Ezra  One ….(verses 1-11)

1. Verses  1-11   

a.    Where were the people of Israel? Why were they there?     (2 Chronicles 36:14-21)

The people of Israel had rebelled against the Lord and turned to the heathen gods and idols; God had warned them many times but they just mocked his servants and refused to listen. So God allowed the great kings of Mesopotamia to take them captive and leave the land to rest.

b.  What was the “word of Jeremiah” that is mentioned in verse 1?     (Jeremiah 22:10)

That after seventy years captivity, the people of Israel would return to their land.

c.    How did this come about?      (verses 2-4)

Cyrus, the king at that time, was stirred up by the Lord to allow all who wanted to return to Israel to do so, so they could rebuild the house of the Lord.

d.   There was a great stirring among all the people to return….what made them want to go back?    (verse 5)

It was the Spirit of God working in their minds to make them want to return.

e.  How could the people afford to make this long journey?      (verse 6)

Those who weren’t going back, supported those who were, by gifts of money  and animals for transport

f.    What else did the king  produce to be taken back?         (verses 7-11)

All the things that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple when he sacked it…..large numbers of gold and silver vessels and bowls , everything that was needed to resume temple worship.

g.     What sort of quantity are we talking of here?     (verse 11)

Five thousand  four hundred altogether.

Ezra  Two ….(verses 1-70)

1.    Verses  1-60 

a.    What is this section about?    

A list of names and families of those who returned.

b.  What is impressive about this list ?    

The fact that the people had never lost their identity or genealogy….they still all knew which family and which town they had originated from.

c.    What do verses 40-42 show us?     

That the descendants of the Levites, singers and porters were still clear about their heritage.

d.   What was the state of the temple when the people were taken away?    (2 Kings 23:25; 25:95)

It was completely broken down and burned with the temple worship non-existent since the time of Josiah.

2.    Verses  61-63 

a.    Why could these aspiring priests not take the priesthood?     (verse 62)

Because they couldn’t prove their genealogy.

b.  What was this “Urim and Thummim”?   Why was it important ?     Exodus 28:30

It was a set of precious stones in a bib pocket  worn over the high Priest’s heart and showed that the judgement of the people of Israel was covered in God’s sight….otherwise the priesthood was just an empty form. It signified God’s presence with His people.

c.    What were the “Nethinims”?      (verses 58-62; 8:20; Joshua 9:3-23)

They were a group of people who had tricked Joshua at the time of entering the land into making a pact with them to not destroy them. When Joshua found that they had lied to him, he told them their lives would be spared but they would remain as servants for the tabernacle (later the temple) service for ever.

3.    Verses  64-70

a.    How many people returned in this first wave?     (verses 64-67)

There were 42,360 pklus 7.337 maids and servants, 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camel;s and 6,720 donkeys.

b.  Try to imagine this cavalcade travelling across the desert….look at a map, how far was it ?    

Approximately 500 miles (750 ks)

c.    What happened when they got back to the land?      (verses 69-70)

The people gave what they could to help get the work of restoring the temple under way and they settled back into their cities and towns.

Ezra  Three ….(verses 1-13)

1.     Verses  1-6   

a.    How long did it take the people to get things in order in the land when they got back? What did they do then?                 (verses 1-2)

The people were there for seven months and then they all gathered at Jerusalem to set up the temple worship as Moses had ordained.

b.  Where did they start?     (verse 3)

They started with the altar and set it up correctly before offering sacrifices on it.

c.    What sort of sacrifice for our sins do we rely on today? (Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 5:2; Titus 2:14)

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave himself to be our sacrifice once and for all to God, and it is a beautiful fragrance to Him.

d.   What sort of sacrifices can we offer in return?  (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 13:15-16)

The sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving which is acceptable to God, and our bodies to live holy lives for Him.

e.  What was the nest thing on their agenda?      (verses  6b, 10)

To lay the foundation for the temple, getting ready for rebuilding it.

f.    Believers are the temple of God…..what is the foundation for their belief?   (1 Corinthians 3:11; Hebrews 6:1)

Our base foundation is Jesus Christ….He has done the work for us, but we have to lay the foundation of repentance from our own doings and faith towards God on top of that. How we build after that determines what sort of building we erect.

2.    Verses  7-13 

a.   The work of rebuilding was ready to begin….who was footing the bill for this work?   (verse 7) 

The king of Babylon, Cyrus had granted them money to rebuild the temple and the people also gave what they could freely.

b.  Who paid  the bill to make it possible for us to be part of the temple of God ?       (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)  

The King of all Eternity, God Himself, paid the price in the person of His Son Jesus Christ.

c.    For a person to become a Christian, who gave what to whom?      (John 3:16; Galations 2:20b)

God loved the world (general) so much, that HE gave His only begotten Son (for ME!); Jesus Christ loved Me (in particular!) and gave Himself for ME! God gave, Jesus gave and now I must give myself to back to Him.

d.   Back to the temple……how were the logs brought from Lebanon to Jerusalem?       (verse 7)

By hauling them to the sea, then rafting them down the coast and hauling them overland to Jerusalem.

e.    What happened when the foundations of the temple were laid down?     (verse 10)

There was a wonderful thanksgiving service, singing and giving praise to the Lord for the first stage of this work.

f.  Who gives thanks and praise each time a sinner turns to the Lord and now has the foundation of Christ in their life ?     (Luke 15:10)

The angels in heaven rejoice each time someone genuinely turns to the Lord.

g.    What were the two contrasts of the people’s shouting at this time?      (verses 12-13)

Some were shouting for joy, and the older ones who could remember the first temple were weeping out loud because it was nowhere near as big or magnificent!

h.   The noise of this gathering was heard by all the surrounding people…..how can we relate this to a new  Christian?     (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Not necessarily with noise, but others should be able to see a difference in their lives since coming to know Christ….different in the places they go, the way they talk, with different habits, and the attitudes at work etc etc.

Ezra  Four ….(verses 1-24)

1.     Verses  1-5  

a.    What was the first thing that happened once the foundation was laid?   (verse 2)

The enemies came to the people and wanted to help them with the building.

b.  What did the people say to them?     (verse 3)

They told them to get off, and that this project was nothing to do with them….it was between them and God! They didn’t even believe in God, so how could they help?

c.    How can we liken this to our lives?   (Acts 20:29-30; 1 Peter 5:8)

Satan will see to it that the new believer (ALL believers for that matter!) will be tempted and tried with all sorts of ideas and feelings to upset and depart from God….he is walking around like a roaring lion seeing who he can upset and stop doing what the Lord would have them do.

d.   What are we to do when this happens?    (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9)

We are to resist him, and get with other Christians for encouragement and fellowship. We are to leave whatever it is that is discouraging and taking us away from the things of the Lord, and ask His help.

e.  Did the enemy let up harassing the Jews? Are we ever free from Satan’s attacks?          (verse 4; John 16:33)

No, they continually niggled and did everything they could to weaken the testimony and building….so it is with Satan, he never lets up attacking God’s people to hinder them from building a strong testimony for God.

f.    How can we combat this in our own life?   (Ephesians 6:12-18; Philippians 4:8)

By using God’s armour of truth, righteousness, faith and the Word of God, and taking all the situations we find ourselves in to the Lord in prayer. If we do this with thanksgiving, and then filling our minds with only good and pure things, then God’s peace will fill our minds and hearts.

2.    Verses  2-24 

a.   What did the enemy try next? How successful were they?   (verses 6-24) 

They wrote to the next king accusing the Jews of being rebellious against him and he listened to them and the stopped the work.

b.  Who is our accuser? How does he work ?       (Job 1:6-11; 2:1-6; Revelation  12:10b) 

Satan is our accuser and he works continually pointing the finger against us to God.

c.    Who sticks up for us when we sin? Why does He do this?      (1 John 2:1-2)

Jesus Christ is our Advocate before God because He died to pay for our sins and n ow the price has been paid. Satan is too late! Our work need not be stopped!

Ezra  Five ….(verses 1-17)

1.     Verses  1-17

a.    Who prophesied to the Jews at this time? What were they saying?   (Haggai ch.1&2; Zechariah 1:1-6)

Haggai and Zechariah were the prophets and they were encouraging the people to get moving again in the building of the temple as they had lost heart with all the harassments they had been having from those around them.

b.  What was the state of the people at this time?     (Haggai 1:7-11)

Nothing seemed to be prospering….things were getting  worse and they were totally discouraged.

c.    What are we told to do  when things seem to be going wrong all round us?  (Hebrews 12:6-15)

To realise that God is trying to teach us some sort of lesson….it is not that He doesn’t love us, but because He DOES love us. We are to get moving again and walk in His ways and not allow ourselves to become bitter or resentful.

d.   What did the enemies of the Jews do when they saw them begin to start rebuilding once more?               (verses 6-7, 17)

They renewed their efforts to stop the work by writing to the king of Babylon and reporting them, thinking that this would give an official stop to the work.

e.    What are we to realise is happening when things start to go wrong? (Zechariah 3:1-2; 1 Peter 5:8.)

That Satan is getting at us, but we are to resist him and be steadfast in our faith because God will strengthen and settle us if we don’t give in to temptation.

f.    What was Haggai’s word to the leaders of the people?   (Haggai 2:4-5)

God says, “Be STRONG and don’t be AFRAID….. I am with you!”

g.   What was God’s personal message of encouragement to Zerubbabel?   (Haggai 2:20-23) 

“I  have personally chosen you and will  make you the signature on this work.”

h.  What is God’s message of encouragement to each one of us ?       (Hebrews 13:5b-6) 

We are not to be afraid or  dismayed because He will strengthen, help and uphold each one of His people.

Ezra  Six ….(verses 1-22)

1.     Verses  1-13

a.   The letter of accusation to King Darius had been received….what did he find when a search was made?   (verses 1-5)

It was found that Cyrus had indeed ordered these things to be done.

b.  What did Darius now order these hasslers to do?     (verses 6-13)

Leave the Jews alone….in fact, give them the tax money that is collected to help in the building project. If anyone does anything to hinder the work, he is to be executed!!

c.    What are we told to do  when Satan hassles us?                    (James 4:7)

We are to stand firm for the Lord and Satan will leave us alone.

d.   What do we see in the cases of Joseph and Job?  (Genesis 50:20; Job 42:10-12a)

Whereas Joseph’s brothers meant their hassling of Joseph for evil, God brought great good out of it. Satan intended Job to crumble in his trials, but God knew his man and gave him twice as much back in the end.

e.  How did the enemies of the Jews now react?          (verse 13)

They found that their letter resulted in being commanded to help the Jews finish the job quickly!

f.    What can we hang onto when we are being hassled and tempted to compromise?   (2 Samuel 2:30b)

God says, “Those who honour Me, I will honour in return”.

2.    Verses  14-22 

a.   What effect did the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah have on the people?   (verse 14) 

They encouraged the people to get up and get going again.

b.  What were some of the things they told the people ?       (Haggai 1:7-14; Zechariah 1:3) 

God says…. “Go and build the temple, for I am with you. If you turn to Me. I will turn to you says the Lord”

c.    When did the people renew their efforts? How long did it take to finish the building?      (verse 15; 4:24)

They restarted in the second year of Darius and finished in the sixth year.

d.    What did they hold when it was completed?   (verses 15-16)

They held a dedication service to celebrate and give thanks to God.

e.  What sort of offering was made at this dedication service?     (verses 17-18)

An offering for sin and then the Passover.

f.    What does this order tell us for today?  (verse 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34)

We must confess our sin and be cleansed before we can worship God.

g.   What else do we see that the people did? What does this tell us? (verses 21-22)

They separated themselves from the filthiness of the heathen and we are to be a different sort of people to those around us. We are not to be in unequal partnerships with unbelievers but are to be separate from them.

Ezra  Seven ….(verses 1-28)

1.     Verses  1-28

a.   We now see Ezra himself coming into the story….what qualifications did Ezra have?                                           (verses 1-6)

He was a descendant of aaron the priest, and therefore able to be one; he was able to read and write, and was fluent in Moses’ law.

b.  When did Ezra leave Babylon to go back to Jerusalem?    (verse 8)

In the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.

c.    Who was the leader of the first batch or settlers to return?  (Ezra 2:2)

Zerubbabel was the leader of the first lot.

d.   How long did the trip take to do?               (verse 9)

It took four months to do the journey.

e.  What are the names of the kings mentioned so far in the book of Ezra?  (1:1; 4:5-7)

Cyrus, Darius, Ahaseurus and Artaxerxes.

f.    What did Ezra take with him?     (verses 11, 14-28)

He had a letter from the king demanding protection and help from those who would hinder him….they were free of taxes and tolls along the way. Ezra also took  more silver and gold basins and utensils that had been confiscated from Solomon’s temple and a great amount of gold and silver money to help them.

g.   How did Ezra feel with this letter from the king?   (verse 28b) 

He was thankful to the Lord for it and was encouraged and strengthened by it.

h.  What did Ezra proceed to do now ?                                      (verse 28c) 

He organised a second batch of people from Babylon to go with him.

i.   What strengthens and encourages the believer today?   (John 14:26)

God’s Holy Spirit who lives within every believer, and He strengthens, encourages and comforts believers and reminds them of God’s Word in times of stress and need.

j.    What can we liken God’s Word to in this story of Ezra?  (Jude 1:3)

It was the king’s letter that encouraged Ezra and we have the Bible which is God’s letter to us to encourage us….just as Jude wrote to his readers to be strengthened in their faith, the Bible encourages us to stand firm and be strong in the Lord.

k.    The king’s letter with Ezra was a guarantee of protections and provision…..how does the Bible do this for us?     (Psalm 119:41-48;  2 Timothy 3:16-17)

It shows us the way of salvation, and is totally trustworthy;  it is there for our correction and building up, and shows how to live to please God.

Ezra  Eight ….(verses 1-36)

1.     Verses  1-23

a.   Before leaving Babylon, Ezra gathered together all those who were going to go with him….how man were there?  (verses 1-14…. You’ll have to add them up)

There one thousand, four hundred and eighty-three men as well as their families

b.  Where did they gather while Ezra reviewed the situation? What  was missing?          (verse 15)

They pitched their tents at the River Ahava and stayed there for three days while Ezra went through them all family by family. He noticed that while there were priests there, there were no Levites (those who did the everyday chores around the temple)

c.    What did Ezra do about this? What happened?                    (verses 16-20)

Ezra sent a message to a reliable man who made this matter known in the right circles and 38 men volunteered with a further 220 who were qualified to serve them.

d.   What qualifications did each person have to produce?(verses 2-20; Nehemiah 7:5)

They had to be able to prove their lineage from way back.

e.  What do verses 21-22 tell us? What did they do before they left?         

Ezra called for a fast and serious time of prayer to ask for direction and protection from the Lord on this trip. Ezra didn’t want to ask for a band of soldiers from the king as he had boldly said that the Lord looks after His own.

f.    What does verse 21 tell us that the people took with  them?                                

They took all their gear and animals as well as all their children…..they were moving back for good!

g.   What went along with this time of prayer? Why did they do this?     (verse 21) 

They fasted during the time of prayer….this showed their sincerity and that they meant what they were praying.

h.  Is fasting necessary for believers today? What did Jesus say about fasting?      (Matthew 6:16-18) 

Fasting as a habit or ritual doesn’t seem to be taught in the New Testament. However, if a person wishes to, our Lord Jesus said it must be done quietly and privately just between them and God….it must not be talked about or seen to be done.

i.   When did the early believers fast and pray?                      (Acts 13:2-3)

When they were seriously wanting to know a a certain course of action…in this case sending off new missionaries to the Lord’s work.

j.    What does 1 Corinthians 8:8 tell us?    

That neither eating nor fasting commends us to God… so fasting doesn’t show spirituality any more than non-fasting.

2.     Verses  24-36

a.   What was Ezra concerned about next? What did he do about it?         (verses 24-30)

The safe delivery of the gold and silver vessels and the money that had to go back to Jerusalem ….he got twelve reliable and honest men to weigh it all out and document it, and then look after it.

b.  What sort of men today should be chosen to be officials in the church?     (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Those who have proved to be reliable and capable, living good lives and faithful to the Word of Ged.

c.    What sort of journey did they have?   (verse 31)

A safe journey without problems because they were protected by the Lord.

d.  How long did they rest when they got to Jerusalem?       (verses 32-34)

They took three days to sort themselves out and then they delivered the goods to the temple and checked them out on the lists.

e.  What was the next thing that they did?          (verse 35)

They sacrificed  to the Lord for their sins (cleansed themselves)  and then gave thanks for a safe trip.

f.   How did the people already there, feel about these reinforcements?     (verse 36)                           

They were encouraged and helped in the work of the Lord.

g.   What are believers to do for each other?    (1 Thessalonians 2:11 ) 

They are to exhort (encourage and build up) each other in their faith.

h.  What is the reason for this?   (Hebrews 3:13) 

To keep from falling away into sin, or getting cold in heart and discouraged.

i.   How do we do this?   (Hebrews 10:25)

By getting together frequently and teaching and helping  each other.

j.    In what frame of mind are we to do this? Why?   Galations 6:1-2

We are to be loving and kind, not hard and judgemental and do all we can to help because we never know when we might slip up ourselves in some way. We are to share each other’s burdens and support them when needed. We are to remember we are all members of the same family!

Ezra Nine ….(verses 1-15)

1. 1.       Verses  1-15   

a.  What was the first disappointment that Ezra had?     (verses 1-2)

He found that all the people including the priests and Levites who should have known better, were mixing and inter marrying with the heathen people around them. The leaders were the worst and first in doing this.

b.  What did Ezra do ?     (verses 3-4)

He was devastated and appalled and tore his clothes in his grief and then sat all day….it seems that he must have read out the law to the people as it says they trembled at the words of the Lord.

c.    What was the first thing that Ezra DID about this situation?           (verse 5)

He prayed out loud before them all.

d.   What was the structure of his prayer? Where did he start?    (verses 6-7)

He identified and included himself with his disobedient people, and confessed their sin.

Verse 8            …  He remembered God’s grace in delivering them from Egypt and the way He had brought them back to their land.

Verses 9-10…  He named the specific sin of intermarrying with the heathen and their disobedience in doing so.

Verses 11-14…He  acknowledged and admitted that this behaviour deserved God’s further judgement.

Verse 15…He recognised that they could not continue in the way and expect any blessing from God.

e.     What is the first thing a believer has to do when he has sinned?     (1 John 1:9)

To confess it before God and He will not only forgive but cleanse from all unrighteousness (wipe the slate clean)

f.  Daniel was living in the same time frame as Ezra, and praying for the same people…..look at his prayer……what do you notice about it ?     (Daniel 9:3-18)

He was praying for the same things that Ezra was…..

He identified himself with his disobedient people.

He confessed “our” sin and disobedience.

He recognised God’s righteousness and the justice of their judgement.

He was specific in naming their sin of disobedience and rebellion.

He remembered God’s grace and deliverance in the past.

He appealed to God’s grace and mercy again.

g.    After going through  these two prayers, what conclusion do you come to?                                  

They are both pattern prayers that we can use today

Ezra Ten ….(verses 1-44)

1.  Verses  1-14   

a.       What effect did Ezra’s prayer have on the people?     (verses 1-3)

The people realised the extent of their backsliding and made up their minds to get back to the Lord and clean their act up.

b.  What does verse 4 show us ?    

That they needed a leader to show the way.

c.    What was Ezra’s continuing attitude?           (verses 5-6)

He still showed an attitude of confession before God, continuing to fast and mourn.

d.   What was Ezra’s proclamation to the people?    (verses 7-8)

That everyone was to come to Jerusalem within three days, and if they refused all their possessions would be confiscated and taken away.

e.     What was the weather like at this time? What time of the year was it?     (verse 9)

It was on the twentieth day of the ninth month, and it was a time of great rain.

f.  How were the people feeling at the time of this gathering ?     (verse 9c)

They were shivering with the cold, rain and with fear as well.

g.    How did the people respond to Ezra’s call for cleansing of their lives  and behaviour.(verses 10-13)                         

They were in complete agreement but said it would be a long job and the weather wasn’t good enough to stand around, so they made appointments for each group to put the matter right.

h.     What could the people see would happen if they didn’t clean up their act?     (verse 14)

God’s anger  would fall on them, and there was no other escape from it.

i.  What do WE have to do to escape God’s anger ?     (Psalm 51:1-4, 7, 10)

We have to admit and  confess  our sin, and then right things with those we have wronged.

2.  Verses  15-44   

a.  It is easy to read the account of this cleansing of the people, but imagine the amount of feelings, and emotion that was involved! What would have to go from each home?     (verses 15-19)

Each family was taken before those who were judging the matter and every man had to promise to put away his wife (and in some cases children) as well as get rid of all the  idols that had come into their homes.

b.  What did they have to do after this to be right with God ?     (verse 19)

They had to offer a sacrifice for their sin and disobedience.

c.    What do we have to do to be right with God?  (Isaiah 1:15-18; Psalm 51:1-7, 10-19)

We have to confess and admit our sin before God and ask His forgiveness and cleansing. We are to put matters as right as we can, and realise that there are always consequences to bear of our sinfulness. God has forgotten our sins once they are confessed, but we find it hard to do and other people NEVER forget our sins and mistakes!

d.   What would be the cost to the men of Israel after this confession and putting things right before God?    (verse 19b)

They would have empty homes and no families for a while.

e.    What would be the plus for them?    

They would now have a clear conscience before God.

f.  How long did it take to sort this matter out before the Lord ?     (verses 16c-17)

It took  three months.

g.    What had gone from the homes with the heathen wives?        (chapter 9:1-2)                         

They were in complete agreement but said it would be a long job and the weather wasn’t good enough The heathen idols, rites and worship…..not only were their homes clean, but their lives and consciences were too.

Book of Nehemiah.

Nehemiah  One ….(verses 1-3)

1.  Verses  1-3    

a.      Where was Nehemiah working? What was his job?     (verse 1, 11c)

He was working in the king’s palace at  Shushan (Susa) as cup bearer (wine taster) to the king.

b.  What was the disturbing news that Nehemiah heard?     (verse 3)

That although the temple at Jerusalem had been rebuilt, the walls of the city were still in disrepair and open to the enemy.

c.    What was the state of the people at the end of Ezra’s time?      (Ezra 10:18-19, 44)

They had intermarried with the heathen people around them and were raising a lot of half caste children who were neither one thing nor the other.

d.   How can we liken this state of affairs to our Christian life today? What do the temple and Jerusalem represent?    (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:22; 1 Peter 2:5)

The temple represents the born again soul which is the place where God’s Holy Spirit lives, and Jerusalem is the heavenly city composed of born again people. In this book,  Jerusalem could be compared to the way some Christians are living their lives. The physical city of Jerusalem at that time was not meant to be in the state that it was, and many Christians are not living how they should.

e.   What are walls around a city meant to do?

They are there to keep the outside predators and enemies out of the city, and to protect those within.

f.       What does verse 3 tell us that the state of Jerusalem was?

The wall was broken down, the gates had been burned and it was wide open to the enemy, with the people living there being half hearted and discouraged.

g.     What is this state a picture of today?     (verse 2)

Discouraged Christians, who are not reading their Bibles or praying, and only half hearted in going to church…..they are open to all sorts of enemies of fears, doubts and temptations.

h.    What is Point C like in today’s world?     (John 16:33)

A Christian who has married an unbeliever and whose children have more allegiance to the world than to the church…..these families have two pulls and usually the world wins.

i.    What is the most encouraging and comforting word that a believer can hear about others? (3 John 1:3-4)

That their friends and acquaintances from other places are still going on for the Lord.

2.    Verse 4    

a.      What was Nehemiah’s immediate reaction on hearing the news about Jerusalem ?

He wept, mourned, fasted and prayed.

b.  How did Paul feel about his fellow Jews who refused to believe in Jesus Christ as the coming Messiah?     (Romans 9:1-5)

He had a heavy heart for them and continual sorrow when he thought about it.

c.    What did Paul do about it?      (Romans 10:1-4)

He prayed for them that they might submit to God’s righteousness in Christ and be saved from their sins.

d.   What can we do for those who are unbelievers?   

We can pray for them rather than talking to them, as that could alienate them.

3.      Verses  5-11    

a.  Who did Nehemiah address his prayer to?     (verse 5)

The God of Heaven.

b.  How did he describe God in verse 5?    

As the great and awesome God who keeps his promises (covenant) and shows  mercy to those who love and obey Him.

c.    What was his request in verse 6a?     

Please listen to my prayer.

d.   Who was he praying for?   

His people (himself included).

e.   What did he acknowledge first after his introduction?

He confessed the sin of his people (and his own).

h.     What was the main point of his confession?          (verse 7)

That they had not obeyed God’s commands as they should have.

i.       What did he remind God of in verse 8?    

How Moses had warned them they would be scattered if they sinned.

h.    What else did Moses say in verse 9?       (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)

That if they turned back to God, they would be able to return to their land.

i.    What do we see about Nehemiah’s prayer so far?                                                                                                                                    

He started off by giving the glory to God for His greatness and Who He is, and then he confessed the people’s (and his) sin.

j.       What was the last part of his prayer in verses 10-11?    

He reminded the Lord that they were a redeemed people and because they were turning back to the Lord, he felt confident in praying this prayer.

k.  In what way can a believer feel confident in coming before the Lord today?     (1 John 1:9)

Because if we confess our sins, God has said He will forgive and cleanse us.

Nehemiah  Two ….(verses 1-20)

1.      Verses  1-11   

a.      What was Nehemiah’s job in the palace?       (Chapter 1:11c)

He was cup bearer and wine taster to the king.

b.  What did the king notice about Nehemiah this particular day?     (verse 1 c,  2)

He was rather doleful looking and not his usual cheery self.

c.    Why do you think Nehemiah was afraid?     

Because one’s life in those days depended on the whim of the king.

d.   How did he answer the king?    (verse 3)

He told the truth, that his ancestors’ city was in ruins when he thought it was being fixed up.

e.    What did he do when the king asked what he would like to do?      (verse 4)

He sent a quick prayer up before answering and then said he would like to go and see it for himself and do something about it.

f.   The king not only granted the request…..what else did Nehemiah ask for?    (verses 5-8)

Letters giving the king’s permission for the governors of the land, and letters of credit for timber for the work.

g.    The king agreed and gave him the authority for the work….what authority and helps do believers have when doing the Lord’s work?      (Matthew 28: 19-20)

Our Lord Jesus promised to be with us in the work of preaching the Gospel and then the Holy Spirit calls a person to do a certain work, He sends them, goes with them and guides them in this work.

h.   What additional promises does the believer have?    (Philippians 4:13, 19)

That they will be able to do all things through Christ who strengthens them, and that God will supply all their need from His storehouse of riches.

i.    What else did Nehemiah have on this trip besides the king’s provision? How can we liken this to the believer today?      (verse 9; Psalm 34:7)

He had the protection of the king’s army and the believer as the protection of the Lord’s army with the protecting angels around him at all times.

j.   What sort of people were sorry that Nehemiah had arrived to see to things? What is this a picture of?    (verse 3)

The Ammonites were the heathen people around the edges of Jerusalem, and they are a picture of the flesh, the old man of the believer, that keeps creeping back.

2.      Verses  12-20    

a. Can you imagine what Nehemiah would have been doing those first three days? (verse 11)

He was a methodical man and would have been sorting out where to live, who to meet and bidding farewell to the soldiers who had accompanied him.

b.  What did he do first before making initial decisions about the job ahead?     (verses 12-16)

He ASSESSED the work that lay ahead!

c.    How and when did he do this?      (verses 12-13)

He went out in the moonlight at night and rode all around the city viewing the damage. He did this privately without anyone else’s opinions or reasons. He wanted to know exactly what needed doing without the enemy’s interference.

d.   What did  he do next?          (verse 17-18)

1. He called a meeting of the elders and leaders and pointed out a few facts….
2.            i.   the state they were in

ii.      the fact they had no protection

iii.       that it was a reproach to the Lord to stay like this

2.  He encouraged them to get up and going, and showed them the provision of the king for the work.

1. e.        What did the enemy do?        (verse 19)

They mocked their efforts and laughed at their work.

1. f.       What lessons can we learn from all this?         

If we are asked to help in any church work, LOOK at the facts, ASSESS the needs and ENCOURAGE others to help with prayer backing. Don’t expect help from those not in sympathy with what is being done.

g.. What was Nehemiah relying on?     What can we rely on for our help?         (verse 20)

Nehemiah was relying on God for help and we can too, to help us in our time of need, both spiritual and physical.

Nehemiah  Three….(verses 1-32)

1. 1.      Verses  1-32  
2. a.      What do we see happening in this chapter?     

Each family or group was responsible for a certain section of repairing the wall or gates.

b.  What do we see about the people who were building in verse 5?    

They were only half hearted in doing the work.

c.    What about the people in verse 12?     

Even the women were helping in the work.

d.   What do we notice about all the repairs to the gates?    (verses 3, 6, 14)

They were all completely finished, down to the locks, hinges and bars to support them.

e.    What is the contrast between verse 20 and verse 5?     

Baruch took his job very seriously and did his best where the others weren’t very keen.

f.   Were the priests exempt from this work?    (verses 20, 22, 28)

No, they all helped and worked by their homes.

g.    What was the purpose of making the walls and gates secure?     

To keep the enemy out so there would be peace in the city.

1. 2.      Application…..  

a.       Read 1 Corinthians 3:9-17… what lesson can we take out of all this?    

Just as the people were building and repairing the walls, so we are building and repairing in our lives….we are ALL building whether half heartedly or earnestly. It is the materials that we use that count in God’s sight as we build on the foundation that He provided.

b.  What is the foundation that God laid?     (1 Corinthians 3: 11)

Our foundation is Jesus Christ and what He has done for us.

c.    What sort of building are ALL believers in the sight of God?      (1 Corinthians 3: 16)

We are all part of God’s temple because His Holy Spirit lives in each person who believes, but we have to see that we build the wall around our part of this temple and make it secure against the enemy.

d.   How can we build this wall and safeguard ourselves?          (Colossians 3:1-2)

By setting our minds on the things of God in reading His word and praying each day.

1. e.      What sort of enemies try to ruin our spiritual lives?        (Ephesians 6: 11-13, 17-18)

Satan and his helpers and he uses doubts, fears, temptation, laziness and other interests to drag us away

1. f.       What did Jesus tell the people about building their lives on?        (Matthew 7:24-27)

That if they obeyed His word, they would be building on a solid foundation, which would never give way in the storms of life.

1. g.     What do you think are the locks and bars of the gates in our life?         (Jude 1:20-21)

Keeping our faith bright by reading the Bible each day and talking to God about what we have read.

1. h.     What sort of enemies try to ruin our lives? What are we told in 2 Timothy 2:22-24 to avoid?   

Satan is the master and he tries to catch us with lust, foolish questions, arguments, and striving to get to power. We are told to keep away from all of these in case we are dragged away from God.

1. i.       What do you think are the locks and bars of the gates in our life?         (Jude 1:20-21)

Keeping our faith bright by reading the Bible each day and talking to God about what we have read.

3.        Thinking about the Gates…

a.       What are the different gates that are mentioned in these verses?    

Verse 1    Sheep Gate               Verse 3    Fish Gate                Verse 6  Old Gate

Verse 13   Valley Gate              Verse 14   Dung Gate                   Verse 15    Fountain Gate

Verse 26   Water Gate              Verse 28   Horse Gate            Verse 29 East Gate

b.  Let’s see if there are any parallels for us today in these gates…..what do we see in the Sheep Gate?

Isaiah 53:6 We are all like sheep that have gone astray.

John 10:7, 9, 11, 27-29  Jesus said He is the door of the sheep and people have to come to God through Him….He was going to give his life for the sheep….those who listen to Him He will keep safe

The Fish Gate…. What did Jesus say to His disciples in Matthew 4:19?      (1 Corinthians 3: 16)

That He would make them to catch men like fishermen caught fish….they were to tell others about Him.

d.   The Old Gate…. What are we to do with the old life style?       (Colossians 3:9)

We are to put it away and leave it behind us.

e.     The Valley Gate….Where Nehemiah went out and then back into the city when he was looking at the ruins of the city…..what do we have to assess in this new way of life?        (Nehemiah 2:13; )

We have to make up our minds to go on for the Lord and follow Him to the best of our ability.

f. The Dung Gate…What are we to do with the dung and filth in our life?  ( Ephesians 5:3-4 )

  We are to tip it out this gate and leave it there to be dealt with…..we confess our sin and He will forgive us.

g.  The Fountain Gate…….Where is the fountain of life that we depend on?     (Revelation 21:6)

Jesus Christ is our fountain of life and gives it freely to all who ask.

h.    The Water Gate…. What do we need water for in this context?      (1 John 1:9;  Ephesians 5:26)

We need it for cleansing our sins away by confession, and we get it from God’s word.

i.   The Horse Gate….The horse does work, and  how are we to work for the Lord?   (Ephesians 6:6-7)

Whatever we do, we are to do it with all our heart for the Lord’s sake.

j.  The East Gate.….this faces the rising sun…..what is the believer’s  hope for the great new day? (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

The believer’s great hope is the return of Christ when we will be like Him and with Him for ever.

k.  Work through the progression in a believer’s life from these gates we have studied.….

We begin our Christian life by recognising that we are a sheep that has gone astray and need the Good Shepherd to save us. We are then able to tell others the Good News and bring them to the Lord. As we go on, we take stock of our lives and get rid of what hinders our walk with the Lord, drinking at the fountain of life for  our needs and keeping ourselves clean with the water of the Word. Serving the Lord with all our might follows, both in actively doing things in the church and in living how we should.

Nehemiah  Four ….(verses 1-23)

1.      Verses  1-23  

a.      Who were these enemies of this work?       (Chapter 2:19)

All the “ites” who lived round about the city, as well as an Arabian. They were not part of Israel.

b.  Where had they originated from?     (Genesis 19:29-38)

Lot, (Abraham’s nephew) and his two daughters who were half caste Sodomites.

c.   What did the enemy do as the work progressed?       (verses 1-3)

They were angry and publicly mocked the Jews’ efforts….they made fun of them!

d.   Where was the enemy at this time?  Who was he talking to?    (verse 2a)

They were outside the city, and were talking among themselves and before their army.

e.  What did Nehemiah do to combat this?     (verses 4-5)

He continued with the work and covered himself in prayer.

f.   How did the enemy feel when they saw that their first efforts hadn’t slowed the work down?    (verse 7)

They were more angry still and worked out a new strategy to hinder the work.

g.    What was their next effort to stop the work?      (verse 8)

The enemy got some of the Jews on their side and tried to get them to discourage the work with talk about bit being too hard, with too much rubbish to clear away.

h.   What did those involved in the work,  do in verse 9?   

They continued to pray for protection (God’s part), and set an extra watch against the enemy getting too close (their part).

i.    When that failed, what did the enemy try next?      (verse 11)

They tried to infiltrate into the city itself and cause havoc that way.

j.   What did Nehemiah do in verses 13-14?

He made the people aware of the danger and set extra watches in place and caused the people to carry their weapons with them continually….half the people worked and the other half kept vigilant watch armed to the hilt.

k.    What does verse 15 tell us?     

That God honoured their efforts.

l.   What contingency was put into place if there was an open attack?    (verses 17-20)

The trumpet would sound and all would gather together in a specific place and wait for God to work and fight for them.

m.   Did the people let up with their vigilance or work?    (verses 21-23)

No, not for a minute, and the work was able to continue.

2.      Now let’s see what lessons we can learn and how we can apply this to the Christian life……

       Application to the Christian Life….      

a.      What can the believer expect in this life?   Who said so?    (John 16:33)

The believer can expect all sorts of trials and tribulations; Jesus Christ told His disciples so, but went on to say that He had overcome the world and they were not to be afraid..

b.  What is the general attitude of the world to the believer?     (2 Peter 3:3)

One of mocking, disbelief  and making fun of Christian beliefs.

c.   What, or who, is behind this? What is he doing continually?       (1 Peter 5:8-9)

The devil is behind this….he is seeking continually to hinder God’s work and to drag  the believer into discouragement and stopping the work that is being done and create discord.

d.   What is another one of Satan’s strategies?    (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

If active opposition from outside doesn’t work, often there will come discouragement from fellow believers….Satan gets into the church and causes discord.

e.  What other ways does Satan seek to get into the church and hinder the believers?    

By having his men put on the cloak of ministry and bring modernistic teachings into the church.

3.           

a.   What measures are we told to take against these spiritual enemies?    (Ephesians 6:10-18)

We are told to put on God’s armour of faith, truth, righteousness and continue with the work of the Gospel and salvation with prayer and the Word of God.

b.    What does each group of believers need?      (1 Peter 5:2-3)

Godly, loving leaders with the others willing to be led in God’s ways. Shepherds who take an interest in encouraging the flock.

c.   What does the church need to be aware of?    ( 1Peter 5: 8-9)

All the dangers that surround them, both without and within.

d.    When a specific immediate need arises for any believer, what has to be done?  (2Corinthians 1: 11)

All the others alerted and a prayer meeting called for, for all to stand together against the enemy.

e.   What matters does James tell us to pray for?      (James  5:16)

One another’s faults and weaknesses…..this shows love and concern.

f.    What did Paul feel the need of others’ prayers for?      (Romans 15:30; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)

Protection from persecutors, so that the preaching of the Gospel wouldn’t be hindered.

g.   What were Paul’s last words to believers?    (2 Timothy1:13; 2:1, 15; 3:14; 4:5)

To hold fast to the truth of God’s Word; top be strong in grace; to study the Word and be diligent; to continue with no let-up, and to watch in all things.

Nehemiah  Four …….

1.     Application to one’s Personal  Life…. 

We will now look at an even more personal application of this study. Every human being is born with a sinful nature as Romans 5:12 tells us…..(By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.) When we turn to God and trust in Jesus Christ, we are then given a new nature and are able to live to please God and have communion with Him as God intended. Unfortunately, the old sinful nature is still lurking in the background and will come to the fore if we are not vigilant just as Nehemiah’s enemies kept trying to hinder the building of the walls.

 a.  Look again at the origin of the enemies of Israel, and where they came from….what sort of people were they and what parallel can we draw from this?              (Genesis 19:29-38)

They were half-caste Sodomite girls, steeped in the culture of that wicked city, and are a  picture of our old sinful nature, which is called in the Bible “the flesh”.

b.     What were these nations of Moab, Amalek and Ammon (along with others) known for ?  (Deuteronomy 27:17-18; Psalm 83:3-8; Galations 4:29)

They had a history of attacking God’s people….. they are a  picture of our old sinful nature, which is called in the Bible “the flesh”.

c.  What does Romans 8:12-14 tell us?                      

That we are not to let the flesh (or our sinful nature) rule our lives any more….we are to allow God’s Spirit to lead us.

d.  We see the walls of Jerusalem being built….what can we liken that to in our lives?

Going on for the Lord and doing what pleases Him.

e.  What does our old nature try to do to our new nature?     (Romans 7:15-20; Galations 5:17)

It tries to over-ride it and discourage us in the things of God….we want to what’s right, but somehow we can’t make it.

f.  What did Nehemiah do to encourage the people, and what was the result?   (verses 14, 18)

He told them to remember what God had already done for them, so they got back into the work.

g.  What can we do to be encouraged?    (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Make up our minds to stand firm in our decision for Christ, to meet with others who will encourage us, both spiritually and socially.

h.  What is the sword of the Spirit, which we can use against Satan’s discouragements? (Ephesians 6:17-18)                

It is God’s Word which we can quote out loud and which Satan cannot stand against, and prayer which keeps us close to God.

i.  Why did they have to be so diligent in verse 21?               

Because the enemy would attack at the slightest sign of slackness.

j.  What are some of the times we tend to slack off in the things of God ?               

When we are extra busy, or when we are sick or perhaps on holiday and out of our usual routine.

k.  What did they do for protection in verse 22 ? What must we do ?            (1 Thessalonians 5:17)   

They put a guard around themselves at night and we must cover ourselves with the protection of prayer each night and day.

l.  What is our threefold enemy in 1 John 2:16 ?   (Ephesians 2:3; Galations 5:17)

The lust of the flesh (wanting what feels good), the lust of the eyes (wanting things) and the pride of life (wanting to do our own thing)

m.  What is our ultimate protection against these enemies ? (Galations 5:16)

If we walk in the Spirit (living by what pleases God), we won’t want to do or go where the old nature leads.

n.   How do we DO all this?      (Ephesians 6:11-18)

We HAVE to make time to read the Bible (how else can we get to know it?!) it is our sword and strength.

Nehemiah  Five ……(1-19)

1.      Verses 1-19….

a.      What was the ;problem facing a lot of the people now ?       (verses 1-5)

Those who were poor managers found themselves in dire straits and borrowed from those who were better off. These people then charged such a high interest that it was impossible for  it to be paid off, and they had to mortgage their land and even their children were sold into slavery.

b.  What specific rules had the Lord laid down for a situation such as this ?  (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-43)

That if a person loaned money to his fellow Jew, he was not to charge interest, the money was to be loaned free of interest and the people were not be made slaves to each other.

c.   How did Nehemiah feel when he found out what was happening ?       (verse 6)

He was very angry and disappointed.

d.   What did he do about it ?    (verses 7-11)

He got the people all together and gave them a good talking to, and pointed out where they were going wrong. He also told them to give back the land they had taken as interest, and to set the slaves free. They were also to give back some of the interest that they had taken from them.

e.  How did the people react to Nehemiah’s talk ?   (verse 12) 

They did what he said and obeyed God’s word.

f.   What does obedience to the Word of God bring ? How did these people feel when they agreed?   (verse 13)

It brought them joy and praise to God. They were once more able to worship God.

g.    How long had Nehemiah been in Jerusalem ? What point was he making in verses 14-15?    

He had been governor for twelve years and not once in all that time had he taken wages from the people…..he must have been living off his own money and what the king had given him.

h.   What was his general attitude to all this?    ( verses 16-19)

He was generous and prepared to share what he had with those less fortunate.

d.    Did Nehemiah take pay from the people for any of this ?  Why not? (verse 18b)

No, he thought they had enough to bear without him taking any more from them.

2.      Let’s look for lessons for ourselves in this chapter.….

a.      In what way can we be in slavery ?      (Romans 7: 22-23)

Even though we delight in God’s law, it is still possible to slip into sin and be caught up in the slavery of bad habits and sinful ways.

b.     How can we be set free from these ways ?        (1 John 1:9)

By confessing our sin, and God will be faithful to His promise and cleanse us.

c.    What is the general principle that in this chapter  for believers ? 

Not to make money out of other believers……either very low interest or no interest at all…we are not to take advantage of others’  distress.

d.    What are we to remember in relation to our possessions?      ( Psalm 50:10; James 1:17)

That they have been given to us by God and we are to share with others in need.

e.    What is God’s principle for those who do Christian work?    (2Thessalonians 3:7-9)

They are to be an example to other believers in working where and when they can for their keep.

f.    What are the believers to do in  2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ? 

They are to have jobs and work so they can give to others who can’t.

g.   When Nehemiah corrected the people for their sin, they immediately put the wrong right. What are we to do when corrected in some point, either through reading the word, by what a preacher has said, or by someone else in conversation?    (Ephesians 5:21)

We are to submit to that correction and put things right with God and apologise if necessary.

Nehemiah  Six ……(1-19)

1.      Verses 1-9….

a.      Did the enemies of God’s work ever let up on their harassment ?       (verses  1-2 10-12, 19b)

No, never!!

b.  What did they try to persuade Nehemiah to do  in verse 2 ?

Come on outside the city and let’s talk this out.

c.   How did Nehemiah see this invitation ?       (verse 2b)

As one that would result in disaster.

d.   How can we liken this harassment to the believer ?    (1 John 2:15-17)

It can be likened to the world….workmates, classmates wanting one to join this clyub and that which would take one’s time from church  activities and quality family time.

e.  What does John tell us that these activities lead to?   

They take away our capacity to love God and His people and we will grow cold in heart then it passes away and we are left out in the cold.

f.   What are we to do with these pressures?   (.1 Peter 2:11)

To put them second to God’s things….they are not to prioritise our lives, we are not to love them, they are not of God

g.    Did Sanballat and Co. speak the truth about Nehemiah’s work ?

No, they said he was going to make himself king over Jerusalem.

h. What does Peter tell us to expect from unbelievers? How are we to act?         (1 Peter 2:12)

Opposition and slander will come but the believer is to remain honest and true to God’s Word, only doing good in spite of it all.

i.    What did Nehemiah do in the face of these harassments? (verse 9) What is the believer to do? (Psalm 27:14; 138:3)

He prayed for strength to continue and the believer is to do likewise…. to take it to the Lord in prayer, to be of good courage (not afraid) and look to Him for strength to go on.

2.    Verses 10-12….We’ve seen what the enemies outside the city were doing, now let’s look at other  enemies.….

a.      Who were these enemies ?      (verses 10a, 14)

They were hired by the outside enemies from among the prophets

b.     What was their suggestion ?        (verse 10b)

Come and lock yourself inside  the temple for your own safety.

c.     What would this do to the work of the Lord ? 

It would discourage the others and leave the work unfinished.

d.    What was Nehemiah able to see in this man’s invitation?      ( verse 12)

He was able to discern that this was NOT what God would have him to do….it was displeasing to God, and in fact it was sinful and showed a lack of trust in God. He guessed that the enemy was behind all this.

e.    How can the believer gain this sort of discernment against what would hinder the work of God in his life?    (Hebrews 5:12-14)

It is the mature believer, or one who uses God’s Word for their guidance who is able to discern between good and bad advice.

f.    What guise was Shemaiah hiding under? What was he trying to make his advice sound like ? 

He was pretending that his advice was coming from God, trying to make it sound spiritual by telling Nehemiah he had to hide in the temple for his safety.

g.   What advice did Paul give Timothy?    (2 Timothy 2:1,3; 3:14)

To be strong in the things of the Lord; to endure hardness like a good soldier; to continue in the way of the Lord, and to watch in all things.

3.  Verses 15-19.….

a.      What happened in verse 15 ?    

The work was completed after 52 days (7 weeks)

b.     What was obvious to all around ?        (verse 16)

The wall was completed, it hadn’t been stopped and the work was of God…..it was GOD’S work!

c.     Did the enemy let up , even then? What was continuing to happen?   (verses 17-19) 

Harassments and fears still came,  from both within and without

d.    What pressures attack a believer from without?      ( 1 John 2:15)

Worldly pressures such as ill health,  financial problems and worldly temptations.

e.    How can a believer live above these attacks?    (Philippians 46-9; James 4:6-9)

It is the mature believer, or one who uses God’s Word for their guidance who is able to discern between good and bad advice.

Nehemiah  Seven ……(1-73)

1. Verses 1-4….  

a.      The wall was now completed….what did Nehemiah see to next ?       (verse 1)

The doors completed the protection of the city, and then the worship of the Lord was set in order.

b.  What is the very first thing a person must do before they can worship the Lord ?  (Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 11:6)

They must have the wall of salvation around them….it is impossible to worship God acceptably while not accepting the work of Jesus Christ’s death.

c.   What else does a person have to see to before they can worship the Lord ?   (1 Corinthians  11:28-29; 1 Peter 3:7-12))

A person must examine himself  (not the next person!) and put things right in their attitudes and actions before they can worship the Lord in an acceptable manner. If there is any scrapping going on with others in any way at all, then that person’s prayers don’t get beyond the roof.

d.   What else did Nehemiah make the people see to ?    (verses 3-4)

That the city had a proper system of guarding the gates and not allowing the enemy to sneak in and destroy the peace inside.

e.  In what way can the believer guard the gates of their minds to keep peace and joy in their lives?   (Philippians 4:6-9)

To pray about everything, and be thankful for the answers and to think about only good, honest, true and lovely things, and to keep one’s mind stayed on the things of the Lord.

2.  Verses 5-65….This is the same  list of people that Ezra records in Ezra chapter 2……

a.       What are verses 63-65 concerned with?

The condition and validity of those who thought they were priests.

b.      What was the criteria for being a priest?        (verses 64-65)

They had to have a priestly genealogy behind them and the Urim and Thummim had to be present.

c.     What is  the criteria for a person today to be a priest in the eyes of God?  (1 Peter 2:9)

All believers are priests before God….He has called a people who have been chosen and are special before Him, and made them a kingdom of priests who are qualified to praise and worship Him.

d. The Urim and the Thummim were gemstones that the High Priest carried in a bib pocket on his chest and they gave God’s direction in puzzling situations  by blinking for yes or  no. What can we liken them to in a believer’s life? Who directs a believer?      ( John 16:13; Romans 8:8-9.)

The Holy Spirit of God directs, leads, guides and comforts believers who are living obediently for God

3.  Verses 66-73.…

a.      How big was the current congregation of Israel? (verses 66-69)

The people       42,360              The servants    7,337 (probably brought from the East)

The choir          245                   The animals      736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, 6,720 asses

b.     What do verses 70-72 talk about ?       

The people giving to the work of the Lord.

c.     What are the rules for believers giving?   (2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 12-14) 

To share what we have with others….giving must come from a willing heart with a cheerful attitude (not because one HAS to!) We are to give according to what we get, not according to what others give.

d.    What are we to remember when we give to God?      ( Psalm 50:9-12)

That everything we have is given to us by God….all the animals and lands are His…..He doesn’t need us to give it to Him!

e.    What does God want from people first?    (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:5)

God wants our hearts and minds first, our bodies and actions are next and because we love Him, THEN we give of our substance back to Him.

Nehemiah  Eight ……(1-18)

1.      Verses 1-9….            

a.      The temple was rebuilt, the wall was repaired with the gates lockable, and the people were at peace in the land….what happened next ?       (verse 1)

A great meeting was called and Ezra read out of the book of the law to all the people what God had told Moses.

b.  How did Ezra do this, and what points can we gain for public speakers today ?  (verses 2,5, 8)

He was able to be clearly seen by all; He used Moses’ book as reference; He spoke clearly and explained it as he went along, and spoke simply making sure that everyone understood.

c.   How can we put that simply in a few words ?

He stood up, he spoke up and then he shut up!!

d.   What was the attitude of the listeners ?    (verses 3c, 5b, 6, 9c)

They wanted to hear (willing to listen); were respectful in standing to listen; they responded in worship, saying “Amen” and bowing their faces to the ground, and they listened well being convicted by it.

e.  When the believer is saved and safe, at peace WITH God, and enjoying the peace OF God, with the  enemies firmly outside of his life, what must he continue to do ( using this as an analogy)?    

Read God’s Word and allow it to soak into his mind and heart.

f.  What will God’s Word do for us as we read it prayerfully before God?    (2 Timothy 3:16)

It will  teach, reprove and correct us,,,, it is God’s handbook for His people.

g.     The people’s reaction was one of mourning and sorrow….why was this?    (verse 9; Romans 3:23)

Because they realised how far short they were of God’s standard.

2.    Verses 10-18….

a.      What did Ezra and Nehemiah tell them to do?    (verse 10)

“Don’t wallow in the misery of sins committed….this is a special time to rejoice in the Lord….let’s have a great time of fellowship together! You’ve heard the Word, you’ve understood it, you’ve sorrowed over your shortcomings and confessed them, now go forward and rejoice in the Lord!!”

b.     What else did Ezra and Nehemiah discover in Moses’ book?        (verse 14; Leviticus  23:39-44)

That in the third week of the seventh month, after the harvest was done, a feast to the Lord was to be kept for eight days….the people were to have a change and go camping for the week.

c.     What was God’s purpose for the people in doing this?  (Mark 6:30-31)

To have a change and relaxation after a busy time, and to also remember that this was how their ancestors had lived while they were travelling to the Promised Land. They were to take a break and reflect on God’s goodness to them.

d. What is God’s principle for all creation?      ( Genesis 2:2-3.)

To have a regular time of rest after a week of work.

e.      Had the people ever kept the feast in this way before ?        (verse 17)

Not since the time of Joshua!

f.  What did Ezra continue to do this week?   (verse 18) 

He continued to teach the people out of the book

g.       What is a comparable parallel today?

Having and attending weekly camps….getting away from it all to have a time of fellowship and teaching from the Word!!

Nehemiah  Nine……(1-38)

1.      Verses 1-17….          

a.      The people were all gathered together to hear the Word of God read out to them….how did this big conference go ?       (verse 3)

They heard the law read out for three hours, and then confessed their sins for another three hours and worshipped God as a result.

b.  What was the result of this time of feasting and hearing the law read out ?  (verses 2-3)

It brought the realisation of their sin and the extent of their involvement in the world….they realised that they weren’t living any differently to those around them.

c.   What did they do when they realised this ?

They confessed their sins and put the wrongs right before they were able to worship the Lord.

d.   How did this public prayer that was offered start off ?    (verses 5b-7)

It started off with blessing the Lord and exalting Him as the Creator.

e.  What followed this?    (verses 8-15)

They remembered God’s promises to Abraham and then recounted His protecting and providing hand during the days of deliverance from Egypt.

f.  What do verses 16-17 tell us?    

How Israel refused to obey wholeheartedly and were all the time wanting to go back to Egypt.

g.     How did Moses describe them at this time?    (Deuteronomy 9:6-8, 24)

As being rebellious at heart against the Lord right from the time he had first had anything to do with them!

h.  What was God’s attitude towards them in spite of their rebellion?    (verse 17)

He was ready to pardon them if they would only turn to Him

i.  What attributes of God do we have  reason to be thankful for today?  (verse 17b; Psalm 103:8-14)

His love, mercy, patience, graciousness and readiness to forgive.

j.       What is God’s attitude still towards those who ignore him and deliberately spurn Him?    (Ezekiel 18: 21-23, 32)

He is always ready to forgive and forget; He has no pleasure in the death and judgement of the wicked.

2.      Verses 18-38….

a.      What did God NOT do when Israel had sinned with the golden calf?    (verses 18-21)

He didn’t leave them but continued with the pillar of cloud and fire to protect and lead them, and still kept up their supply of food and water. He still gave them all the instructions they needed for right living before Him, and even saw to it that their clothes and shoes stayed as good as new for the whole time!

b.     Put verses 25-27 briefly into your own words….       

Even when they went into the promised land and prospered, they were still rebellious and killed God’s messengers until God punished them by delivering them to their enemies….but as soon as they called on God again, He heard them and delivered them.

c.     Why did God not wipe them out and start again?  (verse 31)

Because He is a gracious and merciful God.

d.    How did the prayer change in verse 32?       

From their past deeds back to the present time they were in.

e.      What did the people do in verses 33-35?

They confessed their sins and said that they had done wickedly and said they deserved what they had got in being taken captive.

f.    What did the people do in verse 38?       

They were prepared to make another covenant with God and to keep his ways.

Nehemiah  Ten……(1-39)

1.      Verses 1-31….   

a.    We see here a list of the people who made this covenant (or agreement) to follow the Lord and His law wholeheartedly….whose name was at the top of the list?       (verse 1)

The governor, Nehemiah.

b.  Who were next? Then next?         (verses 8-9)

The priests (who saw to the sacrifices) and then the Levites who did the cleaning up and maintenance jobs.

c.   What was the next group named?             (verse 14)

The chief of the people….their council members.

d.   What do we see about everyone who entered into this covenant?    (verses 28c-30)

They all fully knew and understood what they were doing….it was a conscious, deliberate decision on the part of each person that they would fully observe all of God’s laws and keep themselves separate from the heathen round about by not intermarrying with them.

e.  What other rule did they pledge to keep?    (verse 31)

That they would keep the Sabbath day and also the seventh year as told to by Moses.

f.  How does God regard the Sabbath day? Why?                  (Exodus 20:8-11)    

He regards it as a holy….to keep one day in seven for Him. Just as He made creation in six days and then rested on the seventh, so (because man is made in His image) man is not made to work for seven days on end without rest.

h.     What should our attitude be to putting one day a week aside for the Lord? Why should we do it?    (Isaiah 58:13-14)

We should delight in doing this….to take time out to meditate on the Lord and praise Him collectively….we should do it because we WANT to, not because we HAVE to!

i.  What did people keeping the Sabbath do for the Lord?    (Exodus 31:13-14; Ezekiel 20:12-13)

It honoured Him and showed that His people were different to the rest of the population….it gave Him pleasure to see this being done.

2.      Verses 32-39….

a.     What other things had to be organised and set in order?    (verses 32-34)

A rates system to keep the temple and priests going….maintenance and living expenses.

b.     What about the temple ordinances and programmes?               (verses 35-39)       

The sacrifices and offerings had to be organised and put in place and people appointed for the different tasks.

c.     Who was responsible for the continual task of supplying the firewood for the sacrifices? (verse 34)

This was everyone’s job,  from the priests and Levites to the people.

d.    If people wouldn’t pull their weight, what would happen?       

The temple order wouldn’t go smoothly and the sacrificing would suffer.

e.     How can we liken this to church life today?     Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

Everyone must pull their weight and do their bit cheerfully and willingly fior the building up of the whole, from the pastor down to the youngest attender….everyone misses out when people don’t co-operate.

f.        What else had to be reinstated?           (verses 36-37)

Tithing and giving to the temple regime so the priests and Levites could live without having to take time out to farm and provide for their families…..this was in addition to the sacrifices that each person had to make.

g.     We can see that there was a real commitment for the people to supply all that was needed….is there a similar commitment required from God’s people today?          (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Yes, there is a commitment needed by God’s people to support the fellowship they go to, first of all in attending regularly and secondly in giving so the church can support other work as well as itself.

h.    What does the final phrase of verse 39 say? How can we apply that to ourselves?       

“We will not forsake the house of our God”, the people pledged and in the same way believers are not to stop gathering together, but to continue in this to build themselves up as well as their church. We are to overcome natural dislikes and hurts that may occur….it does no-one any good to get offended and stay that way…..it only breaks down and hinders God’s work.

Nehemiah  Eleven……(1-36)

1.      Verses 1-3….            

a.    What is chapter eleven all about?       (verses 1-2)

Sorting out those who were prepared to live in Jerusalem rather than live on their patch of land.

b.  What is most of the chapter about?         (verses 3-36)

The names of those who moved into Jerusalem.

Nehemiah  Twelve……(1-47)

1.      Verses 1-26….

a.   These verses give the names of the priests and Levites in the time of this repopulating of the city….who were the two main characters?       (verse 26)

Nehemiah the governor, and Ezra the priest.

b.    Where did the people of the choir live ?         (verse 29)

In villages nearby to Jerusalem.

c.   How did the singers arrange themselves for this dedication?      (verses 37-40)

Half of them went along the wall in one direction and the other half went the other way.

d.   What does verse 42 tell us about the singing?   

That it was loud and heard by all round about.

e.  What is the picture in verse 43?    

There was great joy and rejoicing in Jerusalem where everyone from the fathers to the mothers to the children all rejoiced….all whole families were involved in praising God and this rejoicing was seen and heard far and wide.

f.  Compare this scene of whole families’ involvement with the one in Jeremiah…..   (Jeremiah 7:18)

In Jeremiah’s case, God saw whole families being involved in idol worship and this brought His judgement on them.

2.      Verses 44-47….

a.     Who had originally set up the singers for the Lord?     (verse 45)

David had set the choirs up and Solomon followed along with it

b.     What does verse 47 tell us?

That the period that Nehemiah and Zeubbabel  were rulers in Jerusalem the system worked well with the people supporting the choirs and the singers.

c.     How important is singing to the Lord today? What is the purpose of singing songs to the Lord and listening to this sort of music?  (Ephesians 5:19-20; Colossians 3:16)

It is an integral part of worshipping God and praising him and giving of thanks. It is one way of remembering spiritual truths as one sings these songs frequently and as the tunes keep coming back to one…..it helps God’s word live in us richly. We are told to do it always, and is one of the signs of the fruits of the Spirit.

d.    Does singing light little worldly ditties do anything for one’s soul?       

To sing these sort of songs deadens God’s voice to us (imagine what singing about “beautiful brown eyes” or “she broke my heart” does for one’s psyche!) and to try to mix Christian words with rock music is to defeat God’s purpose in telling us to make melody to Him! It is like trying to mix oil and water!

e.     Read James 3:13-18…..how can you liken this as a comparison between  singing worldly songs and singing the Lord’s songs?    

The world’s songs are about jealousy and ambition, boasting and often just a pile of rubbish (false to the truth) and these sentiments do not come from God but from the evil one….singing about stealing someone else’s wife is not from God. God’s songs are pure, peaceable, gentle, about God’s grace and mercy, and other holy attributes from the Scriptures. What a contrast!!!

Nehemiah  Thirteen……(1-31)

When Nehemiah had got things up and running smoothly again with the people settled and the worship of the temple all sorted out, he felt he should go back to report to the king who had given him the time off and the footed the expense bill for so much of the work he had done. He stayed a while and then returned to Jerusalem.

1.      Verses 1-6….

a.   What state was the place in when he got back?       (verses 4-7)

It was in complete disarray with no temple worship, people trading goods on the Sabbath, and even a heathen man living in the temple itself to say nothing of intermarrying with the heathen people around.

b.    How long was the time frame he had been in Jerusalem the first time ?     (verse 6)

He had been there for twelve years before going back to see the king.

c.   Why was it so wrong for the people to intermarry?         (verses 25b-26; Deuteronomy 7:3-4)

It was a strict command from God that they were not to do this because it would turn away the people from following the Lord in the long run. They had the example of  what happened to King Solomon .

d.   What did Nehemiah do first  when he got back and saw what had happened?       (verse 1)

He got out the book of Moses (the law) and read it out to the people.

e.  What was the first thing that struck the people as he read it out?    (verse 1b-2)

That they were to be separated from the heathen people round about, and not to associate with them.

f.  What was the reason for this?                (verses 1-2; Deuteronomy 23:3-6)

Because the Moabites and Ammonites had always been against Israel right from the beginning, and had refused to help them and wanted to curse them as they travelled through to Canaan.

g.  Remembering that Moab and Ammon have always been a picture of the believers’ old nature (the flesh), what parallels can we draw from this scene for today?       (Romans 7:18; Colossians 3:5-17)

All believers have two natures….the old one and the new, the flesh and the Spirit of God both seeking to sway our behaviour. One represents all that is evil and the other all that is of God in our lives. A person CANNOT please God without the Holy Spirit  of God living in them. The old nature is able to be kept under control with His help and self discipline.

h.  How did the people react when they heard what God’s law said about the matter?         (verse 3)

They obeyed what God said and withdrew themselves.

i.  How had this state of affairs come about in Jerusalem ?                (verses 4-7)

The priest had allied himself with the heathen and they had talked their way into living in the temple….they were in the heart of the spiritual house of God and were taking the provisions away from God’s people.

j.     What do you think this is a picture of? With what results?        (Romans 7:14-15)

It’s a picture of a believer who backslides and allows other things to come into his life and take the place of God there. There is no more interest in attending church, reading the Bible, praying etc.The private things stop first and then spill over into church life and finally take over public life until people can’t see any difference to anyone else.

k.     What does verse 6 tell us about Nehemiah during this backsliding time?    

That he was out of the country back in Babylon reporting to the king in person.

k.     What do backsliding Christians do with the Holy Spirit’s promptings in their lives while they are in a backslidden state?                      (Romans 7:18)

They push him into a tight little corner and turn a deaf ear to His voice until they don’t hear it at all.

2.      Verses 7-14….          

a.   What did Nehemiah do when he returned to Jerusalem from his time in Babylon? What did he find when he got there?       (verses 1-3, 8-9)

He found things had slipped back tremendously, so he sorted the people responsible out. The heathen had been allowed to come into the city and even right into the temple itself, and the worship of God had come to a halt.

b.    How can we liken this to a backsliding believer ?         (Galations 1:6-7; 5:16-25)

When a backsliding believer comes back to the Lord in sincere repentance and confession, the Holy Spirit gives strength to make a complete change of life and throw out all that was hindering a walk with the Lord. The fruit of the Spirit is in direct contrast to the fruit of the flesh. Prayer comes back into life once more and the life is cleansed and there is no more grieving of the Holy Spirit.

c.   What else did Nehemiah have to put right?          (verses 9-12)

All the workers of the temple had had to leave and go back to their fields for a living since Tobiah had swallowed it up….now Nehemiah brought back all the singers and Levites and re-instated worship in the temple once more.

d.   What is the parallel in this to the restored believer?       (Ephesians 4:30-32)

Joy, singing and praise to God is all able to come back once the enemy that starved them out had been turfed out (the disobedience of the flesh)

3.      Verses 15-22….        

a.   What was the next wrong to be put right?       (verses 15-16, 19)

Trading and business was going on on the Sabbath Day….there was no special day being kept for the Lord’s things…..Nehemiah shut the gates of the city on the Sabbath traders.

b.    How can we liken this to a believer’s life ?         (Colossians 3:1-2)

There must be a conscious decision made to keep out everyday working thinking and to shut the gates of one’s mind to this on one day a week that is kept for the Lord.

c.   Why is  keeping one day a week  to God so important to Him?    (Exodus 20:8-11)

Because man is made in God’s image, and God worked on six days, resting on the seventh. Man is not made to work a seven day week. God has given us six working days, and it is not too much to ask for one day to be devoted to Him.

d.   Why do you think the early believers kept the first day of the week rather than the Sabbath day?       (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2)

Because this was the day that Christ rose from the dead….the new day of the new week of the new age.

e.  What should the believer’s attitude be to keeping one day special for the Lord?    (Psalm 40:8; Isaiah 58:13-14)

It should be a delight for him to take the time to think about the Lord’s things and meditate on Him

f.  What happened when Nehemiah shut the gates? What is the parallel for a believer?    (verses 20-21)

The traders came back to the outside a few times and then gave up. If a believer has the right attitude to the Lord in keeping His day, other things that once held an attraction will no longer tempt.

4.      Verses  22-31….       

a.   What was the third thing that Nehemiah had to see to?       (verses 23-25)

He had to see to the people who had intermarried with the heathen in direct disobedience to God’s command.

b. Why did God forbid Israel to marry into other nations? Was it being mean and unreasonable?   (verses 26-27)

Because He knew that the heathen partner would drag down the Israeli. He did it to try to help Israel to stay following Him!

c.   Who was the classic example of one who drifted away from God because of  this? (verse 26)

Solomon loved and followed God so much as a young  man, and lost this love in his old age due to his heathen wives.

d.   What were some of the results of  this disobedience in Israel?       (verse 24, 26c)

Children who didn’t follow the ways of Israel, and couldn’t even speak the language! This next generation were gross sinners and in most cases idolaters like their heathen parent

e.   What does God tell believers today? Why?       (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

He tells us to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers in any way because our bodies are His temple and we are to be separate from the world. Not only that, just as the half caste children in Israel didn’t follow the Lord, so the children of these sorts of marriages will often end up non-Christians. Being married is hard enough when there are no initial differences such as this, and this can be a major bone of contention.

Overview of the Book of Nehemiah  ….

 1.   What was the state of the nation in Nehemiah’s time?       (1:3)

A disheartened people in an unfinished state.

2.    What did we liken this to?         (Romans 7:5-6)

A back slidden believer, unhappy and grumpy in his spiritual condition.

3.   What did the nation of Israel need?          (2:17-18)

A strong spiritual leader to motivate them to get going again and put things in order.

4.   When they realised this need, what did they have to do about it?       (3:22-23, 28)

Putting things back how they should be….rebuilding the wall and putting locks on the gates to keep the enemy out.

5.   How can this relate to a believer?       (Matthew 5:30; Hebrews 12:12-13)

They need to realise their need and humble themselves before God, then go where they can find the help to rebuild their lives and lock the gates of their minds to anything that would distract them from their new purpose.

6.  Did the enemy take this extra activity lying down? Does the enemy of our souls leave us alone when we make a new resolve?       (4:1-4; 1 Peter 5:8-9)

The enemy kept sending letters and threats and doing their best to block Israel’s progress. In the same way the enemy of the believer never gives up and seeks to make us afraid and doubt when trials and difficulties come our way.

7.  What was re-instated in the life of the nation of Israel? What did the people firmly promise to do?        (10:28-33)

Temple worship was restarted and things put in order to keep it running smoothly. They promised to keep following the Lord on pain of an oath, and to keep themselves separate form the heathen people of the land.

8.  What will the believer often find will happen when he is going on well for the Lord?                (1 Timothy 4:12-16)

That circumstances will change and things crop up to take his mind off the things of the Lord.

9.     What happened when Nehemiah went back to Babylon?        (13:4-5)

The people got slack and drifted into opening the temple to the heathen, even to trading all week and intermarrying with the heathen….they broke every promise they had made! The enemy was now living  right inside God’s temple!!

10.     What is this a picture of for the believer?                     (1 John 2:15-17)

Of a believer  who has got totally slack and allowed the flesh to rule his body (God’s temple) and his life is filled with everything of the world and nothing of God.

11.     What does 13:30 tell us that Nehemiah did for the people?                 

He cleaned up their act and cleansed them from the enemy, once more putting things in order in the temple.

12. If a believer will not do this himself, what sometimes happens in their life?    (Hebrews 12:5-13)

God will step in and chastise us to bring us back; not pleasant, but necessary to teach us lessons.

    Book of Esther.

 Esther  One ….(verses 1-22)

This is a fascinating story of an era beyond our comprehension where the king reigned supreme. It is the only book in the Bible where God is not mentioned at all, and yet we can see His hand in the affairs of the state and the people all the way through it. Let’s see what lessons we can learn from the people and events that unfold as we read it…………

1. Verses  1-22 

a.    What do verses 1-2 tell us ?    

We are introduced to King Ahasuerus  who was the most powerful king of his time, and who ruled over the whole of the known world.

b.  Who do believers recognise as King over all the earth today?     (1 Timothy 6:15-16)

God is the One and only Potentate with all power over the earth and its affairs today.

c.    What did Ahasuerus  do for his officials?      (verses 3-4)

He provided a wonderful six month long  feast in beautiful surroundings and gave them everything they needed for their pleasure.

d.   What did he do for the ordinary people?                  (verse 5)

He put on a week long feast for them after the other one was over.

e.   What do verses 7-8 tell us?

There was an abundance of drink to be had, using cups and goblets of gold (!), but it was all done in order with everyone doing what he pleased.

1. k.      How can we relate this to what God did for man when he was first created?    (Genesis 2:8, 15)

God provided a beautiful place for man to live in with an abundance of everything he needed. God also gave man a free will to choose to do right or wrong…..man was not prevented from doing wrong.

g.    What happened to Vashti when she refused to obey  the king?     (verses 10-12, 19)

She had to suffer the consequences and lost everything she had as a result… she lost her position, prestige, provision and protection.

h.    What did man suffer when he disobeyed God?  (Romans 5:12; 6:23)

He allowed sin into his life, and as a result death came with it. Since then all people ever born have been under the curse of sin with death following. Man has lost his position of being under God’s protection, with easy provision of food and became a lost soul.

i.       How was Vashti made an example in the kingdom?       (verse 22)

The king wrote letters to all his provinces that there was to be no disobedience to the head of the house!

j.       What eyes watch mankind’s actions?       (1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 6:9)

All kinds of spiritual beings and angels are watching how human beings act and react in their circumstances, either for God’s glory or  for His dishonour.

 

Esther  Two….(verses 1-23)

 

1.     Verses  1-4  

a.    What was the king’s personal problem at this stage?     (verse 1)

His rebellious wife had been put away from him and now he was going to seek a new wife who would be amenable and obedient.

b.  How did God describe His relationship with Israel at the time of the captivity?         (Jeremiah 3:8)

He described Israel as an adulterous wife, one that had given her allegiance to others and as a result God had cast her off.

c.    How did the king go about finding a new bride?      (verses 2-4)

He sent his men out into all the kingdom looking for likely candidates….young, beautiful, trainable and pure, who were brought into a training school. It was from these ones that he would choose his bride.

d.   How long did it take each girl to go through this course?                  (verse 12)

It took twelve months to prepare herself for the king.

e.   How is God finding a “bride” for His Son?               (Romans 9:24-26; 1 Peter 2:9-10)

He has sent His servants out into the world to call people everywhere to come to know Him and become part of His chosen people in Jesus Christ.

f.    How does the New Testament  describe this “bride” of Christ ?    (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-27)

As a pure  virgin, a glorious church not having spot or wrinkle…..all this comes through Jesus Christ dying on the cross.

2.     Verses  5-14

a.    What new characters now come into the story? Who are they?              (verses 5-8)

Mordecai, one of the Jewish captives and his beautiful cousin Esther who he had brought up from a young child…..she was one of the girls chosen for this course.

b. How could we describe Mordecai in what he had done for Esther?    

He was her protector and provider, he led and guided her and she did as he said.

c.    What did Mordecai especially tell Esther to do in her new situation? What did he do while she was in training?     (verses 10-11)

He told her to keep her ethnic origin to herself and tell no-one that she was a Jewess or related to him. He kept an eye on her continually every day to see how she was doing.

d.   What new element comes into a person’s life when they believe on Jesus Christ ? What does He do for the believer?       (John 14:16-18; 16:7, 13-14)

The Holy Spirit comes into every believer….He protects and provides everything a believer needs to live for Christ. He leads and guides into all truth and watches over His people continually.

e.   Are believers suddenly whipped away into God’s presence? What are they expected to do?      (Romans 8:9-14)

No, believers have to live their lives out on earth in God’s training school under the guidance of the Holy Spirit….in God’s sight, believers are already covered by the blood of Christ, but we have to learn to put into practice what we are in position with God.

3.     Verses  15-17

a.    What does verse 15 tell us?        

Esther was ready to go to the king and he was ready to receiver her….it was her turn and everyone wished her well.

b. Esther did everything that she was advised to do in the way of being prepared and clothed for the king….what preparation does a person need before being able to approach the King of kings (God)?         (Isaiah 6:10; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 7:9)

They need to be cleansed and have clean clothes of righteousness to wear.

c. What was the king’s reaction to Esther when she was presented to him?         (verse 17-18)

He thought she was wonderful! She was everything he wanted in a bride, so he made her his queen.

d.    How does God feel towards His heavenly bride??     (Psalm 147:11)

God takes great pleasure in all who fear and follow Him….He loves people so much that He gave His only beloved Son to take the penalty of their sin (death) and when they accept this offer they become part of His heavenly bride.

4.     Verses  18-23

a.    What did the king do at this time?           (verse 18)

He made a great feast in Esther’s honour and showed her off as his queen.

b. What happens when a person turns to God in repentance?         (Luke 15:7, 10)

There is great rejoicing in heaven among the angels.

c. What is going to happen when the church is complete and is received up into heaven?         (Revelation 19:7-9)

There will be a tremendous time of rejoicing and the bride of Christ will be there in all her purity and righteousness to partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb (of God)….the One who loved her and gave Himself for her.

d.    Did Mordecai abandon Esther now she was promoted? What did he still do? What was her attitude to him?     (verses 19-20)

Mordecai still took a great interest in her, giving her advice and watcheing her every move, and she was obedient to him in every way.

e.   What plot did Mordecai overhear while he was sitting in the gate? What did he do about it?       (verses 21-22)

He overheard two of the king’s officials plotting to overthrow the king and told Esther about it, who in turn warned the king and these men were put to death and a record made of it in the king’s book.

f.   What is an aspect of the work of the Holy Spirit that is similar to this?   (John 16:7-11)

He will uncover the wickedness of this world and tell of the judgement to come.

 Esther  Three….(verses 1-15)

1.     Verses  1-7

a.    Another character now shows his face in the story….who was he and what was his ethnic origin?              (verse 1; Exodus 17:8, 16; 1 Samuel 15:2-3, 8)

This was Haman who was an Amalekite and a descendant of king Agag.

b. What was God’s opinion of the Amalakites that Haman was descended from?     (Exodus 17:14-16; 1 Samuel 15:2-3)

God was at war with Amalek whenever these people came to the fore….He never forgot what they did to Israel on their way from Egypt.

c.    Haman is a picture of the fleshly part of man, man’s sinful old nature….what does the appearance of Haman in the story tell us about the believer?     (Galations 5:16-17)

That the flesh, our  “old man”, is still present with us as long as we live and ready to pop up at the least provocation.

d.   What did God tell King Saul to do with the Amalekites  ?       (1 Samuel 15:18-20)

He told him to destroy them completely.

e.   What is the believer to do with these fleshly feelings (temper, jealousy, lust etc)?  (Romans 13:14)

He is to squash them, to regard them as crucified with Christ and to keep away from anything that might stimulate or excite them…e.g. doubtful sites on the internet, or bad movies.

f.    What did the king’s servants do before Haman? What about Mordecai?          (verse 2)

They all bowed and scraped before him and revered him, but Mordcai refused to do this. Haman meant nothing to him.

g. What are we told the attitude of the flesh is to the Holy Spirit and vice versa?      (Galatians 5:17)

They are totally opposed to each other….one is full of pride and evil, while the other is full of love, joy and peace.

h.    What did Haman decide to do because Mordecai refused to acknowledge him?        (verses 5-6)

Haman was determined to destroy him and all the Jews in the kingdom.

i.   What will sin do in a believer’s life if they give in to it  ?   (Romans 7:21-23) How can they cope? (1 John 1:9)

Sin brings misery and in the end eternal death (separation from God). The only way a believer can cope is to confess it to the Lord and he will be forgiven with joy  and communion  restored.

j.   What did Haman appeal to in the king ?      (verses 8-9)

He appealed to his pride and sense of power.

k.   How long had Esther been queen for at this time?      (verse 7;  2:16)

Five years.

2.     Verses  8-15

a.    We see how Haman had appealed to the pride and vanity of the king in seeking to destroy the Jews…. what is the contrast between this earthly king and Jesus Christ  our heavenly king when Satan tempted Him?               (Matthew 4:1-11)

Satan also appealed to human  vanity and pride  when tempting Jesus Christ but go nowhere….there was absolutely no response to the temptations because there was no pride or vanity in the Lord Jesus. He totally depencded on his Father God and His Word to vanquish the enemy.

b. Can you see any help in this for when we are being tempted?  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Yes, we must stand firm on the Word of God and Satan (and the flesh) can get  no further with us. God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our resistance.

c. What happened in this case?         (verses 10-13)

The king gave in to Haman and signed the death warrants to go out into all the kingdom….a certain date was set for the total destruction of all the Jews.

d.    Why are these things recorded for us to read today?     (1 Corinthians 10:11)

So that we may read these examples and learn from them, to keep from making the same mistakes and to be encouraged to do what is right.

e.    Compare the time frames mentioned in verses 7, 12-13….what do you see?    

Haman brought this matter up to the king sometime in the first two weeks of the first month, the things was set in motion on the thirteenth day of the same month to be carried out on the 13^th day of the twelfth month.

Esther  Four….(verses 1-17)

1.     Verses  1-17

a.    How did Mordecai react to this edict of Haman’s?          (verses 1-2)

He mourned and wept publicly and dressed in the clothes of mourning.

b. What about the Jews on the whole?                    (verse 3)

They were also mourning and wearing the clothes of  mourning.

c.    What did Esther do about Mordecai when she was told?     (verses 4-5)

She sent one of her men to find out from Mordecai why all this mourning and lamenting was going on.

d.   What did Mordecai do then ?       (verses 6-9)

He told the official the whole story and gave him a copy of the new law of destruction to the Jews to give to Esther with instructions to go to the king and beg for the lives of the Jews.

e.   What was Esther’s reaction to this?                       (verses 10-11)

I can’t go to the king uninvited….I might die! I haven’t seen him for a whole month!!

f.    What was Mordecai’s answer to this?          (verses 13-14)

You’re under the death sentence the same as the rest of us! Maybe this is why you have been made queen to save your people now!

g.       What did Esther then prepare to do? How did she go about it?      (verses 15-16)

She told Mordecai to gather all the Jews together to fast and pray for her for three days, and she and her maids would do the same. Then she would approach the king and see what happened.

h.    Although God is not mentioned in the whole of this book, yet we can see the dependence of the people on His mercy? For fasting to be effective before God, what must it be accompanied by?       (Acts 13:3)

Earnest, sincere prayer goes along with fasting.

i.   What good does fasting do? For whose benefit is it done?   (Matthew 6:16-18)

On the physical side, it clears one’s mind and saves a lot of time in food preparation; on the spiritual side, it must be done secretly before God alone to show one’s sincerity and earnestness.

j.   What does James 5:16 tell us to do ?     

To pray for one another and confess your need for God’s help….the sincere prayer of God’s people gives strength and peace in times of stress.

Esther  Five….(verses 1-14)

1.     Verses  1-2  

a.    What attitude did Esther have as she approached the king?       (verse 1)

She put on her royal clothes and came to the king in reverence (and probably in fear and trembling!)

b. How did the king view this intrusion?                    (verse 2)

He thought she looked beautiful and put out his sceptre in acceptance.

c.    What can we learn from this as we approach our King (God)?     (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 61:10; 64:6)

We can only approach Him with our requests if we belong to Him and are clothed in the righteousness that He gives us. We are to remember that although we are the sons of God and His special people, we cannot bounce casually into His presence with our requests….we must approach Him recognising His might, power and greatness with great reverence, realising our utter dependence on His grace and mercy. We cannot come to Him in the filthy rags of our own righteousness, nor if there is known sin in our lives.

d.   How does God view His people when they come to Him in the right way?       (Psalm 147:11)

He accepts his people because they are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and He takes pleasure in them because He loves them!

2.     Verses  3-14

a.    What did the king want to hear from Esther?     (verse 3)

He wanted to hear her request…he was prepared to grant it, even if she asked for half the kingdom!

b. What does our King want to hear from us?                    (Psalm 37:4-5; Philippians 4:6-7)

He wants our complete dependence on Him and thanksgiving as we ask….He wants to hear our delight in Him and then He will grant our deepest desires and give us His peace.

c.    What was Esther’s request in this case?     (verse 4)

That the king and Haman would come to a private dinner with her that day.

d.   How did Haman feel about this ?       (verses 9-12)

He was overjoyed…..never had he felt so honoured!!

e.   What squashed his joy and what did he plan to do?     (verses 13-14)

He felt extremely angry when Mordecai ignored him yet again as he passed the palace gates….his pride was deeply offended and when his wife suggested he build a gallows to hang him on, he was so confident of the king’s approval, that he went ahead and built it.

f.    What sort of things show the flesh in Haman’s attitudes and actions? (Galations 5:19-21; Titus 3:3)

Hatred, anger, maliciousness and the desire to kill.

Esther  Six….(verses 1-14)

1.     Verses  1-14

a.    We now see the wonderful way that God steps into man’s affairs and turns the tide….no coincidence here! What do verses 1-3 tell us?           

The very same night that Haman had built the gallows to hang Mordecai on, the king couldn’t sleep and had his old diary out to be read to him. He heard how Mordecai had reported the plot on the king’s life. When he found out that nothing had been done to reward Mordecai for this, he made up his mind to publicly thank him for this.

b. What did Haman come to the king so early for? What did he hear from the king?         (verses 4-6)

Haman came in to get permission to hang Mordecai, but before he could say anything, the king was asking  what the highest honour could be done for anyone in the land.

c.    What did Haman in his pride (thinking it would be himself!) suggest should be done? (verses 7-9)

That the king’s finest robes and crown be put on this person and he be led around the city on the king’s horse with trumpet fanfare and public proclamation of the king’s high  regard for him.

d.   How did the king react to this idea?               (verses 10-11)

He thought it was a great idea, and told Haman to do it immediately for Mordecai and to personally take the horse and proclaim this.

e.   What common proverb now came to pass for Haman?  (verses 7-8)

Pride goes before a fall! Instead of it being him who was to be honoured, it was his hated Jewish acquaintance, Mordecai, who he had to lead around the city on the king’s horse!

f.    How did Haman feel when he went home to his family?          (verse 12)

He was utterly distraught, so much so that he completely forgot his dinner date with the king and queen!

g. What comfort did his advisers give him?      (verse 13)

None whatever! You’ve had it, was their consensus.

2.     Verses  8-15

a.    What do we see that Satan’s attitude was?              (Isaiah 14:12-14)

I will be greater than God, I will exalt myself above His throne!

b. What is Satan’s end to be?         (Isaiah 14:15-19)

He will be flattened and sent off to the Lake of fire, and men will despise him for what he has done.

c. What did Satan tell God  about Job?         (Job 2:4-5)

He only follows you for what he gets! Take it away, and he will curse You to Your face!

d.    How did God prove Satan wrong? What did Job do?     (Job 2:6-7, 10c)

By allowing him to take everything away from Job but his life. Job never sinned by cursing God or anything else for that matter.

e.    What was Job’s attitude?             (Job 1:21-22; 13:15)

God gave me these things and now He has allowed them to be taken away….blessed be the Name of the Lord! Though He kill me, yet will I  trust Him! Job’s attitude was one of complete trust.

f.     Satan often completely oversteps himself and we see this in Job’s case….what was Job’s end?    (Job 42:10-12)

God blessed him abundantly when he had proved himself and gave him twice as much as he had had before.

g.   Why are we told these stories?      (1 Corinthians 4:9; 10:6, 11)

So we can take heart when inexplicable things happen in our lives….let us always  remember that we may be being used as an example to the unseen hosts observing our actions and attitudes.

h.    What principle that was exhibited to Mordecai should we always keep before us in our daily walk before God?        (1 Samuel 2:30b)

To trust and obey! Those who honour God, will in turn, be honoured by God.

i.   What happened in Mordecai’s case? In Haman’s?   (verses 11c, 13c)

Mordecai had acted rightly in the king’s matters and he was directly honoured by the king for it, and indirectly it was honouring to God who saw to it that he was honoured. Haman who was plotting murder and holding hatred in his heart was indeed on his way out. He was about to fall from the king’s grace completely.

j.   What was prepared for Satan?      (Matthew 25:41) What was prepared in Haman’s case? (5:14)

Everlasting fire has already been  prepared for Satan and is waiting for him, just as Haman had prepared the gallows for Mordecai.

Esther  Seven….(verses 1-10)

1.     Verses  1-10

a.    What is the setting of this chapter?        

The king and Haman have had their drinks at the queen’s feast, and now the king asks Esther once again what her request is.

b. What was her request?         (verse 3)

She was asking for her life and the life of her people.

c.    What did the king and Haman probably not yet realise?                    (verse 4)

That she was one of the Jews under the death penalty.

d.   What do you think the feelings of the king and Haman were when they realised this?   (verses 5-7)

The king was very angry and Haman was terrified for his life.

e.   How had God prepared the king’s mind to receive this news favourably for Esther ? (chapter 6:1-3)

By making him wakeful that night that he heard of Mordecai saving his life!

f.    What do we as believers not often realise?          (Psalm 40:5; 139:17-18; Romans 8:28)

How much God is thinking about His people individually and working in their lives to bring His purposes to pass.

g. What was the king doing while this information was sinking in? And Haman as he too realised the ramifications of it all?      (verses  7-8)

The king went outside and was striding up and down, digesting what he had heard, while Haman went to Esther and prostrated himself on her couch begging for his life.

h.    What happened to Haman?          (verses 9-10)

The king had no mercy and when he heard about the gallows ready for Mordecai, he caused Haman to be hung on them.

i. What is the spiritual picture here, remembering that Haman is a type of the flesh?   (Romans 6:6, 11; Galations 5:24; 6:14)

Believers are to realise that their  fleshly lusts and desires are already crucified with Christ, and have no power over them. They are dead to them, and must take care to never resurrect them again and come under their power.

Esther  Eight….(verses 1-17)

1.     Verses  1-17

a.    What fresh revelation did the king discover in verse 1?             

That Mordecai  the man who had saved his life, was her uncle and had brought her up from childhood.

b. What was Mordecai’s promotion now?         (verse 2)

He took Haman’s place and authority in the palace with wearing the king’s ring and was set over Haman’s possessions.

c.     How do we see this tying in with the Holy Spirit’s role in a believer’s life? (Romans 8:8-9, 26-27)

The Holy Spirit takes the place of authority in the believer’s life, and leads and guides in all things. He intercedes for us according to what God wants, and helps in our prayer life.

d.    what did Esther still want to clear up?     (verse 3)

The matter of the forthcoming slaughter of the Jews which Haman had instigated.

e.   The king gave his authority  for this to be done….who put it into practice?      (verses 4-9)

Mordecai called all the scribes to write letters reversing the first order and saw to it that the Jews were all notified that they could protect themselves against all who would cause them damage.

f.   How long had it been since the first letter had been sent out?         (verse 9a)

Just over three months.

g.   Have a good look at verse 9….what do you notice about it?     

It is very long….. in actual fact, it is the longest verse in the Bible!

h.    What was the date set for the triumph of the Jews?        (verses 11-12)

The same day that had been set for their execution.

i.   Who is responsible for convicting people of sin and sending out the message of deliverance from it today?   (John 16:8-9; Acts13:2-4)

It is the work of the Holy Spirit of God; people are only His mouthpieces.

j.    What do verses 16-17 tell us?       

That God’s people had joy and honour and many other people wanted to become like them.

k.   What does God want for His people today? How does this come about?   (Romans 15:13)

God wants His people to be filled with joy and peace through the power of His Holy Spirit. This is possible in spite of outward circumstances, and comes from within, not from without.

Esther  Nine….(verses 1-32)

1.     Verses  1-32

a.    The day that the Jews were supposed to have been executed came….what happened instead?     (verses 1-2)          

Those who had hoped to see the Jews killed, were themselves executed…everyone was too afraid to turn against them now.

b. What does verse 3 tell us?        

All the officials helped the Jews because they were afraid of Mordecai and the power he now had.

c.    What happened to Haman’s ten sons?   (verses 10, 13)

They were killed by the queen’s decree.

d.   As Mordecai got greater and greater what can we see happening to the rest of Haman’s family?   (verses 4-5, 10)

They were gradually killed off and got rid of, and strung up on gallows for all to see.

e.   As believers give more obedience to the Holy Spirit, what happens in their life ? (Romans 8:1-2)

The flesh has less hold and less appeal to them.

f.    We see how the king promised to give Esther her desires…what did she ask for?   (verses 13-14)

She wanted to completely get rid of all Haman’s offspring and it was done….they were all hung.

g. In John 14:13-14, we have the promise that whatever we ask in Christ’s name will be done. We have all had times of asking and our requests have not been granted. In the light of our study,  how can we relate Esther’s experience to our spiritual growth?      (Galations 5:16, 24)

As we “hang” the off-shoots of the flesh, so the Holy Spirit has more influence in our life and we find we don’t WANT to do the things that displease Him. As we ask for help connected with our spiritual growth (which God wants for us anyway), it will always be granted. Too often we want to hang onto our resentments, anger and lusts, and these block the request being answered.

h.    What did David say about this topic in Psalm 37:3-8? Why is this?         

The more we trust the Lord and delight in Him and His ways, the more He will give us our desires because then we will only desire what He wants for us, and to please Him.

i. What happened on the fateful day of the 13^th of the twelfth month? The fourteenth and fifteenth?      (verses 15-16)

The enemies of the Jews were all killed….75,000 plus 500 in the city. The Jews then rested and celebrated by feasting and sending presents to each other.

j.    What did Mordecai make law for the Jews to keep?         (verses 19-22, 28)

That these two days were to be celebrated every year in memory of their deliverance.

k. What did Esther do about the matter?         (verse 29)

She wrote more letters confirming the dates and the celebrations to be kept….it was to be a national holiday for the Jews in memory of this deliverance.

l.     Why are believers to often take the Lord’s Supper?     (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)

So they will be reminded of the death of the Lord and what their salvation cost Him; a time of thanksgiving and praise.

m.    What will believers remember throughout eternity?     (verse 3)

That they are a redeemed people….saved by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ,  the Lamb of God.

n.   The enemies of the Jews had all been done away with…..what is the last enemy of the believer that will be done away with?      (1 Corinthians 15:26)

Death and the grace will be no more…in fact, the sting of death has already gone for the believer!

Esther  Ten….(verses 1-2)

1.     Verses  1-3                                                          

a.    What did King Ahasuerus expect from his subjects as head of his kingdom?     (verse 1)           

He expected them to pay their taxes and meet their responsibilities.

b. What responsibility does man have towards God?         (Psalm 29:1; Isaiah 43:7; Micah 6:8)

God created man to give Him the glory that is due to His Name as Creator, and to be just true, honest and kind and to be humble enough to walk with Him.

c.    What was Mordecai’s position now, in the kingdom?                    (verse 3a)

He was second in command to the king.

d.   What was the main concern of Mordecai?              (verse 3b)

To see that the people had everything (and more besides) that they needed and that there was peace on every side. His concerns were for the people.

e.   How can we relate this to the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer? (Romans 8:16-17, 26; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

The Holy Spirit lives in each believer and works continually on that person’s behalf before God….He trains, equips, strengthens, leads and gives spiritual life and understanding as well as gifts to each person.

f.    Mordecai looked out for the wealth and peace of his people….what are all believers wealthy in?   (Jeremiah 9:23-24; Ephesians 3:16-19)

Every believer has full acceptance with God and is wealthy in spiritual blessings with the capacity to respond to God….. no matter what their outward circumstances are, they can KNOW Him and rejoice in Him!!

g. What is the main point of the story of Esther ?      (Galations 5:18-24)

It is about the struggle of evil against good….how the enemy tried to destroy the people of God and how Esther was placed in the strategic place at the right time, and did the right thing for her people. She exposed the enemy and her people were saved.

h.    What is the main lesson we can learn from this book?          (1 Peter 5:6-10)

To stand up for tight in the struggle of evil over good, and to go to our king when evil threatens to overcome us and stand firm against it. Just as the king got rid of Haman and exalted Mordecai, so the Lord will give us the strength to respond to His Holy Spirit in our lives and give us the understanding that we need. The Holy Spirit will become the pre-eminent force in our .lives rather than us being overcome by the fleshly desires of our old nature.