12:31. Two great choirs were set up for the dedication of the wall. Worship was a priority.

40 Verse 12:46. Worship was set up in accordance with the command of David. Questions to consider: 1. What priority should the church put on singing and worship? 2. What was the command of David? Where do we find this in the word? 3. Why do you think they thought David s command was so important? 4. Augustine said that when we sing we pray twice. Do you participate in worship at church? If not why? If so why?

41 Chapter thirteen Nehemiah Read chapter thirteen out loud at the beginning of the discussion time. Brief chapter summary: Nehemiah's various reforms are given. Nehemiah records several reforms he instituted as he encountered various problems. The story seems to abruptly end but that is because it is not finished. The ongoing story of the people of God continues today. It continues in the Jewish people and in the church. We are left with this example for our benefit. We are continuing the story line. Outline:

42 A. The separation (13:1-3): When the people discover that the law of Moses forbids Ammonites and Moabites from entering the assembly of God, all people of mixed ancestry are immediately expelled. B. The confrontations (13:4-31): On at least five occasions, Nehemiah sternly rebukes certain individuals. 1. Eliashib (13:4-9): Eliashib the priest is in charge of the Temple storerooms; he is also a relative of Tobiah, one of Nehemiah's opponents. Eliashib had provided Tobiah with a room in the Temple courtyards. When Nehemiah discovers this, he throws out Tobiah's belongings and orders the room to be purified. 2. The Levites (13:10-14): Because the Levites are not receiving the tithes due them, they neglect their Temple duties and work for pay. Nehemiah recalls them to their duties, and the people of Judah support them once again. 3. Those who profane the Sabbath (13:15-22) a. The sin (13:15-18): Merchants are entering and exiting through the gates of Jerusalem to conduct business on the Sabbath, just like on any other day. b. The solution (13:19-22): Nehemiah orders the gates closed during the Sabbath. 4. Those who married pagan women (13:23-27): Nehemiah encounters men who had married pagan women. After Nehemiah curses and beats them, the men agree to never allow their children to marry pagan spouses. 5. Sanballat's son-in-law (13:28-31): When Nehemiah discovers that one of the priests married the daughter of Sanballat, he drives him out of the Temple.

43 Verses and thoughts to ponder: Verse 1. The people read aloud the word of God again. Verse 9. Action was taken to clean the house of God. Once there was revelation from the word there was responsibility to act. Verse 12. Financial priorities are put in place. First God then our own provision. Verse 22. The Sabbath is set up once again as unto the Lord. It was for the good of the people and the glory of God. Verse 25. Mixed marriage was prohibited so the people would not be drawn back into idol worship by their family.

44 Questions to consider: 1. Do you ever read the word out loud? Do you think there is value to this? 2. What things do we need to clean up today in our homes and lives? 3. Do you have a day of rest? Do you have time set aside for resting and family? 4. What is your view of marriage? Should someone in the community marry outside of the faith?

45 Summary of the book Nehemiah Review: We have done a little study and we hope you have been challenged by the Lord to be an active part of community. Every member is important. The Lord has called His church to partner with Him in building a church that the gates of hell cannot resist. As one individual our power is limited but when we use our individual gifts and talents alongside others in community our power is unlimited. Nehemiah understood the timing of the Lord and was willing to pray and take action on this revelation. There was risk involved but also potential for great victory. The wall was started and 52 days later it was completed. Everyone had to put their hands to work and everyone had to take up the sword and defend their neighbors. We look around and see the walls of the church in our nation crumbling. There seems to be rubble and burned stones everywhere. But we are called to build (or rebuild). There is risk and opposition but the potential is great. The Lord wants to use every stone no matter how dusty or burnt. The

46 good news is that if you say yes He will clean you up and put you in the wall. Our community has to be unified with a purpose. We each have a role to play. We are called to reach our region with the gospel. The Lord is building and He is big enough finish what He started. What is your role in this process? What gifts and talents do you possess? You are needed. Communion: As we finish this session we want to take communion together. When we take communion we are remembering what the Lord did but we are also proclaiming His coming. We are recommitting to the Lord but we are also recommitting to one another in community. We are saying yes to follow the Lord and to give all that we are to partner with Him to accomplish His

47 purposes. Read through these verses and take communion as a community. 1 Cor 11: For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. NASU Finish in prayer together. Our next session will be lessons from the book of Acts! The story continues.