1. First Impressions
This book is about Nehemiah, a cup bearer
to the Persian king. This contemporary of Ezra set out to rebuild the walls of
Jerusalem. Nehemiah was originally part of the book of Ezra but was separated
in translation. For this reason, among others Ezra is assumed to have compiled
the book of Nehemiah using the writings of Nehemiah. This book’s focus is on
the third return of the exiles to Jerusalem in about 444 B.C. The book however
is only considered to have been written later between 430 and 420 B.C.
2. Theme Tracing
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What does
this book show about the character and nature of God?
There is so much to learn about God from the way Nehemiah and the
Israelites describe Him in this book. Below is a list of many of the things
they learned and knew about God:
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He is great, mighty & awesome (1:5; 9:32)
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His love is unfailing (1:5; 9:32)
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He is gracious (2:8)
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He is the creator (9:6)
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He is true to His word (9:8)
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He cares and hears the cry of His people (9:9)
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He is God of the supernatural (9:10)
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He is the provider (9:15,21)
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He is merciful (9:19,31)
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He is the helper (9:22)
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He is patient (9:30)
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He is just (9:33)
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He is good (9:35)
So much of who
God is! In 9:17 the following about God is repeated, “ But you are a God of
forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing
love”. WOW!
·
What does
this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?
Nehemiah marks the 3rd and final return of the Jews from
Babylon. In this book we see God restoring Judah to His people and rebuilding
the Temple but more focused on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. In
Nehemiah 10 the people make a covenant with God to keep his commands but by
chapter 13 they had already broken most of those promises. God’s faithfulness
as he leads his people on in his redemptive plan is seen so clearly in
Nehemiah!
3. Application questions
·
Personal
application:
Nehemiah was a cup bearer. He tasted the king’s wine to make sure the
king doesn’t die if it is poisoned and although he must have been a trusted man
one can hardly have imagined him to lead a project of restoration as he did.
Nehemiah lead the Jews in an incredible manner not only taking back geographical
ground and rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls but also trying to take back spiritual
ground, drawing the people back into covenantal relationship with God(ch10).
I often feel inadequate, like I am not qualified. Nehemiah was not
qualified but he was called, I too, am called to something bigger than I can
imagine. This book has also reminded me of the saying “Be the change you want
to see in the world”. If there is something that bothers or upsets you then go
ahead and change it, fix it, rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. It is not about your
strength or the circumstances around you but rather the amazing things that can
be achieved by our obedience, willingness and God’s strength.
·
Point of
Passion:
That
which I saw about education in Nehemiah was centered on leadership. Nehemiah
understood how to motivate people, to continue without letting criticism stop
him and not giving in due to all the obstacles and frustration. Teachers are in
some sense leaders themselves but also they train future leaders. It is
important to live Godly lives and be good leaders as well as equipping others
to the same. I love the combination of faith in both prayer and action found in
Nehemiah 4:9. I think one major thing to learn from Nehemiah’s leadership is to
do all that we can and trust God to do the rest.
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