Chapter Summary

Jerusalem put in charge of Hanani and Hananiah. Genealogy of the first remnant.

Discussion Questions for Nehemiah, Chapter 7

1. What are Nehemiah's views on what qualities qualify someone for leadership? Compare this with what qualities people usually look for today. What changes could we make to be more in line with Nehemiah's view?
2. Compare verse 57 with 1 Kings 5:13. How do we see the lasting effects of sin, from the fact that people remember that their ancestors were put to forced labor as far back in history as Solomon? How does this warn us of the destruction of sin?
3. Why would it be important in verse 64 to give proof that you are a Levite in order to be a priest? What does this show us about how seriously they took ministry?
4. Urim and Thummim were objects the priests used to hear from God. What do we learn about their devotion to obedience from the fact that they won't presume on doing something until they have Urim and Thummim and can ask God? How is this instructive for us today?
5. Have you ever looked into your own genealogy? What did you find out? What made you interested in this? Might this be similar to or different from what is going on in this chapter?
6. What do we learn from the fact that the chapter closes by listing the contributions people gave to the work of the temple? How can believers apply this lesson on the importance of financial devotion to God?
7. What are some other genealogies in the Old Testament? What do you think is the driving force behind them being included in the Old Testament? Compare with Matthew 1 and note how this helps us see the lesson for Christians.
8. Pahath-moab in verse 11 means "governor of Moab" which probably means this person is of foreign descent. What does this show us about the relationship between foreigners and Israel at this point? What does it teach us that they were included in God's plan in this story?
9. Verse 67 specifically mentions singers. What does this show us about the importance of Psalm-singing in the temple service at this time? How can we apply this to our own worship?
10. What are some similarities and differences between this chapter and Ezra 2. Why do you think much of the information is repeated?

Key Words/Phrase

Register, v. 5.

Characters

God, Nehemiah, Hanani, Hananiah.

Strong Verse(s)

2