In reading through this book take note of the following:
- Nehemiah is one among many that God used in bringing Israel back to
You will remember that He had used unbelieving Cyrus; the devout men of
faith, Zerrubbabel, Joshua, and Ezra; and the prophets Haggai, Zechariah
and Malachi. Now he uses Nehemiah, an Israelite in high office in the
court of Persia, with the help of the pagan king Artaxerxes.
As you read be aware that god uses many people to achieve various parts
of His plan. There is not one of us who is His only servant in a given
situation! It is comforting to know that He can use pagans to do His
will if He so chooses.
- This is the story of doing God’s will in the face of constant
- Make a study of Nehemiah’s praying. It will thrill you and give
- Take a long look at Nehemiah as an individual walking with God, both
- As you read the book, it will be obvious that it is taken from the
OUTLINE OF NEHEMIAH
REBUILDING THE WALLS 1:1-7:73
THE RETURN TO JERUSALEM 1:1-2:20
The condition of Jerusalem 1:1-3
Note God in the little things. The visit of a relative is the means of
laying a burden on Nehemiah that ended in the rebuilding of Jerusalem!
Great happenings often hinge on what seem to be chance events.
Nehemiah’s Prayer
God alone can bring to pass the longings that He places in our hearts.
Every burden should lead us to the helpless position of prayer. He who
gives the burden is now looked to as the source of it being
accomplished.
Being the cup bearer meant that Nehemiah was the one who first drank all
wine served to the king in case it was poisoned. It gave him a place of
absolute trust with the king.
The Commission of Artaxerxes 2:1-10
Note the place that Nehemiah gives to the favor of god being with him.
1:11 He is asking god to work in the mood of the king.
2:5 In naked faith he spoke of receiving that favor.
2:8 He acknowledges that all he received of the king was because of
this.
The favor God gives to one of his children can make a pagan authority
smile and give all that is needed to achieve God’s purpose! This was
true under the Old Covenant; under the better New Covenant, we can ask
and expect to receive God’s favor in all that we touch.
Note 2:4 This man prays without ceasing.
The inspection of the walls 2:11-20
Nehemiah quietly surveys the situation. Out of his stillness arises the
strategy of what must be done. Study how this man always gathers the
facts and acts out of them after inner stillness.
Note 2:20 Faith can afford to speak with quiet confidence because it
knows.
THE WALLS REBUILT 3:1-7:73
The workers 3:32
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The opposition 4:1-6:13
By mockery 4:1-6
By conspiracy 4:7-23
By extortion from within 5:1-19.
- Note the character of Nehemiah set over against the nobles
By lying friendship 6:1-4
By slander 6:5-9
By intimidation 6:10-14
- In all of these attacks, he overcomes by a constant attitude of prayer
Mission accomplished 6:15-7:3
The register of the people 7:4-73
II. RENEWING THE COVENANT 8:1-10-39
THE READING OF THE LAW 8:1-8
This is the first reference in the Bible to the ministry of teaching and
exegeting Scripture.
FEAST OF TABERNACLES CELEBRATED 8:9-18
Take note that responding to god’s Word with obedience brings great
joy.
REPENTANCE OF THE PEOPLE 9:1-37
A BLOOD COVENANT AND ITS DEMANDS 9:38-10:39
III. THE REFORMED NATION 11:1-13:31
RE-POPULATION OF THE CITIES 11:1-12:26
Jerusalem 11:1-24
Other cities 11:25-36
Priests and Levites 12:1-26
DEDICATING THE WALL 12:27-47
Note the nature of their praise and worship; a holy noise of joyful
celebration.
NEHEMIAH’S FINAL REFORMS 13:1-31
Non-Jews 13:1-3
The priesthood 13:4-14
The Sabbath 13:15-22
Marriage 13:23-31