Sunday, April 6 – Nehemiah 1, 2

1. What report did Nehemiah receive about Jerusalem? Nehemiah 1:2-3

2. How did Nehemiah feel upon receiving the report, and what did he do? Nehemiah 1:4

3. What confession did he make in his prayer? Nehemiah 1:7

4. How was Nehemiah before the king? Nehemiah 2:1-2

5. What did Nehemiah request from the king, and what was the result? Nehemiah 2:4-8

6. How did the people of Jerusalem respond when Nehemiah declared his mission? Nehemiah 2:16-18

7. How did the enemies react? Nehemiah 2:19-20

Nehemiah, meaning “Yahweh has comforted,” was a faithful Jew who had risen to a high-ranking position in the Persian court. Despite his status, his heart remained with his people in Jerusalem. He fasted and prayed for days when he received distressing news about the city’s condition (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Like Daniel (Daniel 9:3), his prayer included praise, thanksgiving, repentance, petition, and commitment (BCDV). Four months later, he presented his request to King Artaxerxes and received permission to return and rebuild Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

Accompanied by royal officers and military support, Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem. After secretly inspecting the damaged walls at night, he motivated the people to rebuild (Nehemiah 2:12-18). The Jews responded enthusiastically, organizing themselves to restore the gates and sections of the broken walls (chapter 3). However, enemies such as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem conspired to halt the work, yet Nehemiah remained steadfast. In just 52 days, the reconstruction was completed (Nehemiah 6:15).

Nehemiah was not the first to lead exiles back to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel had led the first group in 538 B.C. to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1, 2), and Ezra had led the second group in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7). In 445 B.C., Nehemiah led the third and largest return. For the Jews, Jerusalem was more than a city, it represented their national identity and the presence of God. Seeing it in ruins, Nehemiah wept, knowing that city walls were crucial for security in his time and symbolized power and peace (Ezra 4:6-23).

Nehemiah’s sorrow moved him to action. First, he prayed; then, he used his knowledge, experience, and organizational skills to plan a solution (Nehemiah 1:5-11). His example teaches us to seek God first in times of crisis and then take decisive action. God guided Nehemiah, who became a reformer with unwavering character and committed to fulfilling God’s work despite opposition (RH 2-5-1899).

Nehemiah trusted in God’s faithfulness. His prayer reflected humility and specific petitions (Nehemiah 1:5-11). Like Daniel in Babylon, he acknowledged Israel’s sins and identified himself with his people (Ellen White, MS 58, 1903).

When he requested the king, Nehemiah first prayed silently, showing the power of continuous prayer (HS 144).

Nehemiah recognized God’s hand in his success. He did not attribute the achievements to himself but gave glory to God for working through him (EW, Letter 83, 1898). His example reminds us that success comes when we surrender our will to Christ and allow God to lead.

When he inspected Jerusalem’s ruins, his heart broke. Just as Nehemiah saw the broken city, angels see the church needing revival and reform (SW 22-3-1904). The church today faces threats of apostasy and worldliness. Just as Nehemiah called the people to action, strong and faithful leaders are needed now (SW 29-3-1904).

Nehemiah was a reformer who faced opposition with determination. His example inspired others, and each person became a “Nehemiah” in their sphere of influence (SW 28-6-1904).

His legacy challenges us to be courageous leaders, standing firm in faith and trusting God to restore His work.

May God bless you today.