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.

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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?
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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?
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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?
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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
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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?
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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
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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.