Scripture: Neh 1:1-2:8, 6:15-16; 13:10-22

Symbol: Broken Wall

Nehemiah was chosen by God to continue the rebuilding of His city, of Jerusalem.  This was an important part of God's plan to bring the Messiah in the fullness of time (Daniel 9:25 is the prophecy regarding this.  If you are interested in learning more about this prophecy visit http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/weeks.htm)

It was during the captivity of Israel under the Babylonian empire that Nehemiah asked the king for permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  Because of God's favor upon Nehemiah, the king granted the permission.  A small group of people returned to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the wall.  In this condition the Jews were to remain until the coming of Christ: in their own land, but under the yoke of foreigners, without His presence in their midst (His presence as manifested in the temple and the ark of the covenant).  Yet, God preserved and cared for His people even while they lived under the judgment of their sin.  Because of their adultery there was a necessary separation between the Jews and God, but God promises that someday He will bring them back to Himself - but that time would be long in coming.  After the rebuilding of the wall, the Israelites continued to liv in their own land but UNDER the rule of pagan kings (Babylon/Assyria), the Greeks, and eventually, the Romans.  During this time we do not know of any prophets that God sent to them!  It was 400 years of silence, of waiting . . . they may have wondered if God had rejected them once and for all. 

Discussion Questions

• Compare Nehemiah 1:1 and 2:1.  How long did Nehemiah fast and pray before approaching the king?   (Note, Chivez = Kislev)  See the Jewish months here: http://www.akhlah.com/aleph_bet/hebrew_worksheets/hebrew_months.php
• Why does Nehemiah say the king granted him favor?
• In how many days was the wall completed? (6:15)  What did this do to those who opposed Nehemiah and the Jews?
• Nehemiah was not finished with his task when the wall was completed.  What other steps to "repair the city" did he take in chapter 13?