Page 87 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

Nehemiah 1-2 focuses on the third return of the exiles. Upon receiving the report about Zion people-
that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and in shambles, Nehemiah mourns, fasting and praying
to God, confessing sin and clinging to God’s covenant promises, cf. Deut. 30:1-4 (1). After months of
prayer, Nehemiah requests the king’s commission, protection, and provision to return to Jerusalem!
With God’s good hand, the king grants his request. In his return to Jerusalem (444 B.C.), Nehemiah
arrives safely, and amidst opposition, he assesses situation quietly, and assembles the people to cast
vision for rebuilding city! Assured of divine enablement, people begin rebuilding (Chapter 2).

Nehemiah 2-7 focuses on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The rebuilding brings about enemy
opposition and Nehemiah’s responses: “We cannot stop building the wall until it is finished.”
Nehemiah’s enemies plot to kill him, but Nehemiah is wise to their plans. With great determination and
organization, the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem is finished in 52 days, with help of God (7). Theme:
necessity of both providence and perseverance!

Nehemiah 8-13 focuses on reforms. When Ezra and the Levites publicly read the Law, the people weep
and celebrate. Realizing their failure to obey, they alter the celebration of Feast of Tabernacles or
Booths which reenacts the desert wandering experiences of Israel. (8) After reading the Law, with
confession and worship, Nehemiah prays to God, retelling Israel’s history, stressing God’s covenant
promises and Israel’s disobedience, concluding with appeal for mercy (9). In sealing the covenant,
certain obligations are stressed: intermarriage, Sabbath, firstfruits (10), ending with the celebration to
dedicate the wall. After priests and people are purified, praise is offered to God (12). There is a gap in
time between chapters 12 and 13. Nehemiah returns to initiate further reform: remove foreigners,
restore tithe, and rebuke intermarriage (13)

Ezra and Nehemiah

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