GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes DISCUSS: Draw attention to the picture on PSG page 142 and ask Question #1: What are your earliest recollections about the Bible? GUIDE: Direct attention to The Bible Meets Life on PSG page 143. Share the author s story of the power of God s Word to change lives. SAY: Today, we will see how Nehemiah remained laser focused to finish the task of rebuilding the wall. Then the people focused their attention on God s Word. Reinforce The Point on PSG page 143: God s Word must be central to our lives to truly serve Him. PRAY: Begin the Bible study with prayer. Ask God to remind us of the power of His Word to change us. SESSION 5 PRIORITIZE The Point God s Word must be central to our lives to truly serve Him. The Bible Meets Life Books and videos abound to teach abilities and skills on virtually any topic imaginable. However, when it comes to what really matters living life only God s Word will give us all we truly need. Our character and service are to be fully shaped by what God has revealed about Himself and who we are in Christ. As we center our lives in God s Word, we ensure that we stay focused, living and serving in the most effective and Christ-honoring way. The Passage Nehemiah 6:1-3,15-16; 8:1-3,5-8 The Setting Nehemiah had demonstrated wise leadership by resolving the quarrel within the Jewish community (Neh. 5:1 13) and by refusing to follow the pattern of former governors who had abused their authority (vv. 14 19). This allowed the people to focus on securing themselves against outside enemies and completing the wall project (6:1 19). With the huge task done, more people could return to the city (7:1 73) and the leaders could turn their attention to the next challenge restoring a spiritual culture that honored God (8:1 18). 142 Session 5
Nehemiah 6:1-3,15-16 1 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it though at that time I had not installed the doors in the city gates 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: Come, let s meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley. They were planning to harm me. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing important work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?... 15 The wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twentyfifth day of the month Elul. 16 When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. Verse 1. As the work on the wall continued to progress, the pressure from the external forces continued to increase. Leaders of foreign powers may have felt threatened as they were unable to hinder the Jews work or shake the unflappable Nehemiah. The stakes kept rising as they saw their plans falling through. 1 The main sections of the wall had been completed. There were no gaps or bare spaces, making it more secure. The only thing left to do was to install the doors at each of the gates. Essentially, Jerusalem was once again a walled city decades after the Babylonians destroyed the city. Nehemiah was not taking credit for the work on the wall; but from the perspective of the enemies he was the key, the strategic force behind the Jewish work. He was about to become the primary target of the opposition. STUDY THE BIBLE Nehemiah 6:1-3,15-16. 15 minutes SUMMARIZE: Before reading the passage, set the context by summarizing the information in The Setting on page 142. READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read Nehemiah 6:1-3,15-16. GUIDE: Refer members to PSG page 144, where the author describes the sense of satisfaction that comes with the completion of a monumental task, such as: Walking the stage to receive a diploma. Ending a season with a championship. Reopening a highway after a construction project. Commentary 1 to show the progression of the rebuilding of the wall. 2 Verse 2. Sanballat and his companions tried a different strategy to accomplish their goals: distraction based in deception. They planned to draw Nehemiah away from the SUGGESTED USE WEEK OF AUGUST 19 143
THE POINT God s Word must be central to our lives to truly serve Him. Commentary 2 on page 143 and this page to explain how Sanballat and other enemies of Nehemiah attempted to deceive and distract him, and even do him harm. DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG, p. 145): What kinds of distractions do we often encounter when following God? Commentary 3 to show how Nehemiah refused to be distracted and stayed focused on the important task of rebuilding the wall. Commentary 4 on this page and page 145 to provide information about the completion of the wall. The wall was completed in fifty-two days. The enemies lost confidence. The enemies saw God s hand at work on behalf of the Jews. city for a meeting. While it might have been tempting to believe this was some kind of peace settlement or compromise, Nehemiah was not fooled. He knew their ultimate goal was to stop the work before it was too late. Sanballat knew that if they could get Nehemiah away from Jerusalem, the people would lose their motivation to work. Nehemiah understood the enemies motives were deceitful and violent. Instead of planning for peace, they were scheming to do him harm probably even to kill him. With Nehemiah out of the way, the Jews enemies could again step into the leadership void and take control of the situation. 3 Verse 3. Nehemiah s response was concise and simple. The work was too important to waste time on pointless meetings. He saw no reason to put the work on hold just to negotiate with the enemy. Since the wall was so close to completion, Nehemiah would not put that at risk. People commonly alluded to going down from Jerusalem. Because it was built on a mountain, any departure from the city would put travelers on an immediate downhill slope. But the word here also carries symbolic significance. Leaving the work would have been a move in the wrong direction for Nehemiah. He was not going to let that happen. Nehemiah s initial refusal did not deter Sanballat from trying to move his plan forward. He made the same offer four times (v. 4). Each time, Nehemiah declined. When that didn t work, Sanballat made up a report about an ensuing rebellion and urged Nehemiah to meet (vv. 5 9). Finally, the foreign leaders turned to intimidation (vv. 10 14). In each instance, Nehemiah refused to be distracted. He kept his focus on doing God s work until the job was done. 4 Verse 15. The job was completed in record time the entire wall repaired and rebuilt in fifty-two days. In less than two months, Nehemiah had brought the people together, fought off distractions inside and outside the city, and given residents hope that things were getting better. The enemy had tried desperately to defeat God s people and God s work. But God s leader had maintained focus and helped the people do the same. As a result, the work was finished on the 25th of Elul, the sixth month of the Jewish year (parts of August September; possibly October). Because Nehemiah first spoke with the king in the first month (2:1), that means he secured permission, left Persia, arrived in Jerusalem, organized the people, and completed the wall in six months. 144 Session 5
Verse 16. While the Jews celebrated their incredible accomplishment, the reaction from the city s enemies is just as noteworthy. Nehemiah wrote with a certain degree of irony when he said their opponents were intimidated and lost their confidence. The ones who had so arrogantly used intimidation as a way to stop the work now had the tables turned on them. Even these enemies recognized the rebuilding of the wall stretched beyond human explanation. Like the residents of Jerusalem, they saw God s hand at work His hand of provision and of protection. They had not stopped the work and had not thwarted God s plan. When God s people maintain their focus and complete God s work, even their enemies take notice. The problem is, believers so rarely attempt God-sized tasks. As a result, they miss seeing Him work in ways only He can, and they miss the opportunity to be witnesses to those around them. Nehemiah 8:1-3 1 all the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses that the Lord had given Israel. 2 On the first day of the seventh month, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding. 3 While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law. KEY WORDS: The book of the law of Moses (8:1) The Pentateuch. This is what we commonly know as the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Verse 1. The repair of the city s walls brought a new influx of Israelites into the city. Once the physical restoration had taken place, Nehemiah was eager to begin the spiritual restoration of the people. Nehemiah had emphasized the importance of community when he had settled the dispute LEADER PACK: Display Item 9: The Wall. Explain that the image of the wall is thought to be from the time of Nehemiah. Read other facts about the wall and the tools used to build it. DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG, p. 146): How can we remain focused when a God-given task seems overwhelming? (Alternate: What is something you ve accomplished only with God s help?) TRANSITION: In the next verses we will see the beginning of the spiritual restoration of the people. STUDY THE BIBLE Nehemiah 8:1-3 10 minutes READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read Nehemiah 8:1-3. 145
THE POINT God s Word must be central to our lives to truly serve Him. GUIDE: Use KEY WORDS on page 145 (PSG, p. 146) to explain The book of the law of Moses. Commentary 5 to provide further explanation about the significance of the law of Moses in this context.. Commentary 6 to highlight the following points from verses 2-3: The event focused on the law. The people s hearts were ready for spiritual transformation. T he audience was made up of every demographic group. The reading lasted from daybreak until noon. The people listened attentively. How will we respond to God s Word that is readily available to us? between the nobles and the workers in 5:1 13. As the story shifts to the spiritual revival, the community again is emphasized. Nehemiah used the term people repeatedly in 8:1-12. In the majority of those uses, the phrase includes all the people. Again, the law affected each individual, but it also served as the template for community standards as well. 5 Nehemiah s first action was to call a sacred assembly for the entire community. At this assembly, Ezra the scribe would present the law of Moses to the people. It is not clear how many people would have remembered the law and how many might have been hearing it for the very first time. Either way, Nehemiah wanted to ensure the people understood the foundation for their expected social fabric. That God had given the law to Israel serves as a reminder that it was not just an optional document filled with nice ideas. It was God s words to the people. As He had spoken in Moses day, obeying the law would produce blessings, while ignoring it would produce curses. Previous generations had experienced the curses of disobedience. Nehemiah was determined to take advantage of this opportunity. 6 Verse 2. Ezra brought the law to the people at their request. Having seen God do great things in their city and their lives, the people s hearts were ready for a spiritual revival. They wanted to renew their covenant with the Lord. Likewise, the audience was not a select demographic from the city s upper crust. The people showed up from every age group, gender, and social class. Just as the physical wall had been established to ensure safety, the cultural walls that had separated Jew from Jew were being torn down. Exposure to God s truth tends to work that way within the body of Christ. When we see God for who He really is, we tend to see each other through His eyes as well. That produces a unity in the body that cannot be explained or ignored. Even children were included in the assembly. The only requirement to attend was an ability to hear God s Word and understand its implication for individuals and the community. Verse 3. A place for reading was established around the Water Gate. Verse 4 states that a large wooden platform was erected so Ezra could be seen by the crowd. It also notes that he shared the stage so to speak with several others. Some have suggested that these men were priests or Levites; but, more likely, they were influential men in the city who represented the leadership of the community. 146 Session 5
For several hours, Ezra brought the law to the people. This was not a light reading of the Scripture. It was thorough and lasted from daybreak until noon. He may not have read the entire five books of law because it would have taken much longer than the time described. He likely read important portions that would have had the greatest significance to the people at the time. For their part, the people responded appropriately. Nehemiah said they listened attentively. The implication was that they were following the advice of James centuries later: They listened in order that they could be doers of the Word and not just hearers (Jas. 1:22). We can learn much from the attitude and example of the people in regard to God s Word. First, they longed to be exposed to the Word. They understood the transformational power of God s Word and wanted to make that a part of their lives. Second, we should be modeling their close attention and look for ways to apply it to our lives. The Creator of the universe has put His thoughts on paper for our guidance and direction. It deserves our deepest attention. Finally, modern believers should examine the impact of God s Word on their personal lives and their communities. As noted, the Jews in Nehemiah s time saw the law as more than just a list of rules. It represented a formula for success in living for individuals and for the entire body. It maintains the same power for our lives if we are willing to read it, understand it, and apply it. GUIDE: Refer group members to the bullet points on PSG pages 147-148 that show us how God s Word has value for all of us: The Bible shows us God. The Bible shows us how to live. The Bible shows us how to live and serve together. DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 148): What are some ways you can make sure the Word of God is a significant part of your life? (Alternate: What helps you listen attentively to the truth of Scripture?) Nehemiah 8:5-8 5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and with their hands uplifted all the people said, Amen, Amen! Then they knelt low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 7 Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. TRANSITION: In the next verses we will see the people s response to the reading of the law. STUDY THE BIBLE Nehemiah 8:5-8 10 minutes READ: Read Nehemiah 8:5-8. 147
THE POINT God s Word must be central to our lives to truly serve Him. Commentary 7 to explain the people s response to the reading of the law: They stood in honor of the reading of God s Word. They worshiped the Lord. They responded Amen, Amen! meaning let it be done or so be it. LEADER PACK: Distribute copies of Item 10: History of the Bible handout. Explain that this provides a timeline of when the books of the Bible and early translations were written; and the development of the canon, the actual books of the Bible as it has been handed down to us today. 8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 7 Verse 5. Standing on the platform, Ezra read from the book, and the people could hear what was being read. It is amazing to think of the entire assembly standing out of respect for God s Word. This is especially true when we consider they stood for approximately six hours. It is possible they stood as a sign of reverence, seeing the opening of God s Word as an invitation for God s presence in their midst. While we think of a book, Ezra would have been reading from a scroll. But the physical form is not so important as the act of opening the Word and sharing it with the crowd. Again, the people s response indicates that they understood the significance of these events and were prepared to have their hearts touched by God s message through His Word. Their attitude points out the importance of preparing one s heart for receiving God s Word before hearing it. Verse 6. When God s Word is handled appropriately, He is honored and praised. This was true of Ezra and the people at the Water Gate. The public reading started to take the form of a public worship service as Ezra blessed the Lord. He acknowledged the greatness of God. Essentially, he was offering an invitation for God to move and make Himself known through their time together. The people responded with a dual Amen. The term itself carries the idea of let it be done or so be it. It affirms the truth of the statement that precedes it. While we are most familiar with it as the conclusion to our prayers, the Jews used it to affirm any God-given truth. The repetition of the Amen is a device that indicates importance or significance. The people were standing with Ezra in his blessing and were affirming the awesome nature of God in a powerful way. Their response also shows that they were not worshiping the Law, but the God who stood behind the Law. From a standing position that honored the sacred nature of God s Word and His presence, the people shifted into a position of humility. Coming face-to-face with the reality of God through His Word, they worshiped by bowing down with their faces to the ground. The passage indicates that the people were fully invested in the worship. For them, it was a physical experience as well as a spiritual experience. 148 Session 5
8 Verse 7. The men named in verse 7 were. Levites. They went throughout the crowd explaining the Law to the people. The need for levitical assistance could have been the result of numerous issues. For example, the Law was written in Hebrew; however, a whole generation of Jews had been born and raised outside of Israel. There was no guarantee the people were familiar with Hebrew and would have needed help with translation and interpretation. Also, we cannot assume the people were familiar with the contents of the Law. While they may have known about its history and importance at some level, years of exile outside Judah for some and years under the oppression of foreign powers for others could have created gaps in their basic knowledge and understanding of God s Law. Regardless of the reasons behind the need, the Levites were bridging the gap for the people. The important thing was to make sure everyone heard and understood. The Levites ministry made that possible. Verse 8. Part of the Levites work included translating or interpreting the Word for the people. As noted, there could have been significant language barriers that interfered with the connection between hearing and understanding. Another possibility is that the Levites were breaking down the Law into sections,so they would have interpreted the text paragraph by paragraph. It is probably better to simply understand their work as giving an Aramaic translation to a Hebrew text. Some scholars have surmised that these translations provided the foundation for the Targums Aramaic paraphrases of the Hebrew text that Aramaicspeaking Jews later used to understand the Law. These verses emphasize that Ezra and the Levites were committed to making the Law clear for the people. As a new day dawned in Jerusalem, the people needed a solid grasp on what God had to say and what He expected from them. The point we re pulling from this passage relates to our own commitment to God s Word. God s Word must be central to our lives. While reading the Bible is a great habit to develop and offers numerous benefits, the example of the Levites makes it clear that more is possible and desirable. Our respect for God s Word should drive us to dig deep, to study it in addition to reading it. As we do, we will come to know God much better and serve Him more effectively. Commentary 8 to explain why Levites were wandering through the crowd as Ezra read from the law. The Levites went into the crowd explaining the law. They wanted to be sure everyone who heard understood. They provided translation and interpretation. GUIDE: Refer to PSG pages 149-150, to the story about Lottie Moon and her devotion to God s Word. Lottie left a question in her Bible: How shall I thank [God] for [His Word]? The answer is simple. We worship the One to whom the Bible points: Jesus Christ. DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 150): What difference has it made in your life to read, study and memorize God s Word? (Alternate: What resources do you use to deepen your study of God s Word?) DO: Encourage members to complete the activity Distractions (PSG, p. 150). 149
THE POINT God s Word must be central to our lives to truly serve Him. LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes GUIDE: Emphasize The Point: God s Word must be central to our lives to truly serve Him. REVIEW: Review Live It Out (PSG, p. 151); (see text to the right). Encourage each group member to follow through this week with at least one of the applications. WRAP IT UP LIVE IT OUT The man who stumbled into our men s Bible study began to learn God s Word. His attention was drawn to the Bible, and he started to understand God s plans for him. His life changed. You will not know what God wants for you unless you are studying Scripture regularly. > > Read. Make the reading of God s Word a daily priority. Adopt a Bible reading plan or use a devotional guide to help you read systematically through the Scripture. > > Study. In addition to being a part of a weekly Bible study group, plan for a time of concentrated study by yourself or with 1-2 other people. Take the passage you study each week in your group and study it further. > > Memorize. Hide God s Word in your heart through memorization. Memorize 1-2 verses a week that encourage you, challenge you, and help you draw closer to Christ. Apps like ScriptureTyper.com can be used on your phone or tablet to help you memorize during the week. God s Word must be central to your life in order to serve Him faithfully. Cherish your time in the Word, and God will honor your efforts. GUIDE: Encourage group members to reflect on their experience with reading, understanding, teaching, and living the truths of the Bible. Remind them that we must be intentional to make the Word of God a priority in our lives. PRAY: Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Word. Help us to make Your Word central to our lives. 150 SESSION 5
MAP 85 HOLMAN BIBLE ATLAS Map of the routes the Jewish exiles took in returning to Judah. Artaxerxes had sent a letter with Ezra empowering him to engage in four tasks. First, Artaxerxes authorized Ezra to lead a group of any Jews, including priests and Levites, who wished to move to Jerusalem. Artaxerxes offer and Ezra s leadership resulted in approximately 5,000 people accompanying Ezra to Jerusalem. Second, Artaxerxes instructed Ezra to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the law of his God. After arriving in Jerusalem Ezra spent much of his time teaching the law and calling the Jews to faithful obedience. Third, Artaxerxes entrusted Ezra with silver and gold to be used to support the temple, worship, and other projects as Ezra saw fit. Further, he authorized Ezra to draw from the royal treasury for temple maintenance and worship. Ezra discharged this responsibility admirably. Fourth, Artaxerxes empowered Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges and gave him full authority to teach and enforce Jewish law. The excerpt above is from the article Ezra, Scribe and Priest (Winter 2006-2007), which relates to this session. More Biblical Illustrator articles are available that relate to this session. See page 7 about Biblical Illustrator. Grow with other group leaders at the Groups Ministry blog. LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry 151