THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH Review of Chapters 1 – 9:21

Memory verse 2 Samuel 22:31 - As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Chapter 1 1. The purpose of a wall is to protect or separate. The wall in Jerusalem had ceased to serve its purpose because of its deteriorated condition. Since beginning the study of Nehemiah, what walls of protection have you built in the following areas: •

personal life?

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home and family life?

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relationships?

2. Nehemiah was sensitive regarding the things of the Lord. He wept, mourned, and fasted when he heard about the wall’s condition. •

What “things of the Lord” has He put on your heart since beginning this study?

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What specific changes have you made in light of what He has revealed?

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3. Until Nehemiah spoke with Hanani, it was just "an ordinary day". Read Esther 4:14. • • •

In what way(s) are you open to the Lord suddenly changing the direction of your life as He did with Esther and Nehemiah? In what way(s) are you resistant? Do you really believe that He has a specific call for you? In what ways has He or is He preparing you for His particular call on your life? If you are unsure, pray and ask the Lord, believing He will reveal His plan to you.

Chapter 2 1. Four months transpired between chapters one and two of Nehemiah. Nehemiah spent those four months praying and waiting on the Lord. •

Look up the word wait in a dictionary and write the definition.

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In light of what it means to wait, what have you learned during this study about waiting on the Lord for His direction, timing, and will?

2. While waiting Nehemiah was not idle; he prayed, and he planned. He became intimately acquainted with the situation and needs in Jerusalem. As you wait on the Lord, He will reveal many things to you. Warren Wiersbe said, Nehemiah paid attention to this advice, “Whoever believes will not act hastily.” Isaiah 28:16 •

What have you learned about prayer during times of waiting?

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How has the Lord taught you to plan during times of waiting?

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3. Nehemiah brought his requests boldly before the king, and he said they were granted, according to the good hand of my God upon me. Read Ephesians 3:20. In light of the fact that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, how does this encourage you to come before your King with all your requests and concerns? Chapter 3 1. In verse 1, Eliashib and the priests rose up…and built the Sheep Gate. •

How have you responded when God has called you to rise up and build?

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Begin/continue to pray and seek the Lord as to His personal call on your life. Write out a prayer of thanks concerning how He is leading you.

2. After Eliashib and the priests built the gate, they consecrated it. Consecration means dedication to the Lord. How do you apply consecration personally and in your service to the Lord?

3. The Jews worked next to one another as they made repairs on the wall. They were united in their desire to see the wall completed to the glory of God, to this end they worked in cooperation with one another. Read Psalm 133:1. •

How are you using your talents and spiritual gifts for the good of God’s people?

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What blessings have experienced as you have worked in unity as a member of the body of Christ?

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Chapter 4 1. In verse 9, Nehemiah said that they set a watch against their enemies day and night. Warren Wiersbe says, The enemy knows what we are doing and will be quick to fight us. Expect opposition, and be ready for it. It is important to recognize and resist the enemy’s attacks. Note the three different “weapons of warfare” the enemy used in chapter 4. Fill in the chart below indicating how the enemy has used each of these techniques against you (recognize) and how have you responded to bring about his defeat (resist)? Method

Recognize

Resist

Verses 1-6 Mockery

Verses 7-9 Threats

Verses 10-23 Fear and Discouragement

2. Read verse 14. What is Nehemiah’s focus during the warfare? What aspects of God’s character bring you comfort when the enemy attacks?

3. Verse 17 says, with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other hand held a weapon. •

Why is it vital that we “watch and work” when serving the Lord?

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Read James 2:14-26. What has the Lord taught you about the need for both faith and works in your life?

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How do you keep these two aspects of your Christian walk in harmony? 4

Chapters 5 – 6:14 1. In chapter 5, the threat to the repair of the wall comes from problems within the Jewish community. What positive things have you done or could you do to keep dissension from happening in our body of believers? (You may want to read Romans 12:3-21.)

2. In verse 9 of chapter 5, Nehemiah rebukes the nobles and rulers. He asks them, Should you not walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? •

How is the call to walk in the fear of the Lord seen in your life?

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How would a lack of the fear of the Lord in your life allow the enemies of God to reproach His Name?

3. In 6:3, Nehemiah sent messengers saying that he could not meet because he was doing a great work. •

What great work are you doing for the Lord?

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What would happen if your work were to cease?

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Why is it important to view our work for the Lord as a great work? How does this differ from pride?

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Chapters 6:15-7 1. The book of Nehemiah contains a great deal of instruction concerning spiritual warfare. List two or three specific lessons you have learned about this subject. How have you applied each of these lessons in your daily walk with the Lord?

2. In 7:7 Nehemiah said, Then God put in my heart… •

What is one thing that God has put in your heart since you began this study?

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How has this influenced your life? Be specific.

3. Review the chart you filled out on page 4 of this lesson. List at least one thing you have learned about each of the following and explain how knowing this has affected your life: •

Nehemiah

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The enemy

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The Jews

Chapter 8 1. The first verse of this chapter says the people gathered as one man. (You may also want to read Ephesians 4:1-16.) •

How has your study of the book of Nehemiah increased your understanding of the importance of the body of Christ?

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How has it encouraged you to promote unity in the body?

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2. The first eight verses describe the reading of the Book of the Law to the congregation; in verse 9 the people responded by weeping. • •

List two verses from Nehemiah that caused you to have an emotional response. What was your response to each? Why do you think you reacted this way?

3. Fill in the blanks from verse 18: Also ________ ____ ________, from the first day until the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. •

Do you have a consistent plan for reading the Bible?

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If so, what is it? If not, ask the Lord to show you how He would like you to do so. Write down what He shows you.

Chapter 9:1-21 1. This chapter opens with the children of Israel wearing sackcloth and with dust on their heads. These were signs of mourning and repentance. How has this study of Nehemiah caused you to mourn and repent?

2. Look at verse 3. After the people read from the Book of the Law, they confessed and worshipped the Lord. Consider what you have learned thus far in your study of Nehemiah and respond to the following: •

Reading the word of God often leads to conviction and confession of sin. The word confess means to throw off or cast off. Describe a time when your study of the word of God caused you to hate sin and to desire to throw or cast it off.

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How does reading the word cause you to worship the Lord?

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3. As you conclude your review, meditate on verses 5-21. Consider all the characteristics and blessings of the Lord that are represented in these verses. Which of these is the most important to you at this point in your study of the book of Nehemiah? Why?

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