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F-260 Ezra Reads the Law - Nehemiah 8:1-18  When or in what circumstances do you find it easy to be enthusiastic about what you are doing?  What events or occasions do people celebrate nowadays?  At what point in Israel’s history does this story take place? (8:1)  Why did the people of Israel assemble at the Water Gate? (8:1)  What did the people want Ezra to read? (8:1)  Who was included in the assembly at the Water Gate? (8:2)  What attitude did the people of Israel have toward the Book of the Law? (8:3, 6, 9, 17)  What did the people do when Ezra opened the Book of the Law? (8:5)  What specific steps did Ezra and the other leaders take to make this event practical for everyone? (8:5-8)  How did Ezra and the people of Israel respond to the reading of the Law? (8:6)  Why did the leaders declare the day sacred? (8:9)  Why were the people of Israel weeping? (8:9)  What words of encouragement did Nehemiah offer the people of Israel? (8:10)  How had the events of this day changed the lives of the people of Israel? (8:12)  Why did the leaders of Israel gather on the second day of the month? (8:13)  What specific instructions did the leaders glean from the Book of the Law? (8:14-15)  How did the people react to the newly discovered instructions? (8:16)  How would you describe Israel’s view of God’s written Word?  In what specific ways are Israel’s actions in this passage a good model for us today?  As Christians what reasons do we have to celebrate?  Why is it important for believers to meet corporately?  How should we follow the example of the leaders of Israel in this story?  Generally speaking, how should we respond to God’s Word?  In what ways do you think you should change your attitude toward reading the Bible?  What prompts you to praise and worship the Lord?  What steps can we take to be sensitive to the message of God’s Word?  What is one message from Scripture or one biblical command that you need to take more seriously?  How can we guard against apathy toward God’s Word?  What gift of praise or worship can you offer the Lord today?  What specific changes do you want to make in your Bible reading habits this week?

F-260 The Completion of the Wall - Nehemiah 6:15-7:73  What do you think are the most important attributes in a good leader?  How does it feel to finish a project that no one thought you could finish?  What insights or help for your own life have you learned from parents, grandparents, or other ancestors?  How did the Israelites’ enemies react to the news that the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt? (6:15-16)  Why did the nations surrounding Israel lose their self-confidence? (6:16)  Who was given credit for Israel’s success, even by their enemies? (6:16)  Why was it necessary for guards to be posted around the walls of Jerusalem? (6:17-7:3)  Why did Tobiah continue to send letters to Nehemiah? (6:19)  What happened after the walls of Jerusalem had been completed? (7:1-2)  How did Nehemiah choose the men to put in charge over Jerusalem? (7:2)  How is Hananiah described? (7:2)  What extra precaution did Nehemiah take to insure the safety of the city? (7:2-3)  What specific instructions did Nehemiah give to the men in charge of Jerusalem? (7:3)  How is the city of Jerusalem described? (7:4)  Why was it important for the people to prove they were Israelites? (7:4-73)  What motivated Nehemiah to organize the genealogical record of the Israelites? (7:5)  What happened to some of the priests who could not find their family records? Why? (7:64-65)  How did God lead Nehemiah?  When have you felt God’s guidance or leading in your life?  In what ways can you be open to God’s leading?  What can you do to be more sensitive to God’s leading?  What situation or problem do you anticipate this week that will require God’s help for you to handle properly?  In light of Nehemiah’s example, what criteria should we follow in choosing leaders?  How should our criteria for choosing leaders be different from the world’s?  How can we develop integrity so that God can use us as leaders?  Why is it important for us to choose church leaders (and other spiritual leaders) carefully?  What role can you play in assuring the careful selection of leaders in your church?  How can you focus on following God’s leading this week?  What is one way you can lead by example?

F-260 Further Opposition to the Rebuilding - Nehemiah 6:1-14  When have you ever felt intimidated by someone, and how did it make you feel?  What would you tell a child who was being picked on by a bully?  What prompted Sanballat and his associates to send Nehemiah a message? (6:1)  What motivated Sanballat and his associates to summon Nehemiah? (6:1-2)  What did Sanballat ask of Nehemiah? (6:2)  How did Nehemiah respond to Sanballat’s invitation? (6:3)  What reason did Nehemiah give for why he could not meet with Sanballat? (6:3)  What was different about the fifth time Sanballat sent the message to Nehemiah? (6:5-7)  How did Nehemiah respond to Sanballat’s accusations? (6:8)  What did Nehemiah’s opponents assume would be the result of their threats? (6:9)  From where did Nehemiah receive his strength to continue the work? (6:9)  What advice did Shemaiah give to Nehemiah? (6:10)  What did Nehemiah think of Shemaiah’s advice? (6:11)  What insight did the Lord give to Nehemiah regarding Shemaiah’s advice? (6:12)  What caused Shemaiah to prophesy against Nehemiah? (6:12-13)  Why didn’t Nehemiah back down as his opponents wanted? (6:12-13)  Toward what goal were Nehemiah’s enemies working? (6:13)  Why did Nehemiah pray? (6:14)  What basic principles did Nehemiah follow when he faced opposition?  What sin did Nehemiah want to avoid?  In what ways is Nehemiah a good example for us to follow?  When do you think it is important to fight back, and when is it better to back down?  What opposition do you face in your Christian walk?  How can we discern insincerity or dishonesty when we see it?  From what work do you think Satan wants to distract you?  What temptations threaten to distract you from doing what is right?  How can you prevent yourself from being distracted from the work God has given you?  To what task or project do you want to recommit your efforts?  What specific responsibilities or challenges will you face this next week?  What specific steps can you take to strengthen your commitment to the responsibilities God has given you?  What can you do to prepare yourself for the next time someone tries to influence you through intimidation?

F-260 Nehemiah Helps the Poor—Nehemiah 5:1–19 What do you think are some of the most pressing social problems today? What are some reasons people choose not to get involved in social issues? How do you feel when solicitors ask you to give your time or money to charity? What is the conflict between some of the Jews at the beginning of this story? (5:1–5) What caused the Israelites’ problems? (5:3–5) How did Nehemiah react to the Israelites’ complaints? (5:6) What did Nehemiah do before he took any action? (5:7) What accusations did Nehemiah make against the officials? (5:7–11) What action did Nehemiah take on behalf of the Israelites? (5:7–18) How did the officials respond to Nehemiah’s accusations? Why? (5:8, 12) Why were the actions of the officials wrong? (5:9) How did Nehemiah insure that the officials would keep their promise? (5:12–13) In what ways was Nehemiah different from other officials? (5:14–18) What prevented Nehemiah from acting the same way the other officials did? (5:15) What did Nehemiah want in return for his generosity to the Israelites? (5:19) In what ways is Nehemiah a role model for us today? What does it mean to be devoted to the work God has given us, as was Nehemiah? Why do you think Nehemiah sacrificed what he rightfully deserved as a governor? In what circumstances might it be good for you to accept less than what you deserve? What should motivate us to get involved in social issues? How do you think Christians should be involved in social issues? What social injustice concerns you? How would you like to contribute to solving a particular social problem that concerns you? What should we desire in return for the good deeds that we do? What concrete action could you take this week to help solve a social problem? What could you do today to encourage a friend who is struggling or hurting?

F-260 Opposition to the Rebuilding - Nehemiah 4:1-23  Why do you think some people get upset when they see others succeed?  When has jealousy ever affected you?  In what situations is competition good?  Why did Sanballat become angry with the Jews? (4:1)  How did Sanballat treat the Jews? (4:1-2)  What did Sanballat and Tobiah do to discourage the Jews from rebuilding the city walls? (4:1-3)  What role did Nehemiah play in these events? (4:1-23)  How did Nehemiah respond to the taunts of his enemies? (4:4-5)  According to Nehemiah, why were the Jews so successful in their work? (4:6)  In what specific ways did Nehemiah and the Israelites show commitment to this project? (4:6-23)  What did Israel’s enemies do when they heard of Israel’s success in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls? (4:7-8)  How did Nehemiah and the Jews respond to the evil plotting of their enemies? (4:9)  What did Nehemiah do to encourage the Israelites and protect them from their enemies? (4:10-14)  How were the Jews able to return to their work of rebuilding the city walls? (4:15)  Who frustrated the plotting of Israel’s enemies? (4:15)  What sacrifices did the people have to make because of the threats of their enemies? (4:16-18)  What do you admire about the Israelites in this incident?  To what area of life today do Nehemiah’s words speak?  What kinds of events, opposition, or setbacks most discourage you?  How does God want us to deal with discouragement?  How should we respond to negative events or criticism from others?  When have you ever felt opposition from other people when you have done what you thought was morally right?  What practical steps could you take the next time you feel opposition from others for doing what is right?  How does God respond to the diligence of His people?  To what project or work do you need to renew your commitment?  How have you seen the Lord fight for you?  What specific steps could you take this week to renew your commitment to a project you believe is important to accomplish?  What concrete action can you take today to prepare yourself to deal with opposition or criticism from others?  How can you encourage a friend or family member who you know is discouraged?

F-260 Builders of the Wall - Nehemiah 3:1-32  When have you most enjoyed working with a team of people?  What are the benefits of teamwork?  What do you think prevents people from asking others for help when they need it?  How did the priests set the example for all the Israelites? (3:1)  What did the priests do when they had completed sections of the walls and gates of Jerusalem? (3:1)  What project were the Israelites working on? (3:1)  What does the priests’ dedication of their work reveal about their motivation? (3:1)  What kinds of people were involved in rebuilding Jerusalem? (3:1-32)  What does the wide spectrum of people involved reveal about the Israelites’ commitment to this project? (3:1-32)  Keeping in mind the practical reason for the restoration of the city, why was most of the rebuilding focused on the gates? (3:1-32)  What criticism was leveled at the men of Tekoa? (3:5)  Why did the common people of Tekoa have to do double-duty work in rebuilding the walls of the city? (3:5, 27)  How did the Israelites decide who would rebuild what? (3:10, 28, 30)  Why do you think the people of Jerusalem were so committed to rebuilding the city walls?  What effect do you think this accomplishment had on the people involved?  What can we learn from the priests’ example in this situation?  Why did the nobles of Tekoa refuse to help with the work?  How can you guard against the conceited attitude of the nobles of Tekoa?  What does this passage reveal about the best way to accomplish an overwhelming task?  What overwhelming challenge do you face?  How can you depend more on the Lord’s help to accomplish the work He has given you to do?  In what ways do you think you should depend more on the help of other believers?  What should we do whenever we finish a big project or experience success?  What steps can you take this week to depend on God and others to help you face the challenges in your life?  How could you help a friend with a problem or difficult situation he or she is facing?  How can you thank God publicly for a success you have experienced?

F-260 Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls - Nehemiah 2:11-20  How do people usually respond to criticism?  How do you usually respond to criticism?  What do you think sometimes causes people to be overcritical of others?  What did Nehemiah do when he first arrived in Jerusalem? (2:11-12)  What strategy did Nehemiah use in surveying the state of the city? (2:11-16)  How did Nehemiah prepare himself to present his plan to the Jews? (2:11-16)  From where did Nehemiah receive his motivation to rebuild Jerusalem? (2:12)  What attitude did Nehemiah have about himself and about God? (2:12, 18, 20)  What did Nehemiah find in his inspection of the city? (2:13)  Why were the officials unaware of Nehemiah’s plan? (2:16)  Why did Nehemiah say that the Israelites were in disgrace? (2:17)  How did Nehemiah motivate the Israelites to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem? (2:17-18)  How did the Jews respond to Nehemiah? (2:18)  What encouragement did Nehemiah offer those people who may have initially doubted his plan? (2:18)  Why did Nehemiah experience opposition to the work of rebuilding Jerusalem? (2:19)  How did Nehemiah respond to his critics? (2:20)  Whom did Nehemiah credit for the Israelites’ expected success? (2:20)  What made Nehemiah a good leader?  Why do you think Nehemiah surveyed the city himself before he approached the Jews with his plan?  What can we learn from Nehemiah’s example of leadership?  In what specific ways could you emulate Nehemiah to become a better leader in your family, on the job, or in some other setting?  What have you learned from Nehemiah about responding to criticism?  How can Christians protect themselves from developing a critical attitude?  How can you prepare yourself to deal with criticism better in the future?  Why do you think Nehemiah was so confident that the Lord would grant him success?  In what area of your life would you like to ask God for success?  How do you think God wants you to deal with the challenges and problems you face?  What action can you take this week to improve your leadership at your job or in your home?  What specific steps could you take in the next few days to anticipate criticism and handle it in a way that gives glory to the Lord?  How can you demonstrate your dependence on the Lord for success?

F-260 Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem - Nehemiah 2:1-10  How would you go about asking a big favor of a boss or other influential person?  What situations make you nervous or scared?  What techniques do people often use to cope with fear?  At what time did this story take place? (2:1)  Why was Nehemiah able to meet with the king? (2:1)  How had Nehemiah acted in the king’s presence in the past? (2:1)  How did Nehemiah’s behavior present an opportunity for him? (2:1)  What did the king ask Nehemiah? (2:2)  What did the king assume about Nehemiah’s demeanor? (2:2)  What did Nehemiah have to overcome to give the king an honest answer? (2:2-3)  How did Nehemiah describe his problem to the king? (2:3)  What did Nehemiah do before he told the king what he wanted? (2:4)  What did Nehemiah ask of the king? (2:5-7)  Why did Nehemiah ask that letters be sent to the governors of Trans-Euphrates? (2:7)  How did Nehemiah explain the generosity of the king? (2:8)  Who was disturbed by Nehemiah’s actions? Why? (2:10)  How would you describe Nehemiah’s actions in this situation?  To you what were Nehemiah’s most admirable traits?  How did Nehemiah overcome his fears?  How did Nehemiah demonstrate his dependence on God?  What fears do you need to overcome?  In what situations in your life do you need to depend more on the Lord?  What can you learn from Nehemiah about the role prayer should play in your everyday life?  What scary situation or overwhelming problem do you face in your life?  How can you handle differently the challenges you face in light of Nehemiah’s example?  What specific problem do you want to confront with greater courage this week?  How can you remember to pray each time you must deal with a problem or fear?

F-260 Nehemiah’s Prayer - Nehemiah 1:1-11  How do you react when you hear bad news about a friend?  What action do we usually take when we hear a friend is experiencing hardship?  If you were going through a painful experience, what would you want your friends to do for you?  When did the events of this passage take place? (1:1)  Why did Nehemiah question his brother? (1:1-2)  What report did Hanani and his men give to Nehemiah? (1:3)  How did Nehemiah react to the news about Jerusalem and the exiles? (1:4)  How did Nehemiah describe God in his prayer? (1:5)  According to Nehemiah, with whom does God keep His covenant of love? (1:5)  What made Nehemiah more aware of his own sinfulness? (1:5-6)  What is the major theme of Nehemiah’s prayer? (1:5-11)  On whose behalf did Nehemiah pray and fast? (1:6)  Of what sins were the Israelites guilty? (1:7)  What instruction did the Lord give to Moses? (1:8)  What promise of the Lord could the Israelites claim, according to Nehemiah? (1:9)  How did Nehemiah describe the people of Israel in his prayer? (1:10)  What specific request did Nehemiah ask God to grant him? (1:11)  What admirable traits do you see demonstrated by Nehemiah?  What did Nehemiah’s prayer accomplish?  What are the benefits of focusing on the attributes of God?  What role does prayer play in your life?  How do you think you need to change your prayer habits?  Why does God want Christians to pray?  In what circumstances do you think it would be wise to fast and pray?  What can we learn from Nehemiah’s example about how to deal with disappointment?  With what disappointment or challenge are you struggling?  In light of this story, how can we overcome the problems we face?  What specific steps could you take this week to strengthen or improve your prayer life?  How can you remind yourself this week to turn to God in prayer when you experience disappointment?  How do you plan to react differently to setbacks from now on?

F-260 Triumph of the Jews - Esther 9:1-10:3  What family traditions are most important to you?  Which traditions in your family have spiritual significance to you?  Why do people establish traditions?  What did the Jews’ enemies plan to do when they heard about the king’s first edict? (9:1)  How were the tables turned in this situation? (9:1)  How were the Jews protected from annihilation? (9:1-3)  In what way was Mordecai affected by these events? (9:4)  What happened on the day the king’s edict was to be carried out? (9:5-10)  What important detail did the author mention about the Jews’ behavior? (9:10, 15-16)  How did the king demonstrate his generosity to Esther above what he had already done? (9:12)  What did Esther ask the king to do for her beyond the requests she had already made? (9:13)  How did the Jews get relief from their enemies? (9:16)  Why did the Jews in Susa celebrate on a different day from the Jews in rural areas? (9:18-19)  Why did Mordecai tell the Jews to celebrate? (9:20-22)  How did the author of this book summarize the events that had taken place? (9:24-28)  What did the celebration of Purim represent to the Jews? (9:28)  How did Queen Esther confirm the celebration of Purim? (9:29-32)  Why was Mordecai held in such high esteem in the kingdom? (10:3)  How would you characterize Mordecai?  In what specific ways is Mordecai a good role model for us today?  What character traits do you see in Esther or Mordecai that you would like to have?  What responsibility do you have to speak up for the welfare of your Christian brothers and sisters?  What did the Jews do after God had delivered them from their enemies?  How have you experienced God’s help or deliverance in your life?  How can we celebrate God’s goodness today?  What should motivate us to give gifts to the poor?  What celebration could you turn into an opportunity to do good for others?  How can we use family traditions to celebrate and share God’s goodness?  How does this passage encourage you to strive after righteousness?  What good deed could you do this week to thank God for His goodness to you?  What is one new tradition you could start in your family that would benefit others?