Nehemiah 1:1 - 3:32

Observations

1. Nehemiah, in Susa during Artaxerxes’ reign, hears from Hanani that Jerusalem’s wall is broken and its gates burned (vv. 1:1-3)
2. He weeps, mourns, fasts, and prays to the God of heaven(v. 1:4)
3. Nehemiah praises God’s covenant love and confesses Israel’s sins, including his family’s disobedience to the commands given through Moses (vv. 1:5-7)
4. He recalls God’s promise to scatter the unfaithful and gather those who return to Him, bringing them to the chosen dwelling place(vv. 1:8-9)
5. He acknowledges the people as God’s servants redeemed by His power and asks for success and favor before the king; he is cupbearer to the king (vv. 1:10-11)

Applications

• In what areas do I need to move from blaming circumstances to confessing personal responsibility?

Observations

1. In the month of Nisan, the king notices Nehemiah’s sadness; Nehemiah is afraid(vv. 2:1-2)
2. Nehemiah explains that the city of his ancestors lies in ruins with burned gates(v. 2:3)
3. The king asks what he wants; Nehemiah prays and requests to go to Judah to rebuild the city; the king grants permission and sets a time(vv. 2:4-6)
4. Nehemiah requests letters for safe passage and timber from Asaph for the gates, wall, and residence; the king grants them because God’s gracious hand is on him(vv. 2:7-8)
5. Nehemiah travels with army officers and cavalry; Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite are disturbed that someone has come to promote Israel’s welfare(vv. 2:9-10)
6. After three days in Jerusalem, Nehemiah inspects the walls at night with a few men, telling no one what God put in his heart; officials do not know where he went(vv. 2:11-16)
7. Nehemiah tells the leaders they see the trouble; he urges rebuilding so they will no longer be in disgrace; he reports God’s favor and the king’s words; the people agree to begin(vv. 2:17-18)
8. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem mock and accuse them of rebelling against the king; Nehemiah replies that God will give success and that they have no share or claim in Jerusalem (vv. 2:19-20)

Applications

• How do I handle criticism or misunderstanding when pursuing what I believe honors God?

Observations

1. Eliashib the high priest and the priests rebuild and dedicate the Sheep Gate; men of Jericho and Zakkur build adjoining sections (vv. 3:1-2)
2. The Fish Gate, Jeshanah Gate, and other sections of wall are repaired by various sons, priests, Levites, and leaders; the Tekoite nobles do not put their shoulders to the work (vv. 3:3-5)
3. Multiple groups repair adjoining sections, including gates, towers, and walls; some repair opposite their homes; Shallum and his daughters make repairs (vv. 3:6-12)
4. Hanun and residents of Zanoah repair the Valley Gate and part of the wall; the Dung Gate and Fountain Gate are repaired; pools, stairs, and the City of David are mentioned (vv. 3:13-16)
5. Levites, priests, rulers of half-districts, temple servants, goldsmiths, merchants, and others repair additional sections, towers, and gates, completing the circuit of the wall back to the Sheep Gate(vv. 3:17-32)

Applications

• How can I strengthen unity and cooperation in the community where God has placed me?