Tag Archives: Nehemiah

Daily Bible Reading “Opposition Arises” (Nehemiah 4:1-23)

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Nehemiah-Opposition Arises-50Opposition Arises

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Nehemiah 4:1-23. Those who were building the city wall of Jerusalem experienced opposition. Sanballat and Tobiah had been against the building of the wall ever since they heard about it. Their allegiance was to the Persian king. Now they were mocking the Jews and making fun of the work they were doing to rebuild the wall.

In Nehemiah 4:4-5 Nehemiah prays to God and tells Him what is going on and asks Him to turn the enemy’s reproach away and not to forgive their sin, because they had caused trouble for the builders of the wall. Nehemiah relied on God to help him fight this battle. Even though there was opposition, they continued to build the wall; God gave them the dedication and determination to complete the project.

When the wall was halfway completed Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the work continued, and they became angry. They united to fight against Jerusalem in order to try to stop the Jews from building the wall.

Not only was there opposition from without, but there was opposition from within as well. The people were growing tired. They had done a lot of work, and there was still a lot of work to do.

They had to take half of the men and give them swords, spears, and bows to protect them while the other half worked. Can you imagine having to protect the work of the LORD with swords? Nehemiah didn’t let the opposition discourage them from doing the work. He reminded the people that the LORD was on their side. They had to protect themselves, but they continued to do the work the LORD called them to do.

The builders worked with their swords on their side, so they would always have a way of protecting themselves if they needed to. Even though they prayed and asked God to protect them, they still did their part to protect themselves and the work they were called to do. They were ready at a moment’s notice, if they heard the trumpet sound to go to battle. They took turns guarding and working and didn’t even take their clothes off except to wash them. Would you go to this extent to protect the work of the LORD that He has called you to do?

It takes a lot of faith to continue when the enemy is using every tactic he can to try to discourage you. You have to keep trusting God and remembering His promises to provide and protect you so you can keep your faith strong and not give up when the battle gets tough. Keep listening for the trumpet call. Hebrews 10:38-39 says, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”


Daily Bible Reading:

Nehemiah 4:1-23

1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.

2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.

6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

7 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, [and] that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,

8 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.

9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.

12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.

13 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.

14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.

16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

19 And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.

20 In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.

21 So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

22 Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.

23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, [saving that] every one put them off for washing.

 

Things to think about:

  • What would you think it might be like if you had to protect yourself with swords in order to get the work done God called you to do?
  • Why is it that the enemy will try every tactic he can to keep the work of the LORD from going forward?
  • How far are you willing to go to protect the work of the LORD?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that in this Scripture in the book of Nehemiah we see that the people were determined to finish the work You called them to do in spite of the opposition they faced. Help us to have this kind of determination, that we won’t let anyone stop us from serving You. Protect us against those who would try to keep us from doing what You have called us to do. Give us the courage, strength and faith we need to finish the job. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

**Click on the link above to get your copy.

 

Christian Music Video: Break Every Chain – Jesus Culture

 

Featured Book:

Nehemiah(1)-25The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Nehemiah by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Nehemiah was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a great leader. He headed up the project. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people encountered they were able to complete this major project in less than sixty days. Their dedication and determination shines through in every aspect of the project.

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination contains eighteen Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion and a prayer for the day. This is a great Bible study that can be used for either a personal Daily Bible Reading Study or for a group Bible study.

Go to Amazon to download your copy!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

 

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study the Bible along with us.

Daily Bible Reading “Working Together for God” (Nehemiah 3:1-33)

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Nehemiah Map of Jerusalem 500Working Together for God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Nehemiah 3:1-33. We see in this Scripture in the book of Nehemiah how the Jewish people dedicated to building the wall worked together to get the walls of the city of Jerusalem rebuilt.

They broke up the overall job into different parts and each part was assigned to a certain families or groups. Notice that the high priest was the first one mentioned in the list of people doing the work. He set the example for the rest of the men to follow.

The people sanctified their work to the LORD. Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” The city of Jerusalem and the walls of the city were important to God and the people recognized that and dedicated themselves to do this work for the LORD.

Let’s look at some of the gates of the city that are mentioned in this Scripture:

1)  The Sheep Gate: This gate was probably where the shepherds fed the sheep. It reminds us that Jesus is the Lamb of God as we see in this Scripture John 1:29 says, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

2) The Fish Gate: This was close to the Fish Market.

3)  The Valley Gate: This gate reminds us that even when we go through the valleys of life we don’t have to fear if we have the Lord by our side. Psalm 23:4 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

4) The Dung Gate: You could probably smell this gate from far away.

5) The Horse Gate: This gate reminds us that we are soldiers in the army of God. They had to have a place to leave their horses.

6) The Gate of the Fountain: In this Scripture the LORD refers to himself as the fountain of living waters. Jeremiah 2:13 says, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”

7) The Water Gate: This is probably the gate where the water was brought into the city. Water is for cleansing. Ephesians 5:26 says, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”

8) The East Gate: This Scripture tells us that the LORD came into the house by the East Gate Ezekiel 43:4 says, “And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east.”

As Christians we all have different gifts and different places in the body of Christ to build one another up and encourage each other in the work of the ministry. Ephesians4:11-12 reminds us of this, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

Notice that in verse 5 it says that the Tekoites were assigned a section of the wall, but their nobles didn’t take part in the project. What kind of example were they setting? When we all work together we can accomplish a lot more in less time. No doubt most of these men weren’t even builders, but they all came together to get the job done.

Some of the people worked on the walls, some worked on the gates, and some worked on the part of the wall that was closest to their homes. No matter what part they had, they were all assigned a certain part and were responsible for seeing that the work was completed. This was a team effort, but it was important for each person to do his part.

Nehemiah had a list of who was doing what part of the project, so they were all held accountable for their assignment. As you read through the Scripture you’ll notice that there were people from all different levels of society: there was the high priest, there were priests, there were rulers, and there were common men all working together to accomplish the work of the LORD.

Some of you who’ve been fortunate enough to visit the city of Jerusalem may recognize some of the places they’re talking about in this Scripture. Notice that Nehemiah takes us on a journey around the city wall. He starts with the Sheep Gate in verse 1 and goes all the way around the city wall and ends up back at the Sheep Gate in verse 32. This was a huge undertaking. The walls were tall and they were made of heavy stones that had to be placed one by one.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Nehemiah 3: 1-33

1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.

8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.

9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.

10 And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.

11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.

13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

14 But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king’s garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto [the place] over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.

17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.

19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.

22 And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.

23 After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.

24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning [of the wall], even unto the corner.

25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning [of the wall], and the tower which lieth out from the king’s high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.

26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.

28 From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.

29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

30 After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.

32 And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

 

Things to think about:

  • Have you ever visited the city of Jerusalem? If not, would you like to and why?
  • Have you ever had the opportunity of working with people from different walks of life? If so, what are the benefits?
  • What blessings have you received from working together with other believers?
  • Did it matter what kind of project you worked on?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Nehemiah where we see how the people came together to accomplish the project You laid on Nehemiah’s heart. Help us as Christians to encourage one another and to come together to accomplish the work of Your Kingdom. Help us to be responsible and do our part. We love You, LORD. Amen.

This is an excerpt from:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

**Click on the link above to get your copy.

 

Christian Music Video: “There is Power” – Lincoln Brewster

 

Featured Book:

Nehemiah(1)-25The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Nehemiah by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Nehemiah was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a great leader. He headed up the project. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people encountered they were able to complete this major project in less than sixty days. Their dedication and determination shines through in every aspect of the project.

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination contains eighteen Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion and a prayer for the day. This is a great Bible study that can be used for either a personal Daily Bible Reading Study or for a group Bible study.

Go to Amazon to download your copy!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

 

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study the Bible along with us.

Daily Bible Reading “Nehemiah Surveys the Walls” (Nehemiah 2:11-20)

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Nehemiah 2 18Nehemiah Surveys the Walls

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Nehemiah 2:11-20. Nehemiah made his journey and arrived safely in Jerusalem. He hadn’t told anyone about the plans the LORD laid on his heart for the city. He had been there for three days, when he went out at night with a few men to examine the damage done to the city walls and gates by the enemies of the Jews. Those enemies didn’t want to see Israel rebuilt and become a powerful nation again.

The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem was significant in God’s plan to get the city ready for the coming of the Messiah, as stated in Daniel 9:25, “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.”

Nehemiah went at night so the rulers wouldn’t know where he went or what he did. He finally told the people to look at the city of Jerusalem and how it was in ruins and the gates were burned. He asked them to help him build the wall around Jerusalem so they would no longer be scorned by their enemies. Without the wall there was no protection from the outside world or no way to contain the people on the inside of the city.

He also told the people how God had favor on him and how the king gave him permission to come there to do this work, because of the LORD’S favor on him. He told the people, “Let’s all come together and do this work.” They agreed and gathered together to accomplish the work of rebuilding the wall of the city. Nehemiah realized that he couldn’t do all this work by himself, so he went to the leaders to ask for their help and support.

Some of the men laughed and ridiculed them when they heard what the plans were. The men asked them if they were going against the king. The men who laughed didn’t know that the king gave his support for the project. Anytime you go to do something there will be people who try to oppose you or discourage you from doing what God has asked you to do.

We have to remember just as God has His people to work for Him, the enemy also uses people to try to defeat the work of God. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Nehemiah didn’t let their opposition get to him. He was a man on a mission.

Nehemiah answered his opposition and told them that God would provide for them, and they were going to build the wall. He basically told them that they didn’t have a say in the matter because they had no portion, no right, and no memorial in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah let the people know that this plan was from God. It wasn’t something that he just dreamed up on his own. When God picked Nehemiah to lead in the rebuilding of the wall, He picked someone who was strong, who loved Him and who was willing to lead in getting the work done that He called Nehemiah to do.

In many ways our lives are like the walls of the city of Jerusalem. We have broken pieces and burned out gates that only God through Jesus Christ can repair. Proverbs 25:28 says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”


Daily Bible Reading:

Nehemiah 2:11-20

11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

12 And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king’s pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.

15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.

16 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why do you think Nehemiah didn’t tell anyone about his plan when he first arrived at Jerusalem?
  • In what ways did people try to oppose Nehemiah and discourage him about his project?
  • How did Nehemiah respond to those who opposed him?
  • Have you turned your life over to God, so He can repair all the broken pieces through His Son, Jesus Christ?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Nehemiah where we see the leadership skills that Nehemiah had and the burning desire You placed in his heart. He knew he was doing something You called him to do and he wasn’t going to let anyone deter him from doing it. Help us, LORD, to follow Nehemiah’s example and not let others discourage us when we are trying to do what You have called us to do. Please rebuild the broken places in our lives. We love You, LORD. Amen.

This is an excerpt from:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

**Click on the link above to get your copy.

 

Christian Music Video: Trust In You – Lauren Daigle

 

Featured Book:

Nehemiah(1)-25The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Nehemiah by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Nehemiah was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a great leader. He headed up the project. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people encountered they were able to complete this major project in less than sixty days. Their dedication and determination shines through in every aspect of the project.

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination contains eighteen Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion and a prayer for the day. This is a great Bible study that can be used for either a personal Daily Bible Reading Study or for a group Bible study.

Go to Amazon to download your copy!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

 

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study the Bible along with us.

Daily Bible Reading “God Answers Nehemiah’s Prayer” (Nehemiah 2:1-10)

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Nehemiah 2 4God Answers Nehemiah’s Prayer

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Nehemiah 2:1-10. It was now the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, and it was the month of Nisan. Nehemiah went before the king to give him his wine and the king noticed that Nehemiah had a sad look on his face. The king asked Nehemiah why he was sad, was he sick or just sad in his heart? Nehemiah was extremely afraid to tell the king of his concern.

Since Nehemiah was the king’s cup-bearer he had constant access to the king and got to know the king personally. He was a trusted bodyguard to the king. It was his duty to protect the king and make sure that no one tried to kill the king through giving him food or wine that was poisoned.

Nehemiah prayed to God and he felt led to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. He asked for God’s favor with the king. Nehemiah said to the king, “Let the king live for ever.” He then goes on to tell the king that he’s sorrowful because the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and the gates were burned down. The king asked Nehemiah, what did he want him to do to help?

He told the king if he found favor in his eyes, he would like him to be sent back to Judah, to rebuild the city. The king asked him how long he would be gone and when he would return. Nehemiah gave the king a time and the king sent him to do the job that God had laid on his heart.

The king told him, with the queen sitting beside him to witness it, that he could go. Nehemiah asked the king to write letters to the governors on the other side of the river so they would permit him to pass through their territory until he arrived in Judah.

Nehemiah also asked that a letter be written to Asaph, who was the keeper of the king’s forest, so he would give him timbers for beams to use in the construction of the gates of the palace, the walls of the city, and the house he would live in. The king granted everything Nehemiah requested because the hand of God and His favor was upon Nehemiah.

Nehemiah went to the governors beyond the river and gave them the letters the king had written. The king also sent the captains of the army and horsemen along with Nehemiah. When the governors received the letters and heard that Nehemiah had come to check on the well-being of the children of Israel they were very distressed.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Nehemiah 2:1-10

1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.

6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why do you think Nehemiah was afraid to approach the king with his request?
  • How did God provide for Nehemiah’s project?
  • Have you ever felt led to do something so big that you knew you were going to have to have God’s favor to get it done?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that we can see in this Scripture in the book of Nehemiah that You provided Nehemiah with everything he needed to do the job You had called him to do. We also see that You gave him the courage to go to the king and ask for the things he needed for the journey. Please help us and equip us to do the job You have called us to do and give us the courage to carry it through. We love You, LORD. Amen.

This is an excerpt from:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

**Click on the link above to get your copy.

 

Christian Music Video: Finding Favour – Say Amen

 

Featured Book:

Nehemiah(1)-25The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Nehemiah by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Nehemiah was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a great leader. He headed up the project. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people encountered they were able to complete this major project in less than sixty days. Their dedication and determination shines through in every aspect of the project.

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination contains eighteen Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion and a prayer for the day. This is a great Bible study that can be used for either a personal Daily Bible Reading Study or for a group Bible study.

Go to Amazon to download your copy!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study the Bible along with us.

Daily Bible Reading “Nehemiah’s Concern for Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 1:1-11)

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Nehemiah 1 4Nehemiah’s Concern for Jerusalem

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Nehemiah 1:1-11.  For those of you who have read my book The Book of Ezra: A Story of Provision and Protection, the book of Nehemiah is the next book in the Bible after Ezra. The name Nehemiah means “comforted of the LORD.” Nehemiah was the son of Hachaliah and was thought to be from the tribe of Judah.

The book of Nehemiah describes the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the purifying of the Jewish people. The events of this book are believed to have taken place in the second half of the fifth century. The book of Nehemiah begins about fifteen years after the book of Ezra. In the book of Ezra we learned about the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem after seventy years of Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple.

In this Scripture we see that Nehemiah was a cup bearer in the palace at Shushan. The cupbearer had the duty of tasting the king’s wine before serving it to him to make sure it was not poisoned. Shushan was a place we learned about in the book of Esther. It was the place where the king’s palace was located. It was the twentieth year of the king’s reign and in the month of Chisleu that Nehemiah inquires about Jerusalem. Chisleu is from the Jewish calendar and is equivalent to November-December on the modern day (Gregorian) calendar.

Nehemiah learned from some of the men who had been to Jerusalem to check on the building program that the walls of the city of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates had been burned. The walls and gates of the city were to help protect the people of Jerusalem and keep its enemies out of the city. They also helped to keep the culture of the people of Jerusalem within the walls of the city. When Nehemiah heard about the condition of the city of Jerusalem and the ruin of its walls he cried, mourned, fasted, and prayed to God for days. Psalm 122:6 reminds us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”

Nehemiah prayed to God day and night for the children of Israel. He confessed they had sinned against God by not keeping His commandments or statutes. He begged God to remember that He had said if they were disobedient He would scatter them, but if they returned to God He would gather them back to Jerusalem.

Nehemiah begged God to have mercy on him and on the children of Israel.  Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Nehemiah knew the promises of God and he declared them for the people of Israel and for the city of Jerusalem.


Daily Bible Reading:

Nehemiah 1:1-11

1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.

7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

 

Things to think about:

  • What was Nehemiah’s concern for the people of Israel?
  • What was Nehemiah’s concern for the city of Jerusalem?
  • Why should we pray for the peace of Jerusalem?
  • Do you pray for God’s blessings on your country?
  • Have you ever been so concerned about something that you prayed for days to God like Nehemiah did?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Nehemiah where we see that Your servant Nehemiah had a heart for You and Your people. Help us to have that same kind of concern for the people of God. Forgive us of the ways that we have failed You. Help those who have turned away from You to turn back to You. Give us strength for this journey we’re on. Help those who don’t know You yet to find their way to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

**Click on the link above to get your copy.

 

Christian Music Video:

Featured Book:

Nehemiah(1)-25The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Nehemiah by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Nehemiah was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a great leader. He headed up the project. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people encountered they were able to complete this major project in less than sixty days. Their dedication and determination shines through in every aspect of the project.

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination contains eighteen Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion and a prayer for the day. This is a great Bible study that can be used for either a personal Daily Bible Reading Study or for a group Bible study.

Go to Amazon to download your copy!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

 

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study the Bible along with us.