INTRODUCTION TO NEHEMIAH

Transcription

1 INTRODUCTION TO NEHEMIAH The study of Nehemiah concerns the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Look at Is. 49:15-16 Can a woman forget her nursing child, And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Your walls are continually before Me God was saying to his people, Your lives are like walls, continually before me. What the walls were to Jerusalem, our lives are before God. The walls of our lives often lie in ruins through neglect. The leader who brings us to rebuild the walls is the Holy Spirit, and it is He who continues the work of reconstruction inside us. We may be known as good Christians, but in our hearts we know that the wall around our spiritual life that protects and defends us is sometimes in shambles. Such things as selfishness, lack of discipline, procrastination, immorality, no time for God, compromise or rebellion may have sown their ugly seeds and have begun to bear bad fruit. So just as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, so we can evaluate, reconstruct and persevere in improving our spiritual lives with God s help. A.W.Tozer put it so well when he said: Every farmer knows the hunger of the wilderness. That hunger which no modern farm machinery, no improved agricultural method can quite destroy. No matter how well prepared the soil, how well kept the fences, how carefully painted the buildings, let the owner neglect for awhile his prized and valued acres and they will revert again to the wilds and be swallowed by the jungle or the wasteland. The bias of nature is toward the wilderness never toward the fruitful field. The neglected heart and life can be much the same if the life s walls crumble and are overrun by the world. So as we study this book, the application questions may help us to probe and evaluate our own conditions with the aim that we not only learn academically or even just repent when convicted, but that we might be inspired to rebuild, persevere and grow. Then as we read, expect the Holy Spirit to use our faith and persistence to form within our hearts a thirst and willingness to be the kind of leader that is blessed by God. In the book of Ezra we met Zerubbabel, a prince, and Ezra a priest. Now to get the job done, God rose up a layman be the name of Nehemiah. He has much to teach us about leadership, for in spite of his high position in the Persian Court, he had that rare distinction of being tender before God, and that s a tough combination to find. God can and still does raise up laymen to do great things as indeed he has done in our day with men like Dwight L. Moody and Billy Graham. We need men and women like Nehemiah whose lives are characterized by watching and praying or working and praying. Hopefully we can enjoy as well as learn as we get to know Nehemiah the loyal layman.

2 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 1 Read Ch. 1: See if you can discover where the Citadel of Sousa was? 2. Why was Nehemiah there? 3. What is the significance of the broken down city wall in Jerusalem and why was it so important? 4. What kind of person do you think Nehemiah was? 5. What kind of leader do you think Nehemiah was and why? 6. a. What was Nehemiah s immediate response to the news from Jerusalem? b. How do you respond to distress? Read vs What do you learn about attributes of God from Nehemiah that you can use in your prayer of praise?

3 2 8. What four elements do you find in Nehemiah s prayer that might be included in your prayers? 9. a. What promise did Nehemiah claim in prayer? (See Deut. 30:1-4) b. Have you ever asked in prayer for anything God has promised that you would like to have? c. Why do you think God wants us to ask for what He freely offers? (See Matt. 7:7, James 4:2-3, and Luke 11:13) 10. What was Nehemiah s job or position and what does that tell you about the kind of person he was and his place in society? 11. In spite of Nehemiah s position, how did he think of himself? 12. How do you think Nehemiah was feeling about the news of his countrymen in Judah?

4 3 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 2 Read vs (For those who studied Ezra) What number expedition group of exiles from Persia would this be and who was the leader of each one? What was the goal of each group? 2. a. Compare 1:1 with 2:1. How long did Nehemiah wait after hearing the plight of the Jews before he approached the King? (See Bible footnotes) b. Why do you think he waited that long? c. How much time do you take to pray through difficult decisions or situations in order to discern God s plan and will for you? d. What spiritual needs of your own or God s people will you pray about this week? 3. a. What was the reason for Nehemiah s sadness of heart? b. Why might a sad face be so unusual in the presence of a king?

5 4 4. a. What action of Nehemiah s opened the door to making his request? b. What does this reveal to you about Nehemiah? c. What does this teach you about the value of prayer? 5. What reason, advantage or significance do you see in the military escort? Read vs a. What response did Nehemiah get from the king? b. What do you think accounts for such unusual and willing co-operation on the part of the king and queen? c. What else resulted from the four months of prayer and waiting?

6 5 7. After prayerfully assessing your spiritual condition, what action will you take in order to begin or continue the restoration process in your spiritual life? 8. a. To whom does Nehemiah credit his success? b. Is praise and thanksgiving a regular daily part of your prayer life and why is it so important? Read vs a. Can you find out anything about Sanballat and Tobiah and why might they be disturbed that someone would promote the welfare of the Israelites? b. What form did their opposition take? c. Share a time when your walk with the Lord elicited a similar reaction. 10. What important elements of Nehemiah s leadership are revealed in vs. 20? 11. How will you conquer opposition when it comes your way?

7 6 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 3 & 4 Read Ch Who led the reconstruction of the city wall and what was his position? 2. a. How many gates were the people working on? b. What categories of people were involved? 3. What wall of protection should you build to guard your spiritual life and growth from destruction by enemies? Read ch. 4: What form did the opposition take and by whom was it said? 5. What various forms of opposition to your life and growth are you or have you experienced? 6. In what way did the Israelites protect themselves?

8 7 7. What was the result of that prayer? 8. What form did the next step in opposition take and was it any more intense? 9. How did the Jews protect themselves further? 10. What seems to be happening to the people under the continued opposition? 11. When have you been in a similar situation experiencing similar feelings and emotions? 12. What promises can you find to claim from God s word that would help you in such a case? ( Ex: See Is. 40:29-31 or use any other verses that you favor.) 13. In verses 13 & 14 what combination do you see Nehemiah employing for protection?

9 8 Read vs What further plans for protection did the Israelites employ and what weapons did they carry? 15. What impressed you about Nehemiah s leadership in this crisis? (See also Ps. 127:1) 16. Read Eph.6: Compare Paul s suggestion for protection with Nehemiah s plan. 17. What combination of faith and action will you take to overcome the opposition and be victorious in spiritual battles or spiritual building in your life?

10 9 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 5 Read vs Describe the crisis that was facing the people at this time. 2. Think through the legitimate criticism expressed by people in your sphere of living. (family, church, job, neighborhood) How could you help to ease the situation or deal with the difficulty in a God-pleasing way? criticism Godly solution family= church= job= neighborhood= 3. a. Who or what was responsible for this crisis? (See also Lev. 25: 35-43) b. In the light of what you have just learned, analyze the crises we face and their various causes. 4. a. According to Lev. 25:35-43 how should the people have handled this crisis? b. Does this have anything to say to us today about how we should respond to the poor among us?

11 10 5. a. Read vs What was Nehemiah s reaction to the complaints and do you think his was a legitimate reaction for a Christian? b. What five steps did Nehemiah take to resolve the problem? (Share any thoughts about each one) c. Why do you think the people kept quiet and could find nothing to say? d. Do you think sin should be dealt with more boldly in our churches today? Why or why not? e. Read Matt. 18: Discuss the New Testament formula for resolving conflicts among Christians and was Nehemiah s approach in line with that? f. Is the Matthew passage an easy one to follow? How do we usually respond to conflict? Read vs How did the people respond?

12 7. (Personal) Is there any injustice of which God is convicting you? (pray and ask God to reveal this) What will you do about it? a. What further steps did Nehemiah take to assure positive results? b. What do you think the shaking out of the folds of his robe symbolized? 9. What was the ultimate result of Nehemiah s leadership? 10. From :14-19 list characteristics of Nehemiah s leadership and your assessment of this leadership style. 11. In your position of leadership (home, family, church or job) how could you be a more godly, humble, servant leader?

13 12 Read vs a. What was the request sent to Nehemiah? NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 6 b. What do you think of Nehemiah s reply to what seemed to be a reasonable request and why do you think he responded in that way? 2. a. What opposition came next? b. What is the significance in their persistence? Read vs Why do you suppose the fifth letter came to Nehemiah unsealed? (This was unusual as letters were ordinarily written on Papyrus or leather, rolled up, tied and sealed.) 4. What examples today do you see where attempts are made to discredit godly leaders? 5. Explain in your own words what you think the phrase Their hands will get too weak means. 6. What was Nehemiah s method of defense?

14 13 Read vs What interference have you ever experienced while attempting to do God s work? What was its initial effect and how was it handled? 8. Describe the next form of opposition and do you think it was a more or less powerful form of attack? 9. Would you consider Shemaiah a true or false prophet and why? 10. In what specific instances have you experienced evil influences in good sounding words? Do you have the godly discernment to recognize it? 11. How does Nehemiah deal with his enemies? 12. Is this your pattern of dealing with an enemy? (Think of a specific time you were harmed and how you handled it) Share if you wish? Read vs How long did it take for the completion of the wall and what was responsible for and significant about that?

15 How did the enemies respond and why do you think they responded in that way? 15. Give an example of a time when God helped you accomplish what appeared to be an insurmountable task. 16. Why do you think vs present such a threat to the rebuilding project and unity? 17. Do you think God s work is ever accomplished without opposition and if no, why do you think that is?

16 15 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 7 Read vs What was the significance of the wall and the secure gates around the city? 2. What weak area in your spiritual life needs to be repaired, secured or more carefully guarded against the enemy? 3. a. Who were to be in charge of Jerusalem and on what basis were they chosen? b. What do you remember of Hanani from Chapter 1? 4. a. On what basis do you choose those for whom you vote? (Does character really matter?) b. Do you think this is typical of most Americans or what other basis for selection are sometimes used? c. On what basis do you choose a pastor, elders or Sunday School teachers? 5. a. What do you think integrity means? b. What does it mean to fear God?

17 16 6. When would city gates normally be opened and why do you think Nehemiah had them opened when the sun was hot. 7. Gates were shut and barred at night. Looking at your secular and spiritual life, what areas need to be shut and barred in order to keep the enemy from getting a foot hold? Read vs a. According to verse 4, what do you think of the people s priorities? b. Pray about your priorities. Are there areas where God might like to see changes? 9. What do these verses indicate about Nehemiah s leadership? 10. a. Why was the registry important? b. Why is it important to know something about the spiritual life of prospective church leaders? 11. a. Where did the people settle? (See Neh. 11:1-2) b. How did Jerusalem eventually become settled?

18 17 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 8 Read vs Whose idea was it to study the Book of the law and why was that important? 2. a. Where in your church or family does the impetus for Bible study originate and is there a hunger and seeking after it? b. What can we do if the desire for Bible study is not there? c. Read Prov. 2:1-22. List the method of approach and the benefits of seeking God s wisdom. Approach = Benefits = 3. a. Who was involved in this Bible study and is there anything that impresses you about it? b. What was the attitude of the people and why was that so important?

19 18 c. Why was Ezra particularly suited to lead this Bible study? (See Ezra 7) d. What was the emphasis on in this Bible study? (Read vs 2,3,7,8 & 12) 4. In what specific way are you seeking and searching the Word? What impact if any does it have on your life? (Be specific - are you doing anything different?) Read vs Describe the setting and bodily positions and responses for this worship service. 6. a. What was the task of the Levites? b. How can the scripture best be clarified and made meaningful to you in your study? 7. a. Why do you think people were weeping and mourning? b. When has scripture affected you this way?

20 19 8. What verse is especially meaningful to you in vs and why? Read vs What do you think was significant about the fact that the heads of families, priests and Levites returned to Ezra for the second day? 10. a. What was the result of their gaining deeper insight and spending more time in an in-depth study of God s truths? b. Why is that true and have you experienced that in your own study? 11. What joyful festival were the Israelites to celebrate at this time? Tell something about it. (See Lev. 23:33-44, Deut. 16:13-17) 12. Is your worship of the Lord always a joyous celebration or habitual duty, and if it is not joyful why is that? (From where do we derive our joy?)

21 20 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 9 Read Chapter 9 and scan chapter 10 - Re-read vs a. What is the significance of fasting, sackcloth, and putting dust on the head? b. What other sign of true repentance do you find? 2. List anything you know about the Canaanites that would explain the importance of the Israelites separating from them. 3. Pray and ask God to analyze your life style and our contemporary culture. What thoughts, actions, associations or activities would God have you separate from? 4. What did the Israelites do at this assembly? 5. How many of these elements do you include in your time alone with the Lord and which do you find beneficial? 6. a. What is the significant connection between reading Gods word and confession of your sins? b. Evaluate their exposure to the word. (See chapter 8:7ƒ, 12ƒ, 18 & chapter 9:3)

22 21 Read vs a. With what does the prayer begin? b. What is the benefit of beginning our prayers this way? 8. a. List the highlights of God s goodness to Israel from vs b. Write down several remarkable things God has done for you this past year. 9. a. What response did God receive from the Israelites after all this goodness and why do you think this happened? b. Give similar examples from your reaction to God today. 10. How did God respond to this rebellion? (Give verses) 11. List the attributes of God (with verses) that you find in this prayer.

23 Trace the Israelites deeds in spite of this goodness and God s responses. 13. What further attributes of God does this reveal? Read vs Give Nehemiah s conclusion or assessment of God s dealing with the Israelites. 15. List the Israelite s sins and a comparable specific example from contemporary life. 16. What was the ultimate result of the Israelites choice of life style and compare that to our life today. 17. What action do the Israelites led by Nehemiah intend to take and why is that significant?

24 23 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 10 Read vs What was the first action taken by the Israelites in order to fully commit themselves to the Lord? 2. a. What do you need to separate from in order to fully commit yourself to the Lord? b. Is there a commitment that you want to make to the Lord? 3. Who was involved in that separation process and what does that have to say to you today. 4. Why do you think it was so important for the Israelites not to inter-marry with the people around them? 5. a. Do you feel that it is alright for a Christian to marry a non believer? Why or why not? b. What do Deut. 7:1-14 and II Cor. 6:14-17 have to say to us concerning this? Read vs a. According to Ex. 20:8-11 and Deut. 5:12-15, does God explicitly forbid trading on the Sabbath?

25 24 b. What is the underlying principle that you find here? 7. What is the origin of the idea of the seventh year rest for the land and what purpose do you think it served? (See Lev. 25:4) 8. What principle do you find regarding contributions to God in vs ? 9. Read James 5:1-5. What was God s warning to the people of Israel and what was His objection? 10. a. Read Mal. 3:10-12 and list some thoughts concerning generous and willing giving. b. Analyze and pray about your attitude or concern regarding giving. How do you think God feels about it and what will you do about it if anything? c. Now that we are under grace and not law how is our attitude about giving changed? 11. a. Who is responsible for our spiritual and material wealth? See James 1:5 & 17. b. Would there be any wisdom in consulting Him concerning how we use these gifts? Explain.

26 25 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTERS 11 & How and with whom was Jerusalem populated? 2. Where did the other people settle? 3. a. Amidst what kind of activities do you choose to settle or on what do you base your choice of a place to live? b. Compare that with the Israelites. 4. a. List some of the various jobs done in the temple by the leaders and give their possible counter parts in our church today. b. Who are the leaders that you are most likely to follow and why? (Either church, national or personal)

27 26 Read chapter 12:27-38, 40, & a. What three elements were a significant part of this dedication celebration? b. Which of these elements originates with the people and which with God? c. How does that compare with your celebration and attitude toward Sunday worship? d. If joy is not a description of your inner emotion in relation to Sunday worship, what might change that? 6. When did you more fully dedicate your life to the Lord and what resulting actions, emotions or feelings reflect or typify the decision?

28 27 NEHEMIAH - CHAPTER 13 Read vs Why did the Israelites exclude foreigners from Israel? (See Deut. 23:3-6) 2. What do you remember about Tobiah and why was his residence in the house of God suspect? (See Neh. 2:10&19; 4:8; 6:2-3) 3. Considering your body as the dwelling place of God, what activities, thoughts or persons have you allowed residence which might lead to defiling that dwelling. (Remember a little bit of sin can seem like fun.) 4. a. When did this compromise occur? b. What compromise do you see today in the name of tolerance which could also lead us into displeasing the Lord? Read vs.: What kind of leader do you think Nehemiah was and how did he handle the problem?

29 28 6. Of what similar event in the life of Christ does this remind you? 7. What decisive action have you taken or can you take to put out any such defilement from your activities? 8. What other offenses connected with the temple had occurred? 9. a. Read Mal. 1:6-14. What specific offenses in worship occurred? b. In what ways can we also offend God in worship or giving? Read vs What offense did Nehemiah have against the people? 11. a. Read Mal. 2: What exactly were the people guilty of? b. What is God s opinion of divorce?

30 29 c. What is His purpose in godly marriages? d. How does divorce affect the church and the opportunity to spread the gospel today? 12. a. What Old Testament example of intermarriage is given and of what danger are the people warned? b. Apply this principle to marriage today. To whom might the word foreigner refer? c. To whom are we unfaithful if we choose to intermarry? 13. Name some ways that you make your Sabbath celebration more meaningful or your marriage more God pleasing. 14. a. Whom did Nehemiah send away in verses and why? b. Read Lev. 21. What were God s standards for the priests?

31 What did Nehemiah do about this problem? 16. Look up Mal. 2:1-9 and list some of the other offenses of the priests. 17. Do these principles apply to church leaders and Pastors today? (See I Tim.3:1-7, & 4:6-16) 18. Read Mal. 2:17, & 3:5. a. What does Malachi compare this purification process to and tell what that means to you. b. List the seven offenses he judged and define them. What examples do we see of these things today? 19. What is the repeated phrase in the last chapter of Nehemiah and what does this tell you about Nehemiah s motivation? (Compare Nehemiah s life with the life of Christ.) 20. How does the entire book of Nehemiah foreshadow Jesus ministry of restoration? 21. Summarize Nehemiah s leadership qualities and what you think about them.