The Bible App is completely free, with no advertising and no in-app purchases. Get the app
Active Christians Today at The University of Toledo
Bible Study ~ "A Vision of Hope" ~ Nehemiah 3:1-32
Our study will take us through the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah. RE:build. RE:new. RE:store. The main theme that clearly emerges from the study of these books is that GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES! We will see that God often uses people and events that no one would expect. Sometimes, the person that God uses may not even realize they are a part of God's plan. Could that be us? Could God use us this way?
Locations & Times
Delta Church of Christ
2018 Bretton Pl, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
Wednesday 7:00 PM
This week we look at how Nehemiah organized the people of Jerusalem and Judah to rebuild rapidly the walls and gates of Jerusalem. At first glance, Nehemiah 3 looks like one of those Scripture portions we would rather skip over in order to pick up the flow of the story on the other side. It is full of obscure names of people and unknown places. These names and places meant something to the people who were there, but we doubt this can have any significance nearly 2500 years later. Nevertheless, it does. Nehemiah 3 shows the genius of Nehemiah in getting the maximum effort from his workers while giving them the maximum sense of accomplishment. He built walls and morale at the same time.
Opening Questions
How often have you been encouraged in your walk with Christ?
What would help you in your journey of faith?
When you have faced a ministry task that requires the help of others, how well do you work together? What experiences have you had (both good and bad)?
How often have you been encouraged in your walk with Christ?
What would help you in your journey of faith?
When you have faced a ministry task that requires the help of others, how well do you work together? What experiences have you had (both good and bad)?
Unpack the Text
At the conclusion of Chapter Two, we saw Nehemiah move from the splendor of the Persian capital, Susa, to the obscurity of the Jewish capital, Jerusalem. He had seized a window of opportunity to get permission from King Artaxerxes to come to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. Once there, he had to create another window of opportunity in which he could motivate the residents of Jerusalem to shake off their discouragement and dare to rise up and rebuild.
We saw last week how Nehemiah took his “night ride” and worked nonstop for three days to size up the situation in Jerusalem and devise a plan. Then he challenged the assembled populace to build, encouraging them with stories about how God had miraculously worked through Artaxerxes to get the project approved, funded, and supplied.
At the conclusion of Chapter Two, we saw Nehemiah move from the splendor of the Persian capital, Susa, to the obscurity of the Jewish capital, Jerusalem. He had seized a window of opportunity to get permission from King Artaxerxes to come to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. Once there, he had to create another window of opportunity in which he could motivate the residents of Jerusalem to shake off their discouragement and dare to rise up and rebuild.
We saw last week how Nehemiah took his “night ride” and worked nonstop for three days to size up the situation in Jerusalem and devise a plan. Then he challenged the assembled populace to build, encouraging them with stories about how God had miraculously worked through Artaxerxes to get the project approved, funded, and supplied.
Sooo... here we go....
Like a number of Old Testament passages, Nehemiah 3 is packed with names that are hard to pronounce, information that seems unusually redundant, and chronology that appears meaningless to us today. It was very relevant, however, to the people of Jerusalem AND it is relevant to us... but why? How?
Like a number of Old Testament passages, Nehemiah 3 is packed with names that are hard to pronounce, information that seems unusually redundant, and chronology that appears meaningless to us today. It was very relevant, however, to the people of Jerusalem AND it is relevant to us... but why? How?
There is something special about who began the work... do you see who it was? Try to think of this in a modern context. What would this look like?
Why is this so important and symbolic?
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests (3:1). A grandson of Jeshua, the high priest in Zerubbabel's day (Ezra 3:2). He and the other priests, as leaders of the people, started rebuilding the city walls.
Where were they building? It was on the city's northeast side, just north of the temple. Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel. Located between the Sheep Gate and the Fish Gate, the towers protected the city's northern approaches.
How did the priests set the example for all the Israelites? (3:1)
What does the priests' dedication of their work reveal about their motivation? (3:1)
At the sheep gate is where it all began. But this isn’t the last time we hear about the Sheep Gate...
Why is this so important and symbolic?
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests (3:1). A grandson of Jeshua, the high priest in Zerubbabel's day (Ezra 3:2). He and the other priests, as leaders of the people, started rebuilding the city walls.
Where were they building? It was on the city's northeast side, just north of the temple. Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel. Located between the Sheep Gate and the Fish Gate, the towers protected the city's northern approaches.
How did the priests set the example for all the Israelites? (3:1)
What does the priests' dedication of their work reveal about their motivation? (3:1)
At the sheep gate is where it all began. But this isn’t the last time we hear about the Sheep Gate...
Jesus used the Sheep Gate to enter Jerusalem all but the last time. What might be symbolic about Jesus’ use of this particular gate?
Think about the name: the Sheep Gate. What could be the reason for this name? Why do you think this was called the Sheep Gate?
The sheep gate is the gate through which the animals were brought for sacrifice.
Think about Jesus again...
Think about the name: the Sheep Gate. What could be the reason for this name? Why do you think this was called the Sheep Gate?
The sheep gate is the gate through which the animals were brought for sacrifice.
Think about Jesus again...
What had to happen to the Lamb of God?
This is the gate Jesus used. Famous theologian and preacher J. Vernon McGee says, “I think He was acting out, as it were, a walking parable. He was illustrating what John the Baptist said about Him.”
“He is the Lamb of God in His Person and in His work. He takes away the sin of the world. Therefore, the sheep gate symbolizes the Cross of Christ. This is where you begin with God. The Cross is the only place you can begin with God. God does not ask us for anything until we come to Christ and accept Him as Savior.”
But Jesus did not enter this gate the final time... what changed?
This is the gate Jesus used. Famous theologian and preacher J. Vernon McGee says, “I think He was acting out, as it were, a walking parable. He was illustrating what John the Baptist said about Him.”
“He is the Lamb of God in His Person and in His work. He takes away the sin of the world. Therefore, the sheep gate symbolizes the Cross of Christ. This is where you begin with God. The Cross is the only place you can begin with God. God does not ask us for anything until we come to Christ and accept Him as Savior.”
But Jesus did not enter this gate the final time... what changed?
Who began to build the altar in Jerusalem? (3:2)
There is another interesting fact about the people who were building near the the Sheep Gate. Where were they from? Why might this be important?
There is another interesting fact about the people who were building near the the Sheep Gate. Where were they from? Why might this be important?
What is the story of Jericho? What does this verse say about Jericho?
So people from the place of the curse worked in and around the Sheep Gate. How might this connect to Jesus?
So people from the place of the curse worked in and around the Sheep Gate. How might this connect to Jesus?
And now the Fish Gate. What could be the reason for calling it the Fish Gate?
The Fish Gate (3:3). The gate through which people of Tyre brought fish to market. It may have been located near the site of the modern Damascus Gate.
And again... symbolism. Thoughts as to how this relates to Jesus?
The Fish Gate (3:3). The gate through which people of Tyre brought fish to market. It may have been located near the site of the modern Damascus Gate.
And again... symbolism. Thoughts as to how this relates to Jesus?
What did Jesus mean by this? Today these words might not mean as much to us. Why would the symbolism of Jesus’ words have been so obvious to His listeners?
Now think about the Old Testament. The Sheep Gate. The Fish Gate. Was this planned symbolism?
What are your thoughts on projecting symbolism onto the Old Testament versus coincidence?
And now... to read this section is an exercise in pronunciation and it is fascinating what is included.
Now think about the Old Testament. The Sheep Gate. The Fish Gate. Was this planned symbolism?
What are your thoughts on projecting symbolism onto the Old Testament versus coincidence?
And now... to read this section is an exercise in pronunciation and it is fascinating what is included.
What criticism was leveled at the men of Tekoa? (3:5)
When you hear the word “nobles,” what do you think of?
Why do you think this account was reported?
These aristocrats disdained manual labor; they “would not put their shoulders to the work.” The Hebrew for “shoulders” (?awwa?r, “neck”) specifically refers to the back of the neck. The expression is drawn from the imagery of oxen that refuse to yield to the yoke (Jer 27:12). The common phrase “to backslide” is derived from the KJV rendering of Hosea 4:16: “For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer.” (Edwin Yamauchi, “Ezra-Nehemiah,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary)
When you hear the word “nobles,” what do you think of?
Why do you think this account was reported?
These aristocrats disdained manual labor; they “would not put their shoulders to the work.” The Hebrew for “shoulders” (?awwa?r, “neck”) specifically refers to the back of the neck. The expression is drawn from the imagery of oxen that refuse to yield to the yoke (Jer 27:12). The common phrase “to backslide” is derived from the KJV rendering of Hosea 4:16: “For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer.” (Edwin Yamauchi, “Ezra-Nehemiah,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary)
What is unusual about verse 12? Why? What does it say about God’s Word in the Old Testament?
He and his daughters (3:12). Several family groups worked on the walls. Shallum's daughters could not have been the only women who toiled to build the walls. They must have performed notable work to receive special mention.
He and his daughters (3:12). Several family groups worked on the walls. Shallum's daughters could not have been the only women who toiled to build the walls. They must have performed notable work to receive special mention.
Hmmm... why did the common people of Tekoa have to do double-duty work in rebuilding the walls of the city? (3:5, 27)
What did Nehemiah gain by involving so many people in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem?
What are the challenges that come along with a large workforce?
What did Nehemiah gain by involving so many people in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem?
What are the challenges that come along with a large workforce?
What were the benefits of assigning some groups to build near their homes (vv. 10, 23, 28-30)?
What advantages were there to assigning some workers by occupational groupings (vv. 1, 8, 17-18, 22, 26, 32)?
Why would people from surrounding towns and villages want to help fortify Jerusalem (vv. 2, 5, 7, 13)?
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)
When you look at the scope of Nehemiah's plan for rebuilding the wall, what impresses you most? How would you like this leadership quality to express itself in your life?
What advantages were there to assigning some workers by occupational groupings (vv. 1, 8, 17-18, 22, 26, 32)?
Why would people from surrounding towns and villages want to help fortify Jerusalem (vv. 2, 5, 7, 13)?
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)
When you look at the scope of Nehemiah's plan for rebuilding the wall, what impresses you most? How would you like this leadership quality to express itself in your life?
Nehemiah had a phenomenal ability to coordinate people and get everyone involved. This didn't just happen. It never "just happens." What appears to be a smooth-running operation always reflects a lot of careful, behind-the-scenes planning.
To what extent are you utilizing your gifts, your abilities, and your personal resources to build up the people of God?
What does Nehemiah’s decision to have people work near their own homes tell us about the work we need to do?
To what extent are you an encourager, a real people person?
Nehemiah was also an encourager. In chapter 3 alone, he mentioned 75 people by name and, in many instances, recognized their accomplishments. He also mentioned at least 15 groups of people, such as the priests, Levites, the goldsmiths, the perfumers, and the temple servants. He also identified a number of groups from other towns and cities.
At this point, we can take a lesson from Paul. As he concluded his letter to the Romans, he greeted no less than 26 people by name, commending them for their dedication to Christ and their ministry accomplishments. Perhaps Paul learned how important this was from Nehemiah!
Christians, of all people, should encourage each other. If we don't, we are directly disobeying specific commands of Scripture.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up," wrote Paul to the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 5:11).
We also read in the Book of Hebrews, "And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Heb. 10:24-25).
To what extent are you utilizing your gifts, your abilities, and your personal resources to build up the people of God?
What does Nehemiah’s decision to have people work near their own homes tell us about the work we need to do?
To what extent are you an encourager, a real people person?
Nehemiah was also an encourager. In chapter 3 alone, he mentioned 75 people by name and, in many instances, recognized their accomplishments. He also mentioned at least 15 groups of people, such as the priests, Levites, the goldsmiths, the perfumers, and the temple servants. He also identified a number of groups from other towns and cities.
At this point, we can take a lesson from Paul. As he concluded his letter to the Romans, he greeted no less than 26 people by name, commending them for their dedication to Christ and their ministry accomplishments. Perhaps Paul learned how important this was from Nehemiah!
Christians, of all people, should encourage each other. If we don't, we are directly disobeying specific commands of Scripture.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up," wrote Paul to the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 5:11).
We also read in the Book of Hebrews, "And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Heb. 10:24-25).
Your Story
In what ways are you involved in the life of your church so that your gifts and abilities benefit the whole body of Christ?
How do you encourage people? How could you become a better encourager?
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?
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?
What should we do whenever we finish a big project or experience success?
In what ways are you involved in the life of your church so that your gifts and abilities benefit the whole body of Christ?
How do you encourage people? How could you become a better encourager?
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?
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?
What should we do whenever we finish a big project or experience success?
Apply it to Your Life
What do you admire about Nehemiah's leadership? Does he intimidate you in any way? If so, how?
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?
What do you admire about Nehemiah's leadership? Does he intimidate you in any way? If so, how?
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?
Praise & Prayer
Pray for at least one other person in the group that they will grow in the leadership skills they want to work on in the coming week.
Next week we will begin looking at some of the problems that arose during the building project and how Nehemiah handled them. Several of the remaining lessons deal with opposition from outside and conflict within the people of God. That shouldn't surprise us, but it shouldn't discourage us either. Nehemiah can teach us many important lessons about trusting God, working as a team, and showing personal courage in the face of opposition. Next week we will look at some of the schemes the Evil One uses to discourage us.
Pray for at least one other person in the group that they will grow in the leadership skills they want to work on in the coming week.
Next week we will begin looking at some of the problems that arose during the building project and how Nehemiah handled them. Several of the remaining lessons deal with opposition from outside and conflict within the people of God. That shouldn't surprise us, but it shouldn't discourage us either. Nehemiah can teach us many important lessons about trusting God, working as a team, and showing personal courage in the face of opposition. Next week we will look at some of the schemes the Evil One uses to discourage us.