Theory question 103
Concern for Judah(a) Outline Nehemiah's immediate reactions to the news about the state of affairs in Jerusalem. (b) Identify three virtues that can be learnt from Nehemiah's reactions.
Show the model answer
(a) Hanani and men from Judah told him the survivors were in great trouble and the wall broken, gates burnt (Nehemiah 1:2-3).
He sat down and wept (Nehemiah 1:4).
He mourned for days (Nehemiah 1:4).
He fasted (Nehemiah 1:4).
He prayed to the God of heaven, confessing Israel's sins and his own (Nehemiah 1:5-7).
He reminded God of His promise to gather the repentant (Nehemiah 1:8-10).
He asked for success and mercy before the king (Nehemiah 1:11).
He later asked the king to send him to rebuild the city (Nehemiah 2:5).
(b) Any three: patriotism and concern for others; humility; prayerfulness; fasting/self-denial; faith; courage.
Use Nehemiah 1:1-11, then three virtues.