Nehemiah 9:1 - 10:39

Observations

1. Israelites gather fasting, sackcloth, dust on heads; separate from foreigners; confess sins(vv. 9:1-2)
2. Read Law quarter of day, confess and worship another quarter(v. 9:3)
3. Levites on stairs cry out, call people to stand and praise the Lord(vv. 9:4-5)

Applications

• What sins, personal or inherited patterns, do I need to confess before God?

Observations

1. God alone is Lord, creator; chose Abram, made covenant for the land(vv. 9:6-8)
2. God saw suffering in Egypt, divided Red Sea, led with pillar of cloud and fire(vv. 9:9-12)
3. Came down on Sinai, gave just laws; gave bread from heaven, water from rock(vv. 9:13-15)
4. Ancestors arrogant, stiff-necked, disobeyed; made golden calf(vv. 9:16-18)
5. God did not abandon; pillar remained; gave Spirit, manna, water; sustained 40 years(vv. 9:19-21)
6. Gave kingdoms, land, fortified cities, abundance; they ate and reveled in goodness(vv. 9:22-25)
7. Rebelled, killed prophets; delivered to enemies; cried out, God sent deliverers; cycle repeated(vv. 9:26-28)
8. Warned them, they refused; patient many years; did not put end to them(vv. 9:29-31)
9. Appeal to God; you are righteous, we acted wickedly; now slaves in our own land, great distress(vv. 9:32-37)

Applications

• How has God remained faithful to me despite my repeated failures?

Observations

1. Make binding written agreement; Nehemiah, priests, Levites, leaders seal it(vv. 9:38-10:27)
2. Rest of people join; bind with curse and oath to follow Law of Moses(vv. 10:28-29)
3. No intermarriage; no buying on Sabbath; seventh year rest and cancel debts(vv. 10:30-31)
4. Third of shekel yearly for temple service; lots cast for wood contribution(vv. 10:32-34)
5. Bring firstfruits, firstborn, tithes; we will not neglect the house of our God(vv. 10:35-39)

Applications

• Where have I made vague intentions instead of concrete, accountable commitments?