Chapter Summary

Nehemiah learns of distress in Jerusalem. His prayer.

Discussion Questions for Nehemiah, Chapter 1

1. Verses 1 -3 provide background information into who Nehemiah is and how the events of this book came to be. Why is this information important to understand this book? What sticks out from these verses to you?
2. What is the state of Jerusalem at the start of this chapter? Do you think Nehemiah was right to weep and to mourn upon hearing of its condition? Why or why not?
3. Nehemiah's response to great disappointment and devastation was fasting and prayer. Think of a time when you or someone you loved faced devastating news. If prayer was not your first response, what was? Do you believe that was a greater help to you in the moment? Why or why not?
4. How does Nehemiah describe the character of God in his prayer? Why might it be important to recognize God for who he is before addressing your problems or requests when praying?
5. In verse 6, Nehemiah asks God to hear and to see the people of Israel. Does this imply that God was not paying attention before? If not, what might he be asking here?
6. Do you think Nehemiah was literally praying "day and night"? Why or why not? What would it look like for believers today to pray with similar commitment and consistency?
7. In his prayer, Nehemiah speaks of a covenant between God and Israel. What is a covenant, and what are the conditions of this one? How is a covenant broken? Can God ever break a covenant? Why or why not?
8. How is the grace of God demonstrated in this chapter? Is it any different to his graciousness towards believers today? How does it make you feel when you think of his grace towards you?
9. According to verse 10, who is responsible for the redemption of Israel? Does this mean Israel played no part in their own redemption? Why or why not?
10. Read verse 11. What do you think it means to "delight" in "fearing" the name of the Lord? What does delight mean in this context? What about fear? Do you "delight to fear" the name of God (ESV)? Why or why not?

Key Words/Phrase

Fasting and prayer, v. 4.

Characters

God, Nehemiah, Hanani.

Strong Verse(s)

10