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Nehemiah Builds The Walls Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Ezra Teaches The Law Nehemiah Builds The Walls A Renewed Remnant Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s focus on the enemy required tremendous focus & determination Facing an external threat was difficult If that wasn’t bad enough…now he had to deal with an internal situation that was just as threatening & discouraging

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Everyone was having to contend with a famine v. 3b It created bad situations between brethren Some were apparently more adversely affected than others There was an “outcry” against some Jewish nobles & rulers v. 1

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Effects of the famine… It forced some to mortgage their own lands and houses just to buy food v. 3a Some had to borrow money just to pay the king’s tax on their fields v. 4 Others sold themselves into indentured slavery to repay v. 5a cp. Ex 21:1-11

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Effects of the famine… They complained “Our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers…our children are like their children” v. 5a We are equal to them re: the covenant Yet, they were helpless because now their lenders owned their land v. 5b

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 He became angry v. 6 He “…consulted with himself” v. 7a He thought it over…he “counted to 10” Acting out of anger rarely ever produces the right results Jas 1:19-20

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 Thought question…how good might Susa have looked to him right now? Remember Artaxerxes’ question 2:6 Given all the outside opposition…and now this with his own brethren…what might you have been tempted to do?

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 How did the Law address this? Ex 22:25 Lev 25:35-43 Deut 23:19-20 Could Jews lend brethren money? YES What restriction(s) governed such actions? Interest could not be charged Pledges could not be kept Indentured slaves had to be released

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 What kind of work had Ezra done among the remnant? Ezra 7:6a, 10, 25 What do these present actions say about their obedience to all that Ezra had taught them?

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 He rebuked the nobles and the rulers for their usury v. 7b He accused them of undoing all the good previously done re: freeing the remnant from surrounding nations v. 8a

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 The initial response…SILENCE What defense could the nobles & rulers have given? cp. 1 Kings 18:21 Rom 1:20

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 They had forgotten Jerusalem was still a “reproach among the nations” v. 9 This behavior was not going to help their image among the surrounding nations

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 He admitted he had lent money also v. 10 Implication…he had not charged interest How could he rebuke them for the same unlawful behavior if he was also guilty? The problem wasn’t lending…it was interest

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11 He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 He ordered a return of all possessions to those who had borrowed as well as the refunding of all interest collected v. 11 The remnant nobles & rulers agreed this was the right thing to do v. 12a

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s other actions vv. 12b-13 He wanted more than just their promise… he put them under oath v. 12b He also publicly shook out his garment as a sign to what God would do to them if they did not do what was right v. 13

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s example vv. 14-18 His governorship was exemplary Apparently, he began serving as governor upon leaving Susa v. 14 cp. 2:1 He didn’t just lead by issuing orders… he led by setting the proper example

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s example vv. 14-18 In 12 years as governor, he never took advantage of the food allowance This would have placed a burden upon the people vv. 15, 18b He still provided for over 150 people daily… apparently at his own expense vv. 17-18a

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s example vv. 14-18 In 12 years as governor, he never took advantage of the food allowance He never lost sight of the important work for which he had left Susa…building the walls v. 16

Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s prayer v. 19 His consistency 1:5-11a 2:4 4:4-5, 9 A concern for how his actions would be viewed by those he led

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