1. Step By Step: Old Testament 2 Lesson 8: Nehemiah Rev. Christopher J. Respass Antioch Bible Institute Spring 2013

2. Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther As we look at Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, we see that: 1. God is always with his people. 2. God’s laws affect all of life. 3. God helps his people accomplish their God-given goals.

3. Nehemiah The book of Nehemiah can be divided into two major sections: Reconstruction of the Wall Restoration of the People.

4. The Wall No, this is not the wall of Jerusalem

5. Nehemiah: Reconstruction of the Wall (Neh. 1:1- 7:73) A. Nehemiah learns that the Jerusalem wall is broken and in disrepair (Neh. 1:1-4). B. Nehemiah receives permission from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem and repair the wall (Neh. 2:1-8).

6. Nehemiah: Reconstruction of the Wall (Neh. 1:1- 7:73) C. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah inspires the people to rebuild the wall (Neh. 2:17-20). D. Opposition arises—Sanballat & Tobiah (Neh. 4:1-14; Neh. 6:6-15). E. Ultimately, the wall is rebuilt.

7. Nehemiah: Restoration of the People (Neh. 8:1-13:31) A.Ezra reads and interprets the Law of God (Neh. 8:1-8). 1. Ezra read from early morning until midday and the ears of the people were attentive (v.1- 2). Why do you believe the people were so attentive to the reading of God’s word?

8. Nehemiah: Restoration of the People (Neh. 8:1-13:31) 2. Ezra read the word of God from a wooden platform with others on his right and left (v.4). 3. As the word of God was read, all the people stood (v.5).

9. Nehemiah: Restoration of the People (Neh. 8:1-13:31) 4. Ezra preached the word of God properly (Neh. 8:8): 1. read clearly 2. gave the sense 3. the people understood

10. Nehemiah: Restoration of the People (Neh. 8:1-13:31) Without a correct understanding of God’s covenantal expectations, the people cannot keep the covenant or live by the covenant (c.f., Acts 8:26-31). 1. Do you understand the word of God? 2. Do you believe modern preachers (in general) read clearly, give the sense of the text so that you can understand?

11. Nehemiah: Restoration of the People (Neh. 8:1-13:31) B.The people have true revival (Neh. 8:9- 9:38) 1. They fellowshipped (Neh. 8:9-12) 2. Celebrated the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles)( Neh. 8:13-18) 3. Fasted (Neh. 9:1) 4. Confessed sin, Worshipped & Praised God (Neh. 9:3-5)

12. Nehemiah: Restoration of the People (Neh. 8:1-13:31) C. The people entered a voluntary covenant with God (Neh. 9:32-38).

13. Questions?