Chapter Summary

Priests and Levites who went to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. Dedication of the walls.

Discussion Questions for Nehemiah, Chapter 12

1. What does verse 8 teach us about how seriously the people took musical worship? How do we view worship today and how does this relate? What can we learn from this verse for our own churches?
2. What themes do most of our worship songs consist of? What are some songs that feature the thanksgiving theme? What are some different ways they do this?
3. How do we see the people using their gifts and skills in verse 27? What are some gifts you have that can contribute to the church and to worship of God?
4. Why do the people and the walls need to be purified in verse 30? What spiritual reality does purification point to and how can we apply this today?
5. What is the importance of the priests and Levites in this chapter? What are some lessons for leaders today?
6. Why do you think it is important to remember people for their service in this chapter? How can we honor and remember our own leaders today?
7. Verse 26 describes Nehemiah as governor and Ezra as scribe. What do these jobs entail? How does this verse help us interpret the books of Ezra and Nehemiah? Mention some specific chapters that portray these characters.
8. What would be some modern examples of occasions for spiritual celebration and thanksgiving as in verse 27? How can we today bring celebration and thanksgiving into our lives more?
9. What is the relation in verse 43 between rejoicing and giving sacrifices? What are some ways God has given us joy today and what are some sacrifices we can offer in response?
10. How does verse 44 give us an example for tithing today? What are some major obstacles to tithing today and how can these be overcome?

Key Words/Phrase

Dedication, v. 27.

Characters

God, Nehemiah, Ezra, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Seraiah, Jeremiah.

Strong Verse(s)

43