A New Beginning – Repopulating Jerusalem

Specific Commitments the Israelites made. They promised to: 1. Avoid being unequally yoked 2. Observe the Sabbath, and the seventh year, (the Sabbatical) 3. Provide money, grain and animals for the offerings of the temple 4. Bring the first fruits of their crops, their herds, their flocks, and their firstborn sons, to God 5. Tithe, pay10% of all their income, their crops & wealth to the temple 6. Faithfully attend the house of God 7. Rely on God not yourselves – be careful what you commit to

What are some sacrifices have you made? Or have to make?  How did you feel about them? Nehemiah 11:1,2 – Drafted or Volunteered Who settled in Jerusalem? How was it determined who would reside in Jerusalem? Were the people forced to live in Jerusalem? What did the people sacrifice to move back?

Nehemiah 11:1,2 – Casting Lots What does the Bible say about casting lots? VerseText Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the L ORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Psalm 119:105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Acts 13:1-2Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 16:6-7And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.

Nehemiah 11:1,2 – The Chosen Volunteer Why do you think it was important, that once people were chosen to live in Jerusalem, they also were given the opportunity to "volunteer" to reside there? Draw a spiritual principle from the fact that they were both drafted and also volunteered in God’s plan for their lives. Have you ever felt "drafted" by God for some duty for which you also "volunteered" your services? What was it?

Nehemiah 11:4-6 – The Chosen Volunteer Which two tribes are mentioned? What do we learn about the tribe of Judah from the cross references?  Genesis 29:31-35  Judges 1:1-3  2 Samuel 2:10  1 Kings 12:21 Why do you believe God made a way for them to return to Jerusalem?  Matthew 1:1-3  Hebrews 7:14  Revelation 5:5

Nehemiah 11:7 – The Chosen Volunteer What do we learn about the tribe of Benjamin from the cross references?  Genesis 35:16-18  Genesis 42:1-5  Genesis 43:29-30  Genesis 49:27 What lessons can we apply to our lives from these verses?  Deuteronomy 33:12  1 Chronicles 12:1-2  Philippians 3:4-5

Nehemiah 11:19 – The Chosen Volunteer Why was it important to have someone watch over the gates of Jerusalem? From the following cross references, why is it important for Christians to stay alert?  Matthew 26:40-41  Mark 13:32-36  1 Corinthians 16:13 Personal Question: What "safeguards" have you deliberately placed in your life to help you battle temptation?  Ephesians 6:18  1 Timothy 4:16  1 Peter 5:8