The Book of Nehemiah Introduction: Nehemiah saw a problem and was distressed.

Instead of complaining or wallowing (self pitying) and grief, he took action. Nehemiah knew that God wanted him to motivate the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, so he left the responsible position in the Persian government to do what God wanted. Nehemiah knew God could use his talents to get the job done. From the moment he arrived in Jerusalem, everyone knew who In-charge was. He organized, managed supervised, encouraged, met opposition, confronted injustice, and kept going until the walls were built; Nehemiah was a man of action. As the story begins, Nehemiah was talking with fellow Jews who reported that the walls and the gates of Jerusalem were in disrepair. This was disturbing news, and rebuilding those walls became Nehemiah's burden. At the appropriate time, Nehemiah asked king Artaxerxes for permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild its fallen walls, the king approved. Armed with royal letters, Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem. he organized the people into groups and assigned them to specific sections of the walls (chap. 3). The construction project was not without opposition, however. Sanballat, Tobiah, and others tried to halt the work with insults, ridicule, threats, and sabotage (interfere with). Some of the workers became fearful; others became weary. In each case, Nehemiah employed a strategy to frustrate the enemies prayers, encouragement, guard duty, consolidation (make strong and secure) Chapter 4. But a different problem arose an internal one. Rich Jews were profiteering (make or seek excessive profit) off the plight (difficulty) of their working countrymen. Hearing of their oppression and greed, Nehemiah confronted the extortioners face to face (chap. 5). Then, with the walls almost complete, Sanballat, Tobiah, and company tried one last time to stop Nehemiah. But Nehemiah stood firm, and the wall was finished just 52 days. What a tremendous (wonderful) monument (memorial clj:d/l0fo) to God's love and faithfulness. Enemies and friends alike knew that God has helped (chap. 6). After building the walls, Nehemiah continued to organize the people, talking a registration and appointing gatekeepers, Levites, and other officials (chap. 7). Ezra led the city in worship and Bible instruction (chap. 8, 9). This led to a reaffirmation (affirm again) of faith and religious revival as the people promised to serve God faith fully (chap. 10 & 11).

Nehemiah Chapter 1:1 11 1:1 Nehemiah wasn't the first of the exiles to return to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel had led the first group back in 538 BC, more than 90 yrs. earlier (Ezra 1, 2). Ezra followed with a second group in 458 BC. (Ezra 7), and here Nehemiah was ready to lead the third major return to Jerusalem (445 BC). When he arrived after a three months journey, he saw the completed temple and became acquainted (aware) with other who had returned to their homeland.

But Nehemiah also found a disorganized group of people and a defenseless city with no walls to protect it. Before the exile, Israel had its own language, king, army, and identity. At this time it had none of these. What the Jews lacked most was leadership; there was no one to show them where to start and what direction to take as they tried to rebuild their city. As soon as Nehemiah arrived he began a back to the basics program. He helped care for the people's physical needs by setting up a fair system of government and rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. He also cared for their spiritual needs by rebuilding broken lives. Nehemiah is a model of committed, God honoring leadership, and his contains many useful lessons for today. Nehemiah was concerned about Jerusalem because it the Jews' holy city, as Judah's capital city. It represented Jewish national identity, and it was blessed with God's special presence in the temple. Jewish history centered around the city from the time of Abraham's gift to Melchizedek, king of Salem (Gen. 14:17 20) to the days when Solomon built the glorious temple (1 Kings 7:51), and throughout the history of the kings, Nehemiah loved his homeland
1:2 4 even though he had lived his whole life in Babylon. He wanted to return to Jerusalem to reunite the Jews and to remove the shame of Jerusalem's broken down walls. This would bring glory to God and restore the reality and power of God's presence among his people.

Nehemiah broke down and wept when he heard that Jerusalem's walls still had not been built. Why did this upset him? Walls mean little in most present day cities, but in Nehemiah's day they were essential. They offered safety from raids and symbolized strength and peace. Nehemiah also mourned for his people, the Jews who had been stifled (subdued) by a previous edict (decree) that kept them from rebuilding their walls (Ezra 4:6 23).

1:4 - Nehemiah was deeply grieved about the condition of Jerusalem, but he
didn't just brood (worry) about it. After his initial grief, he prayed, pouring his heart to God (1:5 11), and he looked for ways to improve the situation. Nehemiah put all his resources of knowledge, experience and organization into determining (shaping) what should be done. When tragic news comes to you, first pray. Then seek ways to move beyond grief to specific (exact) action that helps those who need it.

1:5 Nehemiah fasted and prayed for several days, expressing his sorrows for Israel's sin and his desire that Jerusalem would again come alive with the worship of the one true God. Nehemiah demonstrated the elements of effective prayers: 1. Praise, 2. Thanks giving, 3. Repentance, 4. Specific request, and 5. Commitment. Heart felt prayers like Nehemiah's can help clarify (make clear): (a). any problem you may be facing, (b). God's great power to help you, and (c). the job you have to do. By the end of his prayer time, Nehemiah knew what action he had to take (1:11).; When God's people pray difficult situation fall into proper perspective (view), and appropriate actions follow.
1:11 - Nehemiah was in a unique position to speak to the king. He was the trusted cupbearer who ensured the safety and quality of the kings food and drink. Nehemiah was concerned, prayerful and prepared as he looked for the right opportunity to tell the king about God's people. Each of us is unique (distinctive) and capable of serving no matter what our position. just as Nehemiah used his place as the king's trusted servant to intercede for his people, we can use our present position to serve God. Chap 2 : 2 The king noticed Nehemiah's sad appearance. This frightened Nehemiah because it was dangerous to sorrow before the king, who could execute who displeased him.

2:2 ,3 - Nehemiah wasn't ashamed to admit his fear, but he refused to allow fear to stop him fro doing what God had called him to do. When we allow our fears to ruler us, we make fear more powerful than God. Is there a task God wants you to do, but fear is holding you back? God is greater than your fears.

2:4 With little time to think, Nehemiah immediately prayed. Eight times in this book we read that he prayed spontaneously (suddenly) (2:4; 4:4 5, 9; 5:19; 6:14; 13:14, 22, 29). Nehemiah prayed at any time, even while talking with others. He knew that God is always present in charge, is always present, and hears and answers every prayer. If we want to reach God with our emergency prayers, we need to take time to cultivate a strong relationship with God through times of in depth prayers. 2:7 After his prayer, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to go to Judah. As soon as he got a positive answer, he began asking for additional help. 2:9, 10 & 19 When Nehemiah arrived in Judah, he was greeted with opposition. Opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem had been going for 90 years by those who settled in the area when the Jews were taken captive. In every generation there are those who hate God's people and try to block God's purpose. When you attempt (effort, try) to do God's work , some will oppose you; some will even hope you fail. If you expect opposition, you will be prepared rather than surprised (1 John 3:13). Knowing that God is behind your task is the best incentive (encouragement) to move ahead in the face of opposition. 2:10 Sanballat was governor of Samaria and Tobiah was probably governor of Transjordan under the Persians. 2:11 17 Nehemiah arrived quietly in Jerusalem and spent several days carefully observing and assessing (estimate the size and quality) the damage to the walls. Following this time of thoughtful consideration, he confidently presented his plan. Nehemiah demonstrated an excellent approach to problem solving. He got firsthand information and carefully considered the situation. Then he presented a realistic strategy. Before jumping into a project follow Nehemiah's example and plan ahead. Check your information to make sure your ideas will work be realistic. Then you will be able to present your plan with confidence.

2:15, 16 Nehemiah kept his mission a secret and surveyed the walls by moonlight to avoid unhealthy gossip about his arrival and to prevent enemies from being alerted to his plans. Only after planning carefully would he be ready to go public with his mission from God. A premature announcement could have caused rivalry (enmity, Jealousy) among the Jews as to the best way to begin. In this case, Nehemiah didn't need tedious planning sessions; he needed one plan that would bring quick action. 2:17, 18 Spiritual renewal often begins with one person's vision. Nehemiah had a vision, and he shared it with enthusiasm (eagerness, interest, and zeal), inspiring, Jerusalem's leaders to rebuild the walls. We frequently underestimate the people and don't challenge them with our dreams for God's work in the world. When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for Him, share it with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don't regard (view, watch, consider) yourself as the only one through whom God is working. Often god uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. When you encourage and inspire others, you put team work into action to accomplish God's goals. 2:19 Sanballat and Tobiah labeled the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls as rebellion against the king, probably threatening to report the builders as traitors. These enemies also ridiculed Nehemiah, saying that the walls could never be rebuilt because the damage was too extensive. Nehemiah did not tell them he already had permission from the king to rebuild. Instead he simply said he had God's approval that was enough. Chapter 3:1 All the citizens of Jerusalem did their part on the huge job of rebuilding the city wall. Similarly, the work of the Church requires every members effort in order for the body of Christ to function effectively (1 Corn. 12:12 27). The body needs you! Are you doing your part? Find a place to serve God, and star contributing whatever time talent and money is needed.

Chapter 4:1 5 Ridicule can cut deeply, causing discouragement and despair. Sanballat and Tobiah used ridicule to try to dissuade (persuade against) the Jews from building the wall. Instead of trading insult, however, Nehemiah prayed and the work continued. When you are mocked for your faith or criticized for doing what you know is right, refuse to respond in the same way or to become discouraged. tell God how you feel and remember His promise to be with you This will give you encouragement and strength to carry on. 4:6 Nehemiah constantly combined prayers with preparation and planning. His people trusted God and at the same time kept vigilant (alert) watch over what had been entrusted (assigned responsible person for) to them. Too often we pray without looking for what God wants us to do. We show God we are serious when we combine prayer with thought, preparation, and effort. 4:10 14 Accomplishing any large task is tiring. There are always pressures that foster (promote or help forward) discouragement the task seems impossible, it can never be finished, or too many factors are working against us. The only cure for fatigue and discouragement is focusing on God's purpose. Nehemiah reminded the workers of their calling, their goal, and God's protection. If you are overwhelmed (ef/Ln] lyr]sf]_ by an assignment, tired and discouraged, remember God's purpose for your life and His special purpose for the project.