Nehemiah Chapter 1
1. Where was Nehemiah in the 20th year of King Artaxerxes, king of Persia, in the month of Chislev? vs. 1 Susa the capitol,
2. What did Nehemiah ask his brother, Hanani, and the men that came with him from Judah when they paid a visit? vs. 2 - Name 3 things - 1)
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3. Why did they say that the remnant in Judah that had escaped were in great distress and reproach? vs. 3
4. What did Nehemiah do for days after he heard this report? vs. 4 - Name 5 things 1)2)3)4)5)
5. We are blessed to have the record of Nehemiah's prayer. How does He approach God? What does He acknowledge first of all about God's attributes and character? vs. 5 - Name 3 things 1)2)3)
6. What does Nehemiah request of God as he prays to Him day and night? vs.6a - Name 2 things - 1)2)
7. As Nehemiah prays for the sons of Israel, what is he confessing to God? vs. 6b
8. What did Nehemiah admit to in regard to their failure to be faithful to God? vs. 7 - Name 4 things - 1)2)3)4)
9. Nehemiah asked the Lord to remember "His Word" given to Moses. Yes, if they were unfaithful, they would be scattered among the people. (vs.8) yet what did He promises if they returned to Him and kept His commandments? vs. 9
10. What did Nehemiah want God to recall about His people Israel? vs. 10
11. On what basis did Nehemiah know he could depend on God to hear his prayer? How did Nehemiah treat His Name? vs. 11a
12. Nehemiah asked the Lord to make him successful that day and to grant him compassion before what man? vs. 11
13. What position did Nehemiah have? vs. 11
Applications:
14. Although Nehemiah was cupbear to the king of Persia, his heart was with his people and his mind was on Jerusalem. When he heard from his brother that the people of Israel who had survived the captivity and returned to Jerusalem were in "great distress" and "reproach" and that the walls of the city were broken and burnt, he immediately felt the pain of the situation and turned himself to prayer and fasting for them. May we never remove ourselves from our brethren. We are suppose to weep with those who weep and to pray for one another without ceasing. Comment on the following Scriptures:
- Romans 12:15 -
- Ephesians 6:18 -
- Colossians 1:9 -
- Romans 8:26 -
- 2 Thessalonians 1:11 -
- Philemon 1:6 -
- James 5:16 -
15. We are taught a wonderful pattern of prayer from Nehemiah, just like we have learned from others in the Bible. The first thing he did and others did as well was to acknowledge God's greatness and compassion. Look at other examples of how prayers begin by saints in the Bible. Comment on the following Scriptures.
- 2 Kings 19:15-19 -
- 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 -
- Daniel 9:1-19 -
- Matthew 6:9-13 -
- Ephesians 3:14-21 -
16. Unlike wooden or stone idols who cannot hear or see, we have faith in the God of Heaven Who can hear our prayers and see our needs and attend to the needs of our heart. Like Nehemiah and others in the Bible, we can draw near to God and ask Him to hear our prayers. Ask God to hear and see; to be attentive to our prayer.
- Psalm 54:2 -
- Psalm 130:2 -
- 2 Chronicles 6:40 -
- 2 Kings 19:16 -
- Isaiah 37:17 -
- Matthew 7:7 -
- Matthew 7:11 -
- Matthew 18:19 -
- Matthew 21:22 -
- Luke 11:13 -
- Ephesians 3:20 -
- James 1:5,6 -
- James 4:2 -
- 1 John 5:14,15 -
17. Nehemiah confessed his sins and those of others including those who came before him; his forefathers. When we confess our sins or the sins of our nation, family, etc. .. we are admitting that we have failed to live up to what we have been asked to do in obedience. It is agreeing with God on where we fall short of His glory and purpose for us. We can confess our sins and know that we will be fully forgiven. Comment on the verse below.
- 1 John 1:9 -
18. Nehemiah reminded God of what He told them through Moses; that He would scatter them if they forsook His commandments, but He would gather them back if they returned to Him. This is what we need to do. We need to quote the Word back to the Lord in our prayers; remind Him of His promises to us.
- Isaiah 55:11 -
- Jeremiah 1:12 -
- Hebrews 4:12 -
19. Nehemiah asked the Lord to grant him success before the king. We need to realize that we are not to fear man, but to fear God. Our prayers put the situation into the hands of God, knowing He is sovereign over all things, even the hearts of men.
- Proverbs 21:1 -
20. Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.
