Intro:

Nehemiah records the last of Old Testament history. The book shows what God can do through a remnant of believers, who rise to God's call through His servant to restore a vital, worshipful relationship with Him.

The book is named after its' principal character. Nehemiah himself is probably the author, the book was most probably around 420 B.C.

Nehemiah was born of Jewish parents in exile. His name means "the comfort of Jehovah." Nehemiah was truly a man of God. Prayer was a natural part of his life. He knew what work was, and he worked and inspired others to do so. When opposition reared its' ugly head, he stood strong and tall.

Nehemiah records historical events that took place from 445-425 B.C. While Nehemiah served as governor of Judah, Ezra was ministering to the spiritual needs of the Jews there. Ezra plays an important part in the book in chapters 8 and 12.

Nehemiah also counted on the spiritual services of the prophet Malachi during those last years of Old Testament history. Many of the evils denounced in the book of Malachi are part of the historical record of the book of Nehemiah.

In general, the book seeks to show how God favored His people, so recently exiled by strengthening their roots in the homeland of Judah in the face of all kinds of opposition.

Specifically, the book shows how the broken down walls of Jerusalem and the failing faith of the Jews were restored, through the competent leadership of Nehemiah and through the host of Jewish brethren who responded to the divine challenge to rise and build.

Practically everything that is known of Jewish history during the restoration-period from 538 to 425 B.C. is recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah.

Whenever God wants to get a work done, He looks for a man. The walls of Jerusalem had been ruined, a small remnant had returned, and there was much work to be done. In 536 B.C. Zerubbabel and Joshua had taken 50 thousand Jews back and had (by 516) rebuilt the temple. In 457 there had been a small revival under Ezra; but now it was 445 B.C. and God was looking for a man to go to the ruined city and restore safety and order. Nehemiah was that man.

 

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK:

I. Nehemiah prays for the work. (1)

II. Nehemiah prepares for the work. (2)

III. Nehemiah prospers in the work. (3)

IV. Facing the enemy. (4-7)

A. Ridicule

B. Force

C. Discouragement

D. Fear

E. Selfishness

F. Guile

G. Slander

H. Threats

V. Proclamation of the Word. (8-10)

VI. Dedication of the Walls. (11,12)

VII. Condemnation of the wicked. (13)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Victorious Christian Service - Alan Redpath Hand Me Another Brick Charles Swindoll Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Irving Jensen Nehemiah -Cyril J. Barber Explore the Book - (J. Sidlow Baxter) Two outstanding lessons are taught in the book:

[1]. First of all God's principles of leadership are laid out very plainly in a real setting where all can identify with the burdens and obstacles Nehemiah had to overcome.

[2]. Secondly, the concepts and principles of successful and victorious Christian service are presented.

Verse for verse the book contains more personal prayer than any other book. The book begins and ends with prayer. We find prayer in (1:4-11; 2:4; 4:49; 5:19; 6:9,14; 13:14,22, 29,31). Prayer, service and leadership go hand in hand.

 

I. NEHEMIAH IS CONCERNED FOR THE JEWS AND JERUSALEM - (1,2)

II. THE REPORT - (3)

III. NEHEMIAH'S REACTION: SAT DOWN, WEPT, PRAYED, FASTED - (4)

IV. THE PRAYER - (4-11)

A. Praise - (5)

B. Persistence ("day and night") - (6)

C. Confession - (6,7)

D. Reminds God of His promises - (8,9)

E. Petition - (10,11)

 

LESSONS IN RESPONSIBILITY:

[1]. Nehemiah was concerned about his people and homeland.
[2]. Nehemiah had a clear recognition of the needs.
[3]. Nehemiah was personally concerned about meeting the needs.
[4]. He realized that he must first go to God with those needs.
[5]. Nehemiah made himself available to meet the needs.
[6]. Nehemiah saw that God would have to move on the heart of the man in authority over him.