Theory question 103
Concern for JudahTrace the events that led Nehemiah to embark on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. What do we learn from Nehemiah's role in the reconstruction of the city wall?
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Nehemiah was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes at Susa (Nehemiah 1:1, 11).
Hanani and men from Judah told him the survivors were in great trouble and shame, the wall of Jerusalem broken and its gates burnt (Nehemiah 1:2-3).
He wept, mourned, fasted and prayed for days, confessing Israel's sins and asking God for favour with the king (Nehemiah 1:4-11).
The king noticed his sad face; Nehemiah, after a silent prayer, asked to be sent to rebuild the city (Nehemiah 2:1-5).
The king granted letters to the governors and to Asaph for timber, and sent officers with him (Nehemiah 2:6-9).
He inspected the walls secretly by night, then urged the leaders, "Let us rise up and build" (Nehemiah 2:11-18).
Lessons: concern for one's people; prayer before action; courage and determination in the face of opposition (Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem); good organisation and delegation of work; vigilance (working with weapons ready); self-sacrifice and integrity as a leader (Nehemiah 4–6).
Cover the report, prayer, request and the start of work, then lessons from his leadership.