Lessons From Ezra Nehemiah Lessons

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah …

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Ezra Teaches The Law Nehemiah Builds The Walls Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah

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

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 § Everyone was having to contend with a famine v. 3 b § It created bad situations between brethren § Some were apparently more adversely affected than others § There was an “outcry” against

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 § Effects of the famine… § It forced some to mortgage their own lands and houses just to buy food v. 3 a § Some had to borrow money just to pay the king’s tax on their fields v. 4

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah 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. 5 a § We are equal to them re: the covenant § Yet, they were helpless because

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

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise § Nehemiah’s reaction Neh 5 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

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise § Nehemiah’s reaction Neh 5 vv. 6 -11 § How did the Law address this? Ex 22: 25 Lev 25: 35 -43 Deut 23: 1920 § Could Jews lend brethren money? YES § What restriction(s) governed such actions?

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

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

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

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise § Nehemiah’s reaction Neh 5 vv. 6 -11 § He also held a public assembly vv. 7 b-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

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise § Nehemiah’s reaction Neh 5 vv. 6 -11 § He also held a public assembly vv. 7 b-11 § He admitted he had lent money also v. 10 § Implication…he had not charged interest § How could he rebuke them for the

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise § Nehemiah’s reaction Neh 5 vv. 6 -11 § He also held a public assembly vv. 7 b-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

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 § Nehemiah’s other actions 12 b-13 vv. § He wanted more than just their promise… he put them under oath v. 12 b § He also publicly shook out his garment as a sign to what God

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise § Nehemiah’s example Neh 5 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

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise § Nehemiah’s example Neh 5 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, 18 b § He still provided for over 150 people daily… apparently at his own

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah Internal Problems Arise § Nehemiah’s example Neh 5 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

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

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah …