Nehemiah …… A Look at Walls
Overview
Nehemiah becomes aware of the need in Jerusalem
Decides to take action
Faces opposition
Leads the people to renewed commitment
Background
The Fortress of Zion was inhabited by the Jebusites. It was located at the edge of the precipice between Jerusalem and the Kidron Valley. The Jebusites believed it to be impenetrable. But David knew that God had given this land to the Israelites. David had faith that his God would give them the city. The Jebusites claimed that even the lame and blind could defend the Fortress of Zion against the attack of King David and his men. This was a slam against David and an inference that the fortress was so strong. But King David did conquer the Fortress (1 Chronicles 11:4-9). He then built up the city and he “became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.”
This city, Jerusalem, was set up to be the central location of the Israelites. It was the home of King David and Solomon’s Temple. It was the City of God, because it was where the Ark of the Covenant resided; where God chose to dwell with his people. Jerusalem was also important in the New Testament; still the central location for the church. But with the new covenant of Christ, his provision of salvation for believers, we see that God dwells within us. He no longer dwells in the city of Jerusalem. He is in the believers. (1John 4:13)
2 Chronicles 36:15-23 describes the fall of Jerusalem and the exile of its inhabitants. After the prescribed number of years (70), the Lord, God, moves the reining world leader to allow and even promote the rebuilding of a temple in Jerusalem, God’s holy city.(Jeremiah 25& 2Chron 36:22-23) Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther can all be considered the story of rebuilding. At the beginning of Nehemiah, the exiles have returned and been in Jerusalem for 80 years. Not much progress in reconstruction though. This is a fulfillment of God’s promise to His people, to bring them back …..and try this relationship thing again. (Jeremiah 30)
In this study, we will look at the following questions.
Do we have walls?
Do we need walls?
Who helps us build our walls?
Are walls enough? Or is there more?
Lesson 1 Should we build walls?
Read Nehemiah 1.
1. How does Nehemiah find out about the state of Jerusalem?
2. What is his response to the news?
Read Joshua 6:1-24.
3. What do you notice about the walls and the city of Jericho?
4. Any comment about the method for removal of the wall?
5. When the wall collapsed, what happened?
6. The wall of Jericho seems to be holding the “bad” in and keeping the “good” out. With that in mind, do we have walls in our lives that do the same things?
Read Nehemiah 1:10-11.
7. Who are “they” (your servants and your people)?
8. How does this relate to us today?
9. What significance does Nehemiah’s position have?
Lesson 2 Ready, Set….Go!
It’s now the month of Nisan, about four months after Nehemiah first heard about the state of Jerusalem. Maybe he didn’t know what to do, maybe he was waiting for someone else to step in and start the job, maybe he couldn’t believe it was as bad as it sounded, OR maybe Nehemiah was prayerfully considering what God would have him do and waiting for God’s timing.
1. What does “sadness of heart” look like? Is it different than just a bad day at work?
2. Why would Nehemiah respond, “I was much afraid”?
3. “The cities where my fathers are buried” - Carefully chosen words. What does this say about Nehemiah?
I love the king’s question - “What is it you want?” Direct and straight to the point. Shouldn’t we be prepared for that type of question when the Lord has given us a burden?
4. The arrow prayer. When do you employ this powerful weapon? (We should probably do it more often!)
I read that the queen sitting beside him (vs 6) was most likely the Queen Mother, the mother of Artaxerxes, wife of Xerxes…..Queen Esther of Susa! Another “such a time as this”!
5. What other requests did Nehemiah make? What bonus did the king grant?
6. There is always opposition. Why do you think this is so? (even today)
The Inspection Nehemiah keeps mum about his intentions in Jerusalem. He carefully considers what God has for him to do. Knowing the big picture, maybe he realizes that the “reform” for Jerusalem will need to take place step by step. It’s too big to look at the whole picture. That’s often true of our situation, too. Whatever the issue in our life, we have to start with just a step. We have to be obedient to God’s instruction if we want to see progress.
7. Why would Nehemiah respond to the opposition the way he did in verse 20? Can you find scripture to back his statement?
Lesson 3 Hi Ho, Hi Ho Chapters 3 &4
Chapter 3 begins as the workers jump in with both feet. Nehemiah records the repair and reconstruction of the wall in a counter clockwise fashion. He gives brief and general knowledge of the wall and the workers.
1. Why do you think they start with the Sheep Gate? What is it for?
2. The men of Tekoa? Who are they?
3. List some of the specific trades of the “workers”.
4. List some other sub-groups.
When I read this account, I get the impression that the work was done in an organized and orderly manner, yet sort of spontaneous. Nehemiah doesn’t say, “I assigned this section…” or “The quota for each team was….” But the whole wall was covered without squabbles being recorded. That’s the kind of team that I want to be a part of!
Chapter 4 Sanballat…He uses the same old tricks that Satan uses today. Ridicule and doubt to discredit and destroy! That is what he is out to do.
5. What do you make of Nehemiah’s prayer in verses 4 &5?
6. From verse 6. It says the people worked with all their hearts. What difference does this make?
7. What outreach or ministry do you have a heart for?
8. What obstacles are mentioned in verses 8 – 12?
Nehemiah, being the good leader, steps in to redirect the people.
9. What 2(3)-fold instruction does he give?
From 4:16-18. They had to modify their plan. How inconvenient. But how wise. Are you willing to modify “your plan” when prompted by your leader? Or do you blow off the suggestions of the Holy Spirit (by way of a pastor or the Word) and keep trudging along….because it would be too inconvenient to change?
Lesson 4 Finishing the Wall Chapters 5-7
There is some question as to why Chapter 5 is included here. Many scholars think that it was inserted at a later time; others think that “confusion” of the chronicler explains it. (They think Nehemiah wasn’t the author of the book.) At any rate, there are great lessons in this chapter for us today!
1. How much work gets done on the wall in Chapter 5? Why? (your thoughts)
2. What is the difference in this crisis and our own economic situation (as a nation) today?
3. Nehemiah’s response is profound. What stands out to you?
It may sound as if Nehemiah is bragging about his generous deeds. But keep in mind these two things: 1) the people needed to see an example of godly behavior, 2) Some parts of this writing are believed to be a personal diary, so he was telling God how he felt.
Back to the wall in Chapter 6 &7. The enemy attacks, but in disguise. Tries to lure Nehemiah away from his work….even hires a player to try to trick Nehemiah into hiding in the temple, which would discredit Nehemiah and all that he was doing.
4. What’s so bad about going to meet on the plain of Ono? What would have happened if Nehemiah had gone? (conjecture)
5. What was the result of their 52 days of work? The reaction of the surrounding nations.
“The enemy is only disheartened when the work is done by God; if it is the product of man's efforts, they just laugh. Men might be fooled, and see a work of man and be impressed, but angels in heaven and every demon in hell knows what has been done by man and what has been done by God.” David Guzik
So now that the wall is done, Nehemiah begins to set into place the plan for the spiritual reform. After appointing leaders, Hanani and Hananiah, he makes a simple rule.
6. What restrictions does Nehemiah give for the city gates? How does this help the people? How does this type of “simple restriction” help us in our daily lives?
Lesson 5 Gracious and Forgiving God Chapters 8-9
The wall was the easy part; Now for the restoration and repentance of the people.
1. What does it take for “all the people to assemble as one man”? What forethought do you see?
2. Why do you think Nehemiah uses the phrase “all who were able to understand”?
It’s not specific about where Ezra began reading. The Law was given after the Israelites were rescued from Egypt, however, it would be reasonable to think that Ezra may have read from the calling of Abraham, since that is referenced in 9:7. And creation is mentioned before that! Can you imagine standing and listening to someone read form Genesis through Deuteronomy in one session?!
3. Why would this day be sacred to the Lord? Why should they be told not to mourn or grieve?
On the second day of the month, the people decide to celebrate the Feast of Booths, remembering how God had led them out of Egypt. About 2 weeks after the Feast of Booths, the people come before God and get serious.
4. What do you read that shows their humility and earnestness before God (9:1-3)?
The prayer of the people, spoken by the Levites, recorded in verses 9:5-37 covers a lot of ground. The provision of God for his chosen people is retold once again. There is much to gain from reviewing and repeating all the ways God has cared for you. Do you remember all that God has done for you? By recounting God’s mercy and grace in your life, you are confirming His faithfulness and trustworthiness. Not that we have to prove it, but sometimes we take things for granted and just don’t values all that God has done. Look back through your personal journals and see God’s goodness in your life. (Journaling is so good for this. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just do it when you can!)
5. What is the plea at the end of this prayer? (It’s not in words, just implied.)
6. Why would these people, or you and I, think that God would come to their aide in this time of distress?
Lesson Six We Promise To… Chapters 10-12
After the prayer of the Levites, all the people are in agreement that they will serve God from now on! They want to make “a binding agreement and put it in writing”(9:38).
1. It says in Neh. 10:29 that the people bound themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God. What terms of the agreement do you see in verses 30-39?
Where is the curse?! I only see a list of “we promise to…”.
2. Why do you think there are no curses listed? Do you think they were serious about their commitment?
Read Deuteronomy 28:15-68. This is part of the curse promised to the Israelites for disobeying God.
3. What stands out to you as especially rotten? Could things really get that bad?
4. How would our God, who loves us so much, do such horrible things?
Chapters 11 & 12 are another list of certified Jews. Again we see how seriously they take their heritage. We also see how they are making the way for Jesus to be born of a pure bloodline.
Dedication of the Wall 12:27-43
5. What words are used to describe the celebration?
6. From 12:30, the Levites, the people, the gates and the wall were all purified. How does this apply to us today? ( Psalms 24:3-4, John 4:24, 1John 1:9)
Lesson Seven The Cycle Begins Again Chapter 13
I want this to be a “happily ever after” ending. But, unfortunately, it’s not. It’s a “true to life” ending though. A cycle repeated over and over in the life of Israel, and often in our own lives.
There are 3 big issues that Nehemiah addresses. The first issue is neglect of the Temple.
1. What is the deal with Tobiah? Why would he want a room at the temple and what do you think he did there?
The second issue deals with the Sabbath.
2. Who was working on the Sabbath? Who was desecrating the Sabbath (and what does that mean)?
3. Someone has to work on the Sabbath, who is it? (vs. 22)
(There is a great discussion in Galatians 3:21-25 about how the Law applies to us today. There is also a passage in Hebrews 4:1-13 that talks about a Sabbath-rest that sounds more like a state of rest than a day of no-work.)
The third issue is marrying women from other countries. Sounds like Nehemiah takes personal offense at this action. He may have gotten a little carried away with the punishment.
4. What problems result from these “mixed” marriages?
5. How does this parallel the problems of a believer/unbeliever marriage today?
6. What is Nehemiah’s role in the overall picture of the book? (Have you ever wanted someone to come in and take over to help you “stay in line”? Can you share about it?)
7. What is the message that you take from the book of Nehemiah?
8. Repeating the question from Lesson 1, should we build walls in our lives today?
When Nehemiah served the king,
His face was always glad.
But one day when he came to serve,
His face was very sad.
The king and queen asked him why
And listened to his sad reply:
"Jerusalem is broken down,
And that's what makes me cry!"
The king let Nehemiah go
To help rebuild the city.
But when he saw Jerusalem,
His heart was filled with pity.
It's mighty walls where broken down
With rocks and rubble all around.
"Come on! Let's build!"
He cried to all the people in the town.
The people gladly went to work,
They got up with the sun.
And many stars were shining bright
Before the day was done.
The gates were first to be installed,
And then they started on the wall.
"Cone on! Be strong!" Nehemiah said,
"We'll build it straight and tall!"
But there were some who said "You can't!"
They laughed and then began to chant:
"Don't be a sissy! Don't be a fool!
Stop your work, and drop your tool!
Why do you build such a rickety wall?
Even a fox could make it fall!
Nah, Nah, na-Nah, Nah!"
The people kept on working,
But it gave them quite a fright
To hear that men were coming
Who would try to pick a fight.
From that day on they carried swords
While stacking stones or cutting boards.
"Never fear!" Nehemiah said,
"Our trust in in the Lord!"
When, at last, the work was done,
They gathered in Jerusalem
And listened while the Word of God
Was read out loud to them.
"Amen! Amen!" the people said.
They worshiped God and bowed their heads.
And then they went to celebrate
With special food and bread!
from the Rhyme Bible Gold 'n' Honey Press
Nehemiah Builds the Wall from the Rhyme Bible
His face was always glad.
But one day when he came to serve,
His face was very sad.
The king and queen asked him why
And listened to his sad reply:
"Jerusalem is broken down,
And that's what makes me cry!"
The king let Nehemiah go
To help rebuild the city.
But when he saw Jerusalem,
His heart was filled with pity.
It's mighty walls where broken down
With rocks and rubble all around.
"Come on! Let's build!"
He cried to all the people in the town.
The people gladly went to work,
They got up with the sun.
And many stars were shining bright
Before the day was done.
The gates were first to be installed,
And then they started on the wall.
"Cone on! Be strong!" Nehemiah said,
"We'll build it straight and tall!"
But there were some who said "You can't!"
They laughed and then began to chant:
"Don't be a sissy! Don't be a fool!
Stop your work, and drop your tool!
Why do you build such a rickety wall?
Even a fox could make it fall!
Nah, Nah, na-Nah, Nah!"
The people kept on working,
But it gave them quite a fright
To hear that men were coming
Who would try to pick a fight.
From that day on they carried swords
While stacking stones or cutting boards.
"Never fear!" Nehemiah said,
"Our trust in in the Lord!"
When, at last, the work was done,
They gathered in Jerusalem
And listened while the Word of God
Was read out loud to them.
"Amen! Amen!" the people said.
They worshiped God and bowed their heads.
And then they went to celebrate
With special food and bread!
from the Rhyme Bible Gold 'n' Honey Press
Nehemiah's Wall (a map)
