A Study On The Book of Nehemiah
Chapter 4 & 5
Chapter 4
1-3 Sanballat was one of the Persian governors in the area. He tries to discourage the workers who were working on
the walls and gates. Why? Tobiah who was probably an aid to Sanballat also joins in the making fun of the Jews. Is
there a lesson here?
4-5
Nehemiah does not speak back to those who are making fun of the builders but instead prays to God. What does
he pray for in his prayer to God? Do you think God will honor Nehemiah’s request?
6-9
Despite ridicule the Hebrews work on and we are told that they worked with all of their hearts. Those opposing
the work talk about uniting against the Hebrews and possible destroying their work.
10-12 We are told that as the ridicule and threat of violence continues the Hebrew people begin to lose heart and
strength.
13-14 Taking the threats of violence seriously, Nehemiah decides to post guards along the walls and the gates.
Nehemiah also reminded the people that God would be with them and fight with them if they were attacked.
15-18 Somehow the Hebrews avoided being attacked by those who were against the project. What reason was given for
no attack? The work resumes but it is slowed because now half of the workers are standing as guards. All workers
were armed even when they were working.
19-23 Although slowed the work continues. Nehemiah devises an alarm system so that if there was an attack, the rest of
the men could be summoned in a timely manner.
Chapter 5
1=-3 With so much work and energy going toward the building of the wall, day to day chores and farming suffered.
Some of the Jews become upset because they and their families are lacking food supplies and basic staples.
4-5
6-8
We learn that some of the Hebrews sold their children into slavery to make ends meet. The owners of these
slaves were fellow wealthy Jews.
Nehemiah is upset when he learns that Jews are enslaving Jews and charging interest so he decides to call a
meeting.
9-11 Nehemiah tells the wealthy to give back the interest they have collected from their fellow Jews, because it was
not right in God’s eyes.
12-13 Surprisingly the people listen to Nehemiah and follow his request. Nehemiah now confronts the priests about an
issue that they were guilty of, what was that issue? Once again the priests listen and follow Nehemiah’s request.
14-16 Nehemiah tells us that in his role of Governor he acted fairly and never took advantage of the people. He even
suggested that he led a sacrificial life as an example to the people. Nehemiah also tells us that he did not acquire
any land while he was in his role as Governor. Why did he make this statement?
17-19 Nehemiah tells us that he frequently had dinner guests, sometimes as many as 150 people. Dinner guests were
invited to help ease the hunger issue for those who were hungry. The chapter ends with Nehemiah asking in a
short prayer to be remembered by God for his hospitality and compassion upon the people.