SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
Nehemiah 1:1 through 13:31

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.” (Nehemiah 6:15-16)

BACKGROUND

When the Israelites returned to Jerusalem after their seventy-year captivity in Babylon, they found their city in ruins and its protective wall reduced to rubble, leaving the people vulnerable to attacks by their enemies. In 445 B.C., messengers carried distressing news about conditions in Jerusalem to Nehemiah, a cupbearer of the Persian King Artaxerxes. In response, Nehemiah fasted and prayed for some days, and then requested permission to go back to his homeland to rebuild the city wall. 

The Book of Nehemiah records how God equipped and enabled this courageous leader to deal with monumental challenges and crisis after crisis as he proceeded with this endeavor. Nehemiah led by personal example. He prayed frequently, organized carefully, and successfully rallied the people to participate in the mammoth job of rebuilding. He persevered despite opposition and the threat of death, and under his leadership, the wall was completed in just fifty-two days. 

Along with rebuilding walls of stone around the nation’s capital city, Nehemiah recognized the vital necessity of rebuilding the Law of God in the hearts of the people. After the completed wall was dedicated, he served as governor in Jerusalem two times and instituted many important religious reforms. 

Over the centuries, Nehemiah’s resourceful leadership has been an inspiration to countless Christians who have been called to major tasks for the glory of God. The Book of Nehemiah teaches us that every assignment from God, whether large or small, should be undertaken with prayer and completed with faithfulness.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. The Book of Nehemiah opens with a description of when and how Nehemiah heard that the city walls and gates of Jerusalem were broken down and burned with fire. What words in verse 4 of chapter 1 describe how he reacted? What can we learn about Nehemiah from his response?
   
   ‍Verse 4 states that when Nehemiah received the report, he “wept,” “mourned certain days,” “fasted,” and “prayed.” 
   
   Your group may respond with a variety of answers to the second question, but here are some points that could be discussed.
      • He was prayerful and dependent on God for guidance. There is no indication that Nehemiah consulted with Hanani or anyone else to develop a plan, nor did he rely on his own wisdom. Instead, he sought God and the wisdom that comes from Him, and accompanied his prayers with fasting.
      • He was empathetic. Nehemiah lived about nine hundred miles from Jerusalem, so he was not personally experiencing any of the difficulties taking place there. However, he clearly had sympathy and a sense of responsibility toward his suffering countrymen, though likely they were people he had never met.
      • He was willing to sacrifice for others. Nehemiah’s role as the king’s cupbearer was prestigious. He would have been a trusted royal favorite, and probably was quite wealthy. Nehemiah could have continued in his comfortable lifestyle without concern for Jerusalem, but instead, he grieved when he heard about the struggles of the people there.
      • He was patient and persistent. Nehemiah did not immediately approach the king for help; in fact, based on Nehemiah 2:1, it appears that he prayed for some months before he took any further steps.
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2. Verse 1 of chapter 2 indicates that Nehemiah spent months praying and seeking God before asking King Artaxerxes for permission to travel to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall. The king willingly agreed to this plan and even provided letters of authorization for Nehemiah to acquire the supplies needed at the king’s expense. According to verses 12-16, what did Nehemiah do after arriving in Jerusalem?
   
   Verses 12-16 describe Nehemiah’s nighttime inspection of the wall around Jerusalem. Point out to your group that while “some few men” accompanied him, he did not tell anyone at that point what God had put in his heart to do. 
   
   Ask your group how Nehemiah’s actions model a good approach to problem solving. They should note that he spent time carefully assessing the situation—in essence, gathering firsthand knowledge. Then, verse 17 indicates that he defined the problem to the nobles and rulers of the people and challenged them to join him in solving it. Finally, in verse 18, he encouraged and inspired potential participants by telling them of God’s blessing on the project and of the support of the king of Persia. The result was that the leaders were motivated to “rise up and build” and “strengthened their hands for this good work.”
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3. It appears from chapter 3 that all the citizens of Jerusalem were involved in the rebuilding project. While no expert carpenters were identified in Nehemiah’s list of builders, we read of priests and nobles, goldsmiths and perfume makers, and sons and daughters who engaged in the effort. The names of those who “repaired” on their assigned portion of the wall include Baruch, the son of Zabbai (Nehemiah 3:20). What is unique about Nehemiah’s description of Baruch that might serve as an example for us?
   
   While Nehemiah identified each worker and described the portions of the wall where they labored, he recorded that Baruch “earnestly” repaired his assigned section. Clearly Baruch’s zeal and diligence made an impression upon Nehemiah. We can learn from his example that whatever task God gives us, we should do it zealously. Repairing a wall could hardly be considered exciting, but Baruch’s efforts received notice. We are not told the specifics, but obviously he was an exceptional worker who was fully committed to the task at hand. 
   
   You may wish to personalize this for your class by asking: If an account were to be written about our work for the Lord, what would it say? Would it suggest we cared more for our comfort and convenience than for finishing the job? Or would it say we worked industriously and enthusiastically, giving the job our best?
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4. Work for God will often meet with opposition. In chapter 4, Nehemiah described the antagonism directed toward himself and the builders of the wall, instigated by the Samaritan official Sanballat and an Ammonite officer named Tobiah. In what ways did these men attempt to hinder the rebuilders of Jerusalem’s wall? Nehemiah 4:1-3, 7-8, 11
   
   According to these verses, opposition toward the rebuilding efforts came through ridicule (verses 1-3), anger (verses 7-8), and threats (verse 11).
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   Follow up by discussing with your group the types of opposition we may face as we walk with the Lord. Ridicule, threats, and oppression may be expressed openly or through subtle harassment. Opposition may also come as an inward attack of the enemy of our souls, who suggests that we look foolish, old-fashioned, or bigoted to others. Whatever the specifics, the enemy will oppose us in any way he can to destabilize and discourage us and, ultimately, overthrow our faith.
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5. Nehemiah did not debate with his opponents, devise a counterattack, or even deal with his antagonists directly other than with brief verbal replies. Instead, according to Nehemiah 4:4-5, he took the situation to God in prayer. Verse 9 indicates that he then prepared a defense by setting a watch. Verse 14 reveals that he spoke words of encouragement to the people. Based on these verses, what can we learn from Nehemiah about how to withstand opposition?
   
   Points brought up may include the following. 
  
      • We should take the situation to God in prayer. 
  
      • We must watch for attacks of the enemy and prepare to defend ourselves through study of God’s Word and maintaining our relationship with the Lord. 
  
      • We can encourage ourselves and others involved in the situation by retelling how God has worked for us in the past.
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6. Chapter 5 records that in addition to external opposition to the rebuilding of the wall, Nehemiah had to deal with internal contentions among the people. Verses 1-5 reveal that the people of Jerusalem were facing a dearth (food shortage) that was likely caused by crop failure or famine. To obtain food that was necessary for survival and to pay the required “king’s tribute” (taxes), the poor of the community had mortgaged their homes and property. In some cases, children had even been enslaved to pay off debts. What were the wealthy Jews doing that added to the problem? Why do you think Nehemiah responded so vehemently? Verses 6-13
   
   Verse 7 indicates that some of the wealthier Jews were charging “usury” (interest rates) for loans given to the poor of the community. 
   
   Nehemiah responded vehemently because he recognized that this was a transgression of God’s law (see Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:36). Point out that although Nehemiah was angry, he took time to ponder carefully before taking his next step. Then he called an assembly in which he rebuked the nobles and rulers for their unlawful actions toward their brethren. He commanded the Jewish nobles to stop this forbidden practice (verse 10) and to restore what they had taken from their brethren. The nobles responded by pledging to do as Nehemiah instructed. 
   
   A key lesson here is that we should never seek to profit from other people’s troubles. In contrast to the self-centered, gain-oriented values that predominate in the world today, God’s Word teaches that we should care for and support one another.
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7. Having failed in their earlier attempts to halt the project, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian devised another plot (see Nehemiah 6:1-4). They tried to persuade Nehemiah to join them for a conference in the plain of Ono, which was about twenty miles from Jerusalem. Their exact purpose is not revealed, but Nehemiah was aware that their intent was to do him mischief. Four times he rejected their proposals, refusing to give in to distractions that would sidetrack him from his purpose. What type of distractions might we face that could potentially hinder our efforts for God?
   
   Your students may offer a variety of answers to this question. The point should be made that if Satan cannot derail us with direct assaults, he will try some other strategy, and distractions may be an effective method unless we stay on guard. At every stage of life, there is a danger of losing focus on the importance of maintaining a close walk with the Lord.
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8. In chapter 8, we read that the people gathered in front of the Water Gate to hear Ezra read the book of the Law of Moses. According to verses 9-12, the people wept openly at what they heard. Why do you think they responded in this manner?
   
   Seemingly, hearing the Law caused the people to recognize how far they had strayed from obeying God. In essence, they experienced conviction for their sins. 
   
   You may wish to follow up with a discussion about conviction: what it is, ways it may be manifested, methods God uses to bring conviction, and potential responses to it. The dictionary defines conviction as “the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth; a strong admonition of the conscience.” In this passage, the people of Judah clearly were feeling a strong admonition of the conscience.
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9. After confessing their rebellion and disobedience, in chapter 10 the people of Judah signed a written covenant and recommitted themselves to God. From verses 30-39, choose one of the six commitments the people of Judah made, and explain it in your own words.
   
   Allow your students to give input. Then summarize the commitments the people made in the renewed covenant, which are as follows.
      • Verse 30: They would not allow their children to marry individuals from heathen nations.
      • Verse 31: They would not make purchases on the Sabbath or on a holy day; in other words, they would honor the Sabbath.
      • Verse 31: They would not demand payment for debts in the seventh year, but would observe it as a Sabbath year.
      • Verses 32-33: They would pay an annual assessment for support of the Temple.
      • Verse 34: They would participate in bringing wood to the Temple to ensure that a perpetual flame would burn on the altar. (see Leviticus 6:12-13)
      • Verses 35-37: They would bring their firstfruits to the Temple and a tithe of the ground to the Levites, who in turn would take “the tithe of the tithes” to the Temple storehouse.
      • Verse 39: They would not forsake the house of God. This meant they would continue to participate in worship and also provide whatever was necessary for the Temple service.
   
   Conclude the discussion of this question by pointing out that the Jews’ renewed commitment to God required sacrifice, self-denial, and ongoing purpose. The same is required of us when we make a commitment to follow God.
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10. Chapters 11 and 12 tell how Nehemiah once again focused on the logistical and civic aspects of restoring Jerusalem. The city had only been sparsely repopulated after King Cyrus granted permission for the Hebrew exiles to return to Judah. Jerusalem still needed more people, so Nehemiah cast lots to select one-tenth of the people from outlying areas to move within the city walls. Nehemiah 11:2 indicates that a few people “willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.” What can we learn from their example?
    
    Class discussion should revolve around the word “willing.” Moving into the confines of the city would have meant making sacrifices. The people who volunteered would have to leave their homes, farms, and livelihood, to settle in a totally different environment. 
    
    In our day as well, serving God and others may require sacrifice. While talent, training, and material resources can be of great benefit in the work of the Lord, willingness to spend and be spent for God is a necessity. Reluctant service or grudging giving will not reap an eternal reward.
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11. The final chapter of the Book of Nehemiah describes three reforms that Nehemiah instituted during his second stay in Jerusalem. He restored support for the Levites, renewed the Sabbath observance, and denounced mixed marriages. In each of these situations, the people had failed to honor their previous commitments. What can we do to safeguard against going back on commitments that we have made to God?
    
    Student responses should include actions such as maintaining a close relationship with God through private devotions, being faithful in church attendance, staying on guard against the wiles of the devil, being careful about what we watch and listen to, choosing friends who will encourage spirituality, and minding the checks of the Spirit. 
    
    Wrap up your class time by reiterating that we can learn valuable lessons about restoring and maintaining a relationship with God from the life of Nehemiah. He was a man who led by example, and whose life stands as a testament to prayerfulness, perseverance, and steadfast commitment to godliness.

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CONCLUSION

The Book of Nehemiah shows us the kind of significant impact one individual can have on a nation. Nehemiah served in secular roles, but he used his positions to restore order, stability, and a right focus on God among the people of Judah.