Nehemiah - Chapter-13

Chapter Summary

Cleansing the temple. Nehemiah's second visit to Jerusalem and his further reforms.

What might be the reason foreigners can't enter the assembly? How might you respond to someone who says this is ethnocentric?
Relate this passage to 2 Corinthians 6:14. What is the connection and what lesson does this have for us today?
Verse 2 describes God's turning a curse into blessing. How have you experienced similar things in your own life?
Was divorce the answer to the problem in verse 3? Give reasons for either option. How should believers respond in similar situations today?
Why is it a problem that an enemy is in the temple in verse 7? How can we apply this to protecting the community of believers today?
Is Nehemiah justified in his response in verse 8? Why or why not? How should leaders act in discipline today?
What is wrong in verse 10 and why is this a problem? How does this relate to tithing and providing for church leaders today?
What do the actions in verse 15 show us about how the people had a lack of respect for God? How is this a warning for us today?
How does verse 25 show us the dangers of a leader with an anger problem? Have you seen examples of this in our own day? How can churches guard against this?
Why do you think the author ends Nehemiah on such a negative note? How does this show us that the story of Israel is not yet complete and push us to hope in a coming savior? How does this relate to our lives today?