Chapter Summary

Nehemiah's visit to Jerusalem by permission of Artaxerxes.

Discussion Questions for Nehemiah, Chapter 2

1. In the last verse of Chapter 1, we learn that Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king. What type of position is this? Why is it significant that Nehemiah held this role when considering the permissions the king later gave?
2. What atypical behavior of Nehemiah's does the king note? Do you think he addressed this out of genuine concern for Nehemiah? Why or why not?
3. Why do you think Nehemiah was "afraid" when the king asked why he was sad (ESV)? Does this mean he was in danger? What does this tell us about King Artaxerxes?
4. Do you think Nehemiah was afraid to address the desolation of Jerusalem with the king? Why or why not? What did he take the time to do before proceeding to make a request? Do you think this made a difference? Why or why not?
5. According to verse 8, why did the king grant Nehemiah's request? What does this teach us about the sovereignty of God? Is there a task you are afraid to start that you have not yet prayed about? How might doing so make a difference?
6. What do we learn about the power and reach of King Artaxerxes in this chapter? How does this compare with the power and reach of God? How are the two similar, and how are they different?
7. Why do you think it displeased Sanballat and Tobiah that "someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel" (ESV)? How did this affect Nehemiah's plans? Do you think it hindered God's plans? Why or why not?
8. How does Nehemiah describe his conviction from the Lord in verse 12? Have you ever felt convicted to do something in a similar way? How was this different from simply feeling motivated by your own strength?
9. Did Nehemiah begin his inspection publically or in secret? Do you think it was sinful or unwise for him to do so? Why or why not?
10. In verse 20, how did Nehemiah respond to opposition against his plans? Whose strength did he focus on, his own or God's? What can this teach believers facing opposition today about the hope to be found in times of hardship?

Key Words/Phrase

Arise, build, v. 20.

Characters

God, Artaxerxes, Nehemiah, Sanballat, Tobiah, Asaph, Geshem.

Strong Verse(s)

18, 20.