Chapter Summary

Opposition by greed and heartlessness. Nehemiah's example of unselfishness.

Discussion Questions for Nehemiah, Chapter 5

1. What difficult situation where the poor people of Israel facing at the start of this chapter? How did the rich aid in their oppression? Is it dishonoring to the Lord to acquire wealth? Why or why not? How might those with wealth live in a way that honors God?
2. What was Nehemiah's reaction upon hearing of the injustice against the poor? Why do you think that he felt this way? If you were in this position, would you have felt the same? Why or why not?
3. According to verse 7, when considering how to address the injustice, Nehemiah "took counsel with himself" (ESV). What do you think this phrase means? Does this indicate that Nehemiah was relying on his own knowledge and wisdom in order to handle the situation? If not, what might he have been doing?
4. How were the Jewish nobles and officials demonstrating hypocrisy in this chapter? What sets them apart from the others who were oppressing the poor? Do you think this made their sin against their brothers more or less severe? Why?
5. According to verse 9, how did the actions of these nobles and individuals increase the threat against their own people? Can any parallels be drawn between this and conflict within the church today? How are these situations similar, and how are they different?
6. What was Nehemiah's solution to the injustice he witnessed? Were those in positions of power reluctant to do as he advised? What does this tell us about the authority of Nehemiah in their eyes? Do you think this was an answer to prayer? Why or why not?
7. What did the assembly of people do after they swore to do as Nehemiah advised. Believers say "amen" at the end of prayers all the time, but what did it mean in this context (ESV)? How can resolution of conflict lead to praising the Lord?
8. How did Nehemiah set himself apart from former leaders as a fair and honest governor? What was his motivation to do so? How can the reason behind a person's actions affect the success of those actions?
9. What does Nehemiah ask God to do in verse 19? Do you think this was an arrogant or selfish request? Why or why not? Does he believe God is forgetful? Why might he have asked this?
10. Slowly and steadily Nehemiah lead efforts to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. How was his perseverance demonstrated in this chapter? What does the amount of time and labor required for this task tell us about God's timing and will?

Key Words/Phrase

Usury, v. 7.

Characters

God, Nehemiah.

Strong Verse(s)

19