STUDY OUTLINES ON THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH

By Revd Dr. Ifechukwu U. Ibeme

e-mail: ifeogo@yahoo.com

Click Here For

PriscAquila Christian Resource Centre

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 11 Chapter 12

Chapter 13

NEHEMIAH 1

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: BURDEN FOR RESTORATION

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 1

INTRODUCTION

As a result of Israelites’ backsliding and sin, God handed them over to the Babylonians who carried them to exile and destroyed Jerusalem. In fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jer. 29:10) and Daniel’s prediction (Dan 5:28), after 70 years, Babylon fell into the hands of the Medians and Persians and the Israelites were free to return home. Zerubabel had returned with the first batch of surviving remnants and rebuilt the Jerusalem Altar and Temple. After another 80 years, Ezra returned with the second batch and began Bible Teaching and reformation. When Ezra had laboured on the revival for 10 years, God’s people were stirred to regain their rights and rebuild Jerusalem City Wall.

It was 90 years now since they returned to be under Samaritan governors. The Samaritans had opposed attempts to rebuild the wall for 20 years now (Ezra 4:7-23), Oppressing and disgracing God’s people. And now they have even broken down the partially built wall and burned the gates with fire. God’s people needed restoration and God had prepared a human instrument in the person of Nehemiah. Hallelujah!

Hanani was sent to see his brother Nehemiah with the problem, for advice and help (1:1-3). Nehemiah was then the closest man (Cupbearer) to the King Artaxexes of Persia (1:11c). On hearing the tragic news, Nehemiah was greatly burdened for his brethren (1:4): so he began to make supplications for his people, that God would restore Judah through his ministry (1:5-11).

DISCUSSIONS

1. In praying for our Church (or our nation), what could we learn from Nehemiah? (Verses 2 and 6).

2. In what ways are the people of God experiencing distress (trouble) and reproach (disgrace) or how the wall of Christ’s own Church is broken down and her gates burned with fire today?

3. Do these spiritual and physical tragedies move you to do something about the restoration of God’s people today? (Verses 2,4 and 11).

4. What various prayer patterns could you identify in Nehemiah’s prayer? (Verse 5-11).

CONCLUSION

Lord, give ME burden and prepare ME as an instrument for the restoration of your people in my generation. Amen.

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 2

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: PREPARATION FOR RECONSTRUCTION

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 2

INTRODUCTION

Nehemiah prepared himself by praying day and night throughout the months of Chislev, Tebeth, Shebat and Adar until the month of Nissan (1:1 and 2:1). Then the King Artaxerxes noticed Nehemiah’s sad face and inquired why, so he replied that Judah laid waste and he wanted the King to send him there to rebuild it (2:1-5)

In response, the King removed the right of the Samaritan governors over Judah by appointing Nehemiah as the governor of an independent Judah (2:20 and 5:14). He also gave Nehemiah the PERMISSION, PROTECTION and PROVISION for his work of rebuilding Jerusalem. When the Samaritan and Arab governors learned about this, they became angry because they had lost their authority over Judah (2:6-1).

On arrival, Nehemiah surveyed the wall first. Next, he called the Jews and prepared them by exhorting them to rise up and build. On hearing this, Samballat, the Samaritan governors and Tobiah, his assistant joined with Geshem, the Arab governor to scoff and mock at the Jews in order to discourage and frustrate the people of God (2:12-20).

DISCUSSIONS

1. How long did Nehemiah wait upon the Lord in prayer? While praying, what obvious preparation did he undergo?

(a) 1:4 (b) 1:7 (c) 2:5 (d) 2:7,8.

2. Does the poor spiritual and physical state of our church (or our Nation) move you to BURDEN, PENITENCE, and READINESS and to plan ahead for the restoration of God’s People?

3. What could you learn from verse 4?

4. What could we learn from Nehemiah about:

(a) Faith and Action? (b) Prayer and Planning?

5. Nehemiah was prepared through prayer.

How did he prepare God’s people (2:17,18).

6. Mockery is one of the devil’s weapons (2:19)

How does this apply to us today? (2 Pet. 3:3).

What should be our attitude towards mockers and scoffers? (2:20:Ps.1:1).

MEMORY VERSE: Nehemiah chapter 2 verses 17 and 18.

“Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. “(Neh 2:17-18)

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 3

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: EVERYBODY AT WORK

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 3

INTRODUCTION

Following the exhortation by Nehemiah (2:17,18), the people of God were all motivated and mobilized into action. The work was taken up in families and groups: It was shared in portions (about 42 portions) from the sheep gate (3:1) right round the wall back to the sheep gate (3:5), EVERYBODY took active part in the work irrespective of their social status, occupation, sex and skill.

Each group, delegated under their leaders and identified by their works has been recorded in this chapter for an everlasting memorial in the scriptures of God.

DISCUSSIONS

1. Each group with its leader was remembered for their work. What does this teach us about:

(a) Leadership

(b) Follower-ship

(Compare Rev. 2:1-2 & 3:1)

2. What could we learn from verses 5 & 12?

3. Though expert builders could have been given the contract, but what various occupations could we identify amongst the builders (verses 1,8,9,17,26,29 and 32).

What does this teach you about the work of restoration?

4. EVERYBODY participated to repair and restore the OLD WALL of Jerusalem. How does this apply to our Church and us to day?

5. Although Nehemiah and Ezra are not listed here, what could have been their role during the work? What could you learn from their leadership strategies of:

(a) Delegation of duty;

(b) Division of labour and

CONCLUSION

According to this record, Baruch worked diligently (V.20), Hanun did a lot of work (v. 13 and 30), and the Tekoite nobles did not participate though their brethren did double work (v.5 and 27). What shall God record about you and your work?

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 4

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: RECONSTRUCTION OPPOSED

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 4

INTRODUCTION

“Satan” is a Hebrew word meaning: adversary, antagonist, troublemaker, opposer. With the reconstruction begun and progressing in earnest, Satan used all kinds of people to cause trouble and oppose the work of God.

First, Satan used the Samaritans and Ammonites led by Samballat and Tobiah to ridicule the Jews through mockery. This was to make the Jews feel that the reconstruction was half-hearted, and so not worth pursuing (4:1-6). Refer 2:19,20 for earlier instance of mockery.

Second, the Philistines (Ashdodites) and the Arabs were co-opted by Satan to team-up with the Samaritans and the Ammonites and threaten to attack God’s people. This was to get the Jews afraid and fend for their lives instead of doing God’s work (4:7-9).

Third, Satan went inside the men of Judah, who became weakened by the outside oppositions and the amount of work to be done and so began to complain. This was aimed at discouraging God’s people and stopping the work (4:10-14).

In all these, God’s people resisted the Adversary and his instruments. So the opposition failed and the restoration work continued (4:15-23).

DISCUSSIONS:

1. Today some people, especially from outside our Church still despise and ridicule the restoration move of God in our Church.

(a) In what forms do these reproaches come?

(b) What should be our attitude to such mockery (v.4-6).

2. Even in our church we still have people who threaten to attack and disband any restoration move by God today.

3. Amongst those who are themselves involved in the restoration move of God, some get discouraged by the ridicule, the threatenings and the amount of work.

What should be our attitude to such discouragements (v.14-18)

MEMORY VERSE: Nehemiah 4:9.

“Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.” (Neh 4:9)

Back to Table Of Contents
NEHEMIAH 5

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: SOCIAL REFORMATION BEGINS

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 5

INTRODUCTION

Since the return of the Israelites from exile, their restoration had gone on through SPIRITUAL REVIVAL started by Ezra and STRUCTURAL RECONSTRUCTION led by Nehemiah, who also now began SOCIAL REFORMATION. The whole RESTORATION movement was successful because God’s people responded positively with commitment and REDEDICATION.

Reformation, means correction and modification, amendment and improvement, removing wrongs and stumbling blocks while introducing rights and stepping-stones. Reformation may be social or religious, general or personal.

Nehemiah’s social reforms were aimed at relieving God’s people of social burdens so that God’s work would not be hindered. Three categories of people made an outcry for reform:

(i) The landless who subjected their children to slavery for land;

(ii) The landowners who mortgaged their lands for food and money;

(iii) Other landowners who had to borrow to pay their land dues.

All these could not redeem their children and property since economic hardship and high interest charges made it difficult for them to pay their debts (5:1-5).

The relief measures introduced by Nehemiah:

(i) removed interest charges as commanded by God in Deut 23:19-20;

(ii) returned mortgaged properties;

(iii) redeemed and freed enslaved children (5:6-13).

He also refused to collect the governor’s provision from the people (5:14-19). Despite all these social problems the work on the wall continued (5:16).

DISCUSSION

1. (a) Discuss the various categories of people who are crying

out for genuine reforms in the Church (and Nation) today.

(b) Do these genuine outcries move you with concern? (V.6, 7)

(c) Think deeply and suggest possible bible-based modifications, improvements and changes that could be carried out to relieve these outcries and promote God’s work?

2. What do we learn, from the outcry of the Israelites to Nehemiah, about the evil of profiteering in business and exploitation of the poor?

3. Nehemiah ensured the sincerity of the nobles and the success of the reforms with oath swearing (v.12):

(a) Could Christians swear an oath (by God’s name) for the course of justice? (Jer. 4:2 and12:16; Matt. 26:63,64).

(b) Could God’s people swear by God’s name for the establishment of truth and sincerity? (Rom 9:1 2 Cor 1:23; 11:31; Gal 1:20; 1 Thes. 2,5:10).

CONCLUSION:

Nehemiah testified of his decided role in the restoration of God’s People. What role have you decided to play today?

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 6

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: OPPOSITIONS OVERCOME

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 6

INTRODUCTION

When Samballat, Tobiah and Geshem saw that they could not mount any effective opposition against God’s people generally, they decided to concentrate on their leader, Nehemiah. Their aim was to prevent the godly leader from having a settled mind, so as to distract and discourage him from accomplishing God’s work. This is certainly satanic.

First, they persistently invited him to a solitary place to be killed, pretending that the invitation was to a dialogue (6:1-4).

Second, they published a false rumour alleging that Nehemiah was planning a rebellion and that he was leading the restoration with evil intentions and for personal profit. This was to force Nehemiah to attend the dialogue and be killed 96:5-9).

Third, the opposers of God’s work hired prophet Shemaiah to pretend being shut-in under a prophetic seclusion, and to make Nehemiah come to consult him. Under a pretentious prophetic word, he advised Nehemiah to run for his life and hide in the Holy Place, which is against God’s word in Leviticus 3:5 and 18:7, that only priests should enter the Holy Place. Other prophets and Prophetesses also tried to misguide the godly leader (6:10-14).

Fourth, the opposers monitored Nehemiah through inside informants whom they bought over through intermarriage, letter-writing and offering of money (6:17-19).

DISCUSSIONS

1. “Godly success stimulates satanic opposition.” Do you oppose godly success? In what ways have you seen godly restoration opposed in our Church (and Nation) today?

2. What is our desire and vision for humanity? (Isa.11:9; Luke 11:2; 24:47). Are you committed to making these your mission? How far do some of us get discouraged and diverted by FRIENDLY deceivers and HOSTILE persecutors?

3. Why are you involved in the work of restoration in our Church today? Give instances where people got involved:

(a) for personal profit and (b) for godly service.

4. What do you learn from Nehemiah’s attitude to the intrigue, slander and deceit by the opposers of God’s work?

CONCLUSION 2 Corinthians 4:1-5

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.” (2Co 4:1-5)

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 7

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: THE REMNANTS WHO RETURNED

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 7

INTRODUCTION

After completing the Jerusalem wall, there was still the need for a continued watch over the city. Nehemiah therefore appointed Hanani and Hananiah to take charge over Jerusalem (7:1-4).

God also moved Nehemiah to gather all the returned remnants at Jerusalem for the purpose of registering them according to their families (the remnants who returned belonged to the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and the families of Priests, Levites and Nethinim. See chapter 11). At this time Nehemiah found the 90-years-old register compiled earlier by Zerubabel (7:5-73).

NOTES: (1) of all the ten northern tribes (Israel), who followed Jeroboam and later were carried to exile by Assyria, none ever returned. Their remnant that was left-behind eventually mingled with other nations and became known as the Samaritans (Ezr 4:4; 2 Kin 17).

(2) Of the two southern tribes and the temple ministers (Judah) that followed the hose of David and were later carried to exile by Babylon, only a remnant returned and was registered. Their synagogue Yahwehism developed by Ezra is called Judaism and they are called Jews (7:6).

(3) Consultation of the Urim and Thummim (7:65) was one of the means of knowing God’s will in the Old Testament times (1 Sam 28:6; Prov 16:33). The Urim and Thummim were two special types of lots used only by the Aaronic priests to give guidance to God’s people (Exd 28:30). Using them involved prayers to God before casting them as lots for an answer. (1 Sam 23:9-12).

DISCUSSIONS

1. Not every Church member is actively involved in the vision and mission of restoration in our Church today. Why is its so? Are you part of the involved remnant? How are you involved?

2. What qualities should we learn from Hanani and Hananiah? (1:2; 7:2).

3. What lessons could you draw from verse 3?

4. Through what means could we find out God’s will in our lives today?

5. The restoration of God’s people is for the elect remnants who have returned to the Lord and whom the Lord has chosen and caused to be registered in the book of genealogy. What must you do to be registered in the book of genealogy – i.e. the heavenly book of life? (Phil 4:3: Rev.4-6).

6. Those registered remnants gave money and material for God’s work (vs. 70-72). How could today’s Church gather such amount of gifts for God’s work?

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 8

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: OUTBREAK OF REVIVAL

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 8

INTRODUCTION

God had moved Nehemiah to gather the people for a registration census (7:5), but God also had in mind to revive his people when they gather. It was the seventh month, Tishri, the festival month (8:2).

When the returned remnants gathered at Jerusalem, they demanded that the Scriptures be read and explained to them. Ezra the Scribe-Priest and his team of Bible teachers took up the challenge with the full support of Nehemiah the Governor. The Bible exposition convicted the people of their sins. As they wept under the conviction they were comforted and reminded that the day was the feast of trumpets (Lev. 23:23-25), which signified victory and joy (8:1-12).

The registration for census turned into registration for a National Revival Camp convention. The hearts of the people thirsted after the Word. As the Bible exposition continued the next day, they discovered that the one-week National Camp Meting for the Feast of Tabernacles was commanded by God to take place from the 15th of the seventh month (Num 29:12). So what they had started to do spontaneously, they now re-planned to do in accordance with the command of God’s Word (8:12-18).

DISCUSSIONS

1. God desires His people to hold Holy Gatherings in His Name for Worship, Fellowship, Bible Exposition, Offerings, Fasting and Festivities (Deut 16:16,17; Matt 18:20). What are the usual benefits of such gathering? (Acts 2:43, 47; Neh. 8:9b).

2. Faith and Revival come from reading, hearing and understanding the Word of God (8:3,8; Rom 10:17). How did God’s people show:

(a) their desire for the Word (8:1);

(b) their respect for the Word? (8:5,6);

(d) their obedience to the Word (8:14,17).

3. What should we learn from the attitude of God’s people to God’s Word? What resolutions are you moved to make about the word of God?

4. What is the place of the Word in the life of God’s People? (8:3; Matt 28:20; 1 Tim 4:13). What is the benefit of such Bible –based (Evangelical) Christianity? (1 Tim 4:16).

5. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts through the Word to bring conviction, which leads to conversion and spiritual renewal. Have you undergone such an experience? If so, testify.

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 9

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: OUTBREAK OF REVIVAL

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 9 HYMN A&M 361

INTRODUCTION

Whenever, through God’s grace, the seed of the Word of God is sown in our hearts in the power of the Holy Spirit, our hearts become illuminated and we become CONVICTED (Acts 2:37; 2 Cor. 4:6). The proper and initial saving response to this illuminating conviction is our CONVERSION (repentance and faith) from sin to Christ (Act 2:38; Heb 4:2). God seals all true conversions with Christ’s atoning blood and with the baptismal REGENERATION of the Holy Spirit into Christ (Eph. 1:13,14; 1 Cor 12:13; Tit 3:5).

After regeneration, any further conviction leads to continued REDEDICATION and SANCTIFICATION. Even when a regenerate person backslides, if he/she ever becomes convicted by the Holy Spirit through God’s grace and God’s Word, and he/she responds by RENEWAL of his/her mind, God would RESTORE such a one.

In this chapter, two days after completing the feast of Tabernacles, God’s people decided to gather for a one day National Rededication Retreat in order to separate themselves from the other people and focus attention on God and His Word with fasting (9:1-3). The programme was led by the team of Bible Teachers (9:4,5). In their prayers they adored and blessed the Lord (9:5-6); gave God thanks for His gracious dealing with Hs people (9:7-31); confessed their sins and asked God for forgiveness (9:32-35); made supplications to God (9:36,37); and pledged to rededicate themselves to God (9:38). This was an excellently balanced prayer.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. The people made out a time of prayer, retreat, self-examination and rededication. What must we learn from this both individually and collectively?

2. What were the details of the retreat programme? (9:3). How far do your quiet times, and our public services today, reflect this pattern?

3. Discuss the prayer of thanksgiving in verse 7-31. What could you learn from it about:

(a) God’s character and

` (b) our relationship into God?

4. At the end of their retreat, the returned remnants took a decision and resolved to rededicate their lives to the service of God. How far has this been your experience and our experience?

CONCLUSION:

In every revival three things happen to those revived:

(a) the unbelievers are convicted, converted and regenerated and

(b) the faithful believers are convicted, rededicated and sanctified.

Which of these experiences are you having?

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 10

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: RELIGIOUS REFORMATION BEGINS

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 10

INTRODUCTION:

Earlier in chapter 5, we learned that Reformation means correction and modification, amendment and improvement, removing wrongs and introducing rights, replacing stumbling blocks with stepping-stones. In chapter 5, it was social reforms but in this chapter, Nehemiah leads the returned remnants in religious reforms. The aim of this religious reformation were

(a) restoring the Israelites to a binding covenant relationship with God, and

(b) correcting their religious life to agree with the Word of God.

This time again as in chapter 5:12, Nehemiah used oaths (10:28, 29). This was in order to solemnize the covenant. Any such solemnization of promises and declarations could only be done in God’s name (Jer. 4:2; not in any other name (Matt. 5:34; Jas 5:12). This is usually done by acknowledging God’s living presence (1 Sam 19:6; 2 Kin. 2:2), or calling on Him as a witness (Jer. 42:5; 2 Cor. 1:23) or as Judge (Jdg 21:1,18; 2 Sam 3:3,9).

After the divine service session, the National Retreat shifted to practical matters during the business session. A covenant was written and the leaders signed on behalf of the people (10:1-27). The reforms included in the covenant were:

(i) forbidding of mixed marriages (10:30);

(ii) observance of the Sabbath laws (10:31);

(iii) payment of annual temple support levy (10:32,33);

(iv) supply of the wood-offering (10:34);

(v) offering of firstfruits and dedication of the firstborns (10:35-37a);

(vi) payment of tithes into the temple storehouse (10:37b-39a); and

(vii) never to neglect the temple (10:39b).

DISCUSSIONS

1. How does each of the seven articles of the reformation covenant apply to the Church of today? Should these be binding on us also?

2. What is the storehouse (i.e. where our tithes should be paid) in the church of today? Be Biblical.

3. Christ commanded us to comply with whatever promises or declarations we ever make, whether they are solemnized with an oath or not: to do otherwise is devilish (Matt. 5:33-37). What three things did we all bind ourselves to, as long as we live, at our conversion, baptism and confirmation? How far do we keep to these vows?

4. All Christians are not only under their baptismal oath, they are also bound by the apostolic curse pronounced in Gal. 1:8 and Rev. 22:18,19. How far do you watch against these?

CONCLUSION

May the Lord help us to submit ourselves to CONTINUOUS REFORMATION towards living and believing according to His Word, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 11

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: GOD’S PEOPLE RESETTLED

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 11

INTRODUCTION

Up to this time, Jerusalem was still ruins and uninhabited (7:4). Only the Temple and the Wall were rebuilt, the rest of the city still bore the mark of burning and destruction carried out by Nebuchadnezzar and the Samaritans. Neither business nor farming was yet going on at Jerusalem and it was more prone to the enemy’s attack. As for the rest of the cities of Judah there were farms, houses and reduced risk of attack.

Therefore a tenth of all the returned remnants had to be compulsorily chosen by lots to live in Jerusalem. Other brethren joined voluntarily and were blessed by the people (11:1-3).

God’s people with their leaders from the descendants of Judah (v.4-6), of Benjamin 9v.7-9) of Priests (v. 10-14), of Levites (v. 15-18), of Gatekeepers (v. 19) and of Nethinite temple servants (v. 21) – these were chosen or volunteered to dwell in Jerusalem.

The cities of Judea outside Jerusalem were occupied by descendants of Judah (v. 25-30), of Benjamin (v. 31-35), and of Levi (v.36). These dwelled secure and farmed their fields (V.25,30).

DISCUSSIONS

1. What roles and areas OF MINISTRY IN THE Church do God’s people usually shy away from? Why?

2. What was the difference between those who were compelled by lots and those who volunteered willingly to dwell in Jerusalem? (v.2)

How willing are you to take up difficult tasks and play uncomfortable roles in the Church?

3. Pethabiah became the representative at the Kings court (Senator) in Persia (v.24). What could we learn from this?

4. The remnants of Israel who returned were descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Levi and Temple servants (V.3 and 20). The 10 northern tribes mingled with the Samaritans and Assyrians and have become assimilated amongst the Arabs such that they could no longer be traced by genealogy.

What could you learn from their experience in relation to your Christian faith?

MEMORY VERSE: Nehemiah Chapter 11 verse 2.

“And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.” (Neh 11:2)

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 12

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: THE WALL DEDICATED

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 12

INTRODUCTION

Before talking about the dedication ceremony of the new Jerusalem wall, this chapter opens with a record of the Levites who were among the returned remnants. First, the Priests and Levites who returned with Zerubabel 90 years earlier (12:1-9). Second, those who ministered after the time of Zerubabel but before the time of Nehemiah (12:12-21). Third, the priests and Levites from the time of Nehemiah onwards with special mention of the Choristers and Gatekeepers (12:22-26).

After mobilizing all the Levitical ministers (v.27-29) and getting them to purify themselves, the people and the wall (v.30), Nehemiah organized a two-part dedication ceremony of the wall as follows:

(a) PROCESSIONAL SERVICE, in which the singers and leaders (v.31) walked round the wall with singing. There were two processions in opposite directions, each starting from the Southwest wall (near the Pool of Siloam) moving round towards the Temple to the Northeast. Hoshaiah, Ezra and Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani, accompanied the first procession Southward (v. 31-37). Nehemiah and Hananiah accompanied the second procession Northward (v. 38-39).

(B) CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE, in which all the people (v. 43) gladly worshipped at the Temple, beginning with PRAISE-WORSHIP led by the two choirs, directed by Jezrahiah, the Choir-master (v.40-42). Next was the offering of SACRIFICES by the Priests (v.43), followed by the COLLECTION of tithes and offerings from God’s people by the Gatekeepers v.44). The rest of the service is in the next chapter.

The chapter concludes with a mention of the origin of praise-worship liturgy and a commendation of Nehemiah and Zerubabel for their support of the Temple workers (V.45-47).

DISCUSSION:

1. The Psalms of David were for praise and thanksgiving during services. How did the Levitical choir sing them? (v. 24,35,36). What is the origin of responsorial and musical church singing? (v. 46).

2. What do you notice about the order and form of the dedication ceremony? What could you now say about the order and form of our worship services today?

3. Notice the presence of children at the service (v. 43). What responsibility does this remind you of?

4. From verse 44 and 47, what do you learn about giving GIFTS TO MINISTERS and giving OFFERINGS TO THE CHURCH? Why is there not much giving in our churches today?

Back to Table Of Contents

NEHEMIAH 13

THEME: RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

TOPIC: REFORMATION CONTINUED

TEXT: NEHEMIAH 13

INTRODUCTION

Here we see that on the wall dedication day, the congregational service, which started with Praise-worship, sacrifices and collection in chapter 12, was concluded with Bible READING and EXPOSITION to God’s people (13:1-3).

The restoration work continued under Nehemiah for 12 years (5:14) as planned (2:6), after which he returned to King Artaxerxes in Babylon (13:6). While Nehemiah was away, the reformation dwindled. The people backslid from keeping the ordinances that they had sworn to keep (10:28-39).

On coming back to Jerusalem after some years, Nehemiah had to continue with the reformation once again. Firstly, he sent Tobiah’s household out of the storehouse and purified the storerooms for the storage of the holy articles and offered goods (13:4-9). Secondly, he made the returned remnants to start again to bring their tithes and offerings for the upkeep of the Temple Ministers (13:10-14). Thirdly, he enforced the observance of the Sabbath (13:15-22). Fourthly, he punished those who married pagan wives, put their wives away and made them swear by God, never to marry pagan wives again (13:23-27).

When the people neglected tithes and offerings (13:1) and Eliashib mismanaged what was left (13:4), the Levites abandoned the Temple. Eliashib also sought association with the pagan Samaritans who readily supported him (13:7,28). This unscriptural example led God’s people to backslide.

DISCUSSION

1. What did the congregation learn from the dedication sermon? How did they respond? (V. 3). What about you?

2. From Talks, Seminars and Studies that you have attended in the past years, a lot has been taught. In what areas have you/we backslidden from progress earlier made?

3. Nehemiah prayed God to remember him and his ministry (V.14, 22b, 31b). What lessons could you learn from this?

4. From the backsliding experience of God’s people, what do you learn about the responsibilities of clergy and congregation, or Executive Council and Fellowship in sustaining each other’s commitment to Christ?

5. Oaths give moral right to punish defaulters, but does it always guarantee compliance? Could we escape punishment because others made us backslide or default?

6. What has the study of Nehemiah done in your life?

CONCLUSION:

May God help us in our Ministry to the point we could pray like Nehemiah in Neh. 13:31b

Back to Table Of Contents

Last revised: October 6, 2005

Click Here For

PriscAquila Christian Resource Centre