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Home , Book of Ezra, Book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah, Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah 10, Sanballat the Horonite

Book of - Thorough

In the earliest form of the Hebrew canon known to us the books of and Nehemiah were united in one, under the name of "The ." After a while, a division was made, and the two books which we now recognize were distinguished as "the First Book of Ezra" and "the Second Book of Ezra" Later still - probably not until toward the close of the fourth century - the Second Book of Ezra came to be known as "the ."

The Book of Nehemiah is composed of four quite distinct sections:

(1) Neh. 1-7 containing the record of the 20th year of Artaxerxes (or 445-444 B.C.), but composed by Nehemiah at least twelve years later Neh 5:14.

(2) the second section of the work consists of Neh. 8-10, and contains a narrative of some events belonging to the autumn of 444 B.C. In this portion Nehemiah is spoken of in the third person; פחה he is called the Tirshatha (Neh. 8:9)," whereas in the earlier chapters his title is always pechâh ("governor") (Neh. 5:14); and Ezra holds the first and most prominent position. The style of this portion of the book is markedly different from that of the earlier and later chapters; and critics are generally agreed that it is NOT from the hand of Nehemiah. Some assign it to Ezra; others conjecture (or Zidkijah), Nehemiah's scribe or secretary Neh 13:13, to have been the author.

(3) Neh. 11-12:26, which consists of six important lists.

List 1 Neh. 11:1-24 and List 2 Neh 11:25-36 are probably either the work of Nehemiah himself or documents drawn up by his orders.

Of the other lists Neh. 12:1-26 some may have been drawn up in the time (or even by the hand) of Nehemiah, and incorporated by him into his work as documents having an intrinsic value, though not connected very closely with the subject matter of his history. But the list in Neh 12:10-11 cannot, in its present shape, have proceeded from his hand, or from that of a contemporary, since it mentions , who lived about a century LATER THAN Nehemiah. Neither can Neh 12:22-23 intruded between the 5th and 6th lists - lists closely interconnected - belong to Nehemiah's time, since they contain a mention of both Jaddua and Darius Codomannus, his contemporary. Possibly, the list in question and the intruded verses may have proceeded from the same hand.

The section may therefore be regarded as the compilation of Nehemiah himself, with the exception of Neh 12:11, Neh 12:22-23, which must have been added a century later. Or, it was first added at that period. In either case, the writer must be equally considered to have drawn the lists from contemporary state archives (see Neh 12:23).

(4) Neh 12:27 to the end. This section contains an account of the dedication of the wall, and of certain reforms which Nehemiah effected after his return from in 432-431 B.C.. It is allowed on all hands to be, in the main, the work of Nehemiah, and written soon after the events - probably in 431 B.C. or 430 B.C. It is perhaps, on the whole, more probable that the various sections composing the "Book of Nehemiah" were collected by Nehemiah himself, who had written, at any rate, two of them Neh. 1-7:5; Neh 12:27; Neh 13:31. Having composed these two separate memoirs, and having perhaps drawn up also certain lists, he adopted from without an account of some religious transactions belonging to his first period, and, inserting this in its proper place, prefixed to the whole work the title, "The words of Nehemiah, the son of Hachaliah," as fitly designating its main contents. His work, thus formed, was subsequently added to by Jaddua, or a writer of that time, who inserted into it Neh 12:11, Neh 12:22-23. Or, possibly, this late writer may first have formed the book into a whole. The date of the compilation would, in the former case, be about 430 B.C.; in the latter, about one century later.

Nehemiah: Theme Rebuilding the walls

Nehemiah 1-7:3 Nehemiah and Rebuilding the Walls

Nehemiah 7:4 - ch. 13 Revival of the People and Final Reforms

Nehemiah 1-2 Nehemiah's return and accomplishments

Nehemiah 3-7 Work on, and completion of, the walls

Nehemiah 8:4-8 And they read from the book, from the Law of God, giving the sense so that they understood the reading

Nehemiah Artaxerxes' cupbearer, governor of , supervisor of construction

Artaxerxes Persian king who was the son of and stepson of . He allowed the to rebuild the walls of under the leadership of Nehemiah.

Sanballat Influential Samaritan who sought to end construction on the walls and plotted the assassination of Nehemiah

52 days Time it took Nehemiah to rebuild the walls

Two non prescribed feasts Purim and

Three main Hebrew festivals during the year Passover, Firstfruits, Booths

Reconstruction of Wall

Preparation (1,2) - initial preparation in , Jerusalem: preparing to get people ready Reconstruction (3)

Restoration 1) Renewal of covenant 2) Obedience to covenant

Time: 19 years (only took 52 days to rebuild wall) Malachai: last prophet of Israel is prophesying

Chapter summaries

Chapter 1 - N asks how Jerusalem is: gets bad news back (distresses over Jerusalem) • Expresses compassionate emotions • Compassionate readiness to do what God says

Chapter 2 - Nehemiah's request to the king, comes to Jerusalem, opposition of adversaries

Chapter 3 - Rebuilding of the walls

Chapter 4 - People get very angry and mock the Jews for rebuilding. Decide to attack people, but the Jews set up a guard against them. 10 times they tried to surprise attack, but every time God warned them. Nehemiah has to remind them of the history of God "do not be afraid, God will fight for us."

Chapter 6 - trying to negotiate to not build the wall. False prophecy, threats. Walls were completed in 52 days, when enemies heard of it they lost confidence

Chapter 7 - Set up people to guard the gates of the city. List of people/families

Chapter 8 - Ezra & Nehemiah are together. People gathered at city ask Ezra to bring out book of the law (read & teach). Stood up when he read. Feast of Tabernacles

Chapter 9 - Confession & covenant renewal (recount history of God's faithfulness)

Chapter 10 - List of names of people who signed the covenant

Chapter 11 - List of those who agreed to live in Jerusalem to protect it

Chapter 12 - Dedicate the walls

Chapter 13 - Nehemiah had told king & queen that he would come back to Susa. While gone: • (man who tried to oppose the walls) has been given place in temple where they stored things. Nehemiah threw him out when he came back. • Found out that the people had not been bringing offerings to the priests • People are not keeping the . Tells them to close gates start of Sabbath (no trading) • People intermarrying

1. In what city was Nehemiah located as the book of Nehemiah opens? Susa 2. What word is used to designate the Jewish people that survived the exile and were back in ? Remnant 3. What did Hanai report to Nehemiah about the wall of Jerusalem? It was broken down 4. Grammatically speaking, in what person is history related in the early part of book of Nehemiah? First person 5. How did Nehemiah describe the covenant of God? As a covenant of love 6. What was the office of Nehemiah in Susa? Cupbearer to the king 7. In what year did Nehemiah appear before Artaxerxes with great sadness? in the twentieth year of our Lord 8. Who asked the King if he could rebuild the city of Judah where his fathers were buried? . What did Nehemiah ask of the king after the king asked him concerning his sadness? He asked the king to send him to Jerusalem so he could rebuild the city 10. Why did Nehemiah ask the king for letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates? So they would provide him safe conduct when he arrived 11. Where did Nehemiah plan to use the beams made from the timber to be obtained from Asaph? The gates of the citadel by the temple 12. How were the king's letters delivered to the governors of Trans-Euphrates? Nehemiah delivered the letters to the governors 13. What two men were upset that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites? Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official 14. On how many mounts did Nehemiah have when he first went to inspect the city of Jerusalem? Only the one he was riding 15. What did Nehemiah tell the people would result from their rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem? Only the one he was riding 16. What three men mocked and ridiculed the workers as they began to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem? Sanballat, Tobiah, Greshem 17. What was the nationality of Gresham? Arab 18. Of what does the third chapter of Nehemiah consist? Naming the various sections of the wall and the names of those who repaired them 19. What occupations are mentioned among those who worked on the rebuilding of the wall? goldsmiths, perfume maker, merchants 20. How does Nehemiah describe the dedication of the workers as they build the wall? the people worked with all their heart 21. What burdensome problem drained the strength of the builders of the wall? There was so much rubble that they had trouble building the wall 22. How was the work force reorganized when the workers returned to the task of building the wall? From that day on, half of the men did the work while the other half stood guard 23. What measure did Nehemiah take to enable the wall builders to gather together quickly when needed? He told the people to gather when they heard the sound of the trumpet 24. How constantly did the men keep their weapons with them? Each carried his weapon even when he went for water 25. On hearing the plight of the impoverished Jews, of what crime did Nehemiah accuse the nobles and officials? He told them they were exacting usury from their own countrymen 26. How much usury were the nobles and officials charging the impoverished Jews? The hundredth part of the money, grain, new wine and oil 27. Whom did Nehemiah summon when he made the nobels and officials take the oath? The priests 28. For what reason did Nehemiah say he did not take advantage of the people? His reverence for God 29. How many ox were prepared for Nehemiah daily? One ox 30. What was the total number of times that Sanballat and Greshem asked to meet with Nehemiah? Five times 31. What was Sanballat trying to do when he wrote the unsealed letter to Nehemiah? He was trying to frighten the Jews hoping they would not complete the 32. What did Nehemiah pray when Sanballat sent his unsealed letter? He prayed that his hands might be strengthened 33. What was Nehemiah's response when Semaiah asked him to close himself in at the temple? He refused to do so, saying he should not go into the temple to save his life 34. On what date was the wall complete? On the twenty-fifth of Elul 35. Whom did Nehemiah put in charge of Jerusalem after the wall was finished? His brother Hanani 36. How were the doors of Jerusalem secured at night? They were barred 37. Who had taken the exiles captive to Babylon? Nebuchadnezzar 38. Who was Nebuchadnezzar? King of Babylon 39. When was the first general assembly of Israel after the registration of the people? When the seventh month came 40. Which direction did Ezra face as he read the Law for the assembly at the square before the Water Gate? He faced the square 41. How many men stood on Ezra's right side as he read the Law to the people? 6 42. Who opened the book for Ezra to read the Law? Ezra 43. What did the Levites do for the people the day Ezra read the Law? They instructed the people in the law 44. What did the people do as they listened to the words of the Law? They wept 45. On hearing the Law read, the people learned that they were to live in booths during a feast. In what month of the year was this feast to occur? The seventh month 46. How long did the Israelites celebrate the feast of booths? Seven days 47. How long did those who gathered for confession of sin read from the Book of the Law? for a fourth of the day 48. What man did the people, in their prayer of confession, say the lord had chosen? Abram 49. From what place had the Lord brought out Abram? Ur 50. What is another name for the Chaldeans? Babylonians 51. How did the people in their prayer of confession, acknowledge the Lord's sensing the suffering of the forefathers? You saw the suffering of our forefathers in Egypt; you heard their cry at the Red Sea 52. What did the people, in their prayer of confession, say the Lord had sent against the Egyptians during the time of the suffering of the Israelites? Miraculous signs and wonders 53. According to the Israelites' prayer of confession, what had the Lord done to those pursuing Israel as Israel fled from Egypt by passing through the sea? He hurled them into the depths of the sea 54. Through whom had the Lord given the laws to Israel? 55. What had been God's attitude as the Israelites became arrogant when they appointed their leader to return them to slavery? He did not desert them 56. How extensively had the Lord increased the number of Israelites as he brought them into the Promised Land? As numerous as the stars in the sky 57. What is found in :1-27? The names of those who sealed the binding agreements 58. What was the summary statement of the Israelites in their binding agreement? We will not neglect the house of our God 59. As lots were cast, one out of every ten were to live in Jerusalem. Where did the other nine live? In their own towns 60. How were the men who lived in Jerusalem after the sealing of the covenant described? Brave men 61. What musical instruments were used in praising the Lord? Cymbals, harps, lyres 62. How many of the people followed the second choir past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall? Half 63. What was the dominant feeling as the people offered great sacrifices on the day the wall was dedicated? great joy 64. What was read for the people to hear on the day of the dedication of the wall? The book of Moses 65. Why was no Ammonite of Moabite to be admitted into assembly of God? These nations had opposed Israel as Israel traveled through their areas on their way to possess the Promised Land 66. What had God done with the curse of against Israel? He had turned the curse 67. What was Nehemiah's feeling when he learned that had provided Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God? He was greatly displeased 68. Who was bringing fish and other merchandise into Jerusalem and selling them on the Sabbath? Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem 69. What did Nehemiah do to stop commercial traffic in Jerusalem on the Sabbath? He ordered that the gates of Jerusalem be shut on the evening before the Sabbath and not opened until the Sabbath over, and he stationed some of his men at the gates so no load could be brought in on the Sabbath 70. Why did Nehemiah command the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates of Jerusalem? In order to keep the Sabbath day holy 71. What did Nehemiah do to the men who married foreign wives while he was gone to Babylon? Rebuked them, called curses down on the them, beat some of the men, pulled the hair of some of the men, and made them take an oath in God's name 72. What oath did Nehemiah make the men take who had married the foreign wives while he was gone to Babylon? Not to allow their children to marry foreign people 73. What reform did Nehemiah make among his priests and Levites after his return from visiting Artaxerxes? He purified them to everything foreign, and assigned them duties, each to his own task 74. What are the closing words of the book of Nehemiah? Remember me with favor, O my God 75. In what month and year does the book of Nehemiah begin? In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year (of King Artaxerxes). 76. What did Nehemiah question the men from Judah about? The Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 77. How did the men from Judah describe Jerusalem to Nehemiah? The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. 78. What was Nehemiah's first reaction after hearing the news about Jerusalem? He sat down and wept. 79. What did Nehemiah continue to do for some days? He mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 80. After hearing about Jerusalem, how did Nehemiah refer to God in his prayer? O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God. 81. How often did Nehemiah say he was praying to God? Day and night. 82. Who did Nehemiah tell God he was praying for? Your servants, the people of Israel. 83. What did Nehemiah ask God to give him success with? Granting him favor in the presence of this man. 84. In what month and year did Nehemiah tell the king about his sadness? In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes. 85. How did Nehemiah feel when the king asked him why we was sad? Very much afraid. 86. What did Nehemiah do before answering the king about what he wanted? Prayed to the God of heaven. 87. After hearing Nehemiah's request to return to Jerusalem, what did the king ask? How long will your journey take, and when will you get back? 88. What was Nehemiah's request of the governors of Trans-Euphrates? That they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah. 89. What was Asaph's ? Keeper of the king's forest. 90. Why did the king grant Nehemiah's requests? Because the gracious hand of God was upon him. 91. What did the king provide to Nehemiah that was not requested? Army officers and cavalry. 92. Who was disturbed to hear about Nehemiah's plans? and Tobiah the Ammonite. 93. How long did Nehemiah stay in Jerusalem before inspecting the wall? Three days. 94. What time of day was it when Nehemiah inspected the wall? During the night. 95. What gate did Nehemiah go out through to inspect the wall? Valley Gate. 96. What gate did Nehemiah enter when he was done inspecting the wall? Valley Gate. 97. What was the response of the people of Jerusalem to Nehemiah's charge to rebuild the wall? Let us start rebuilding. 98. What did Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem say as they ridiculed the Jews? What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king? 99. Who did Nehemiah say would provide the success in rebuilding the wall? The God of heaven. 100. Who rebuilt the Sheep Gate? Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests. 101. Who rebuilt the Fish Gate? The sons of Hassenaah. 102. Who rebuilt the Jeshanah Gate? and Meshullam. 103. Who rebuilt the Valley Gate? and the residents of Zanoah. 104. Who rebuilt the Dung Gate? Malkijah, the son of Recab. 105. Who rebuilt the Fountain Gate? Shallun. 106. Who rebuilt the Water Gate? Pedaiah and the temple servants. 107. Who rebuilt the Horse Gate? The priests. 108. Who rebuilt the East Gate? Shemaiah. 109. Who rebuilt the Inspection Gate? Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths. 110. What animal did Tobiah say would make the wall fall down if it stood on it? A fox. 111. How tall was the wall rebuilt when the enemies of Jerusalem became angry? Half its height. 112. What was Nehemiah's response to the threats of the enemy? Prayed to God and posted a guard day and night. 113. After the threat from the enemies, what percent of the men worked on the wall? Half. 114. How were the other half of men equipped for protection? With spears, shields, bows, and armor. 115. What protection did the builders have in case the enemy attacked? Each of the builders wore his sword at his side. 116. How long in the day did the workers build the wall? From the first light of dawn till the stars came out. 117. What did the leaders have to give back to the people? Their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses. 118. In addition to giving the people back what belonged to them, what did the leaders have to stop charging (usury)? The hundredth part of the money, grain, new wine and oil. 119. Why did Nehemiah act differently than the previous governors for Judah? Out of reverence for God. 120. How many times did Sanballat and the enemies try to meet with Nehemiah to harm him? 5 times. 121. What false statements did Sanballat and the enemies accuse Nehemiah of? You and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and you are about to become their king. 122. How long did it take to rebuild the walls? 52 days. 123. What happened to the enemies after the wall was built? The surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence. 124. Why were the nations afraid after the wall was rebuilt? They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. 125. Those in Jerusalem had returned from exile in what country? Babylon. 126. Who read the Book of the to the people? Ezra the priest. 127. How long did Ezra read the Book of the Law of Moses? From day-break till noon. 128. What did the people say in response to Ezra reading the Book of the Law of Moses? "Amen! Amen!". 129. Who helped the people understand what was being read from the Book of the Law of Moses, making it clear and giving the meaning? The Levites. 130. What were the Israelites supposed to live in during the feast of the seventh month? Booths. 131. What did they go and find in order to build their booths? Branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms, and shade trees. 132. How long had it been for the Israelites to celebrate the festival of the seventh month like this? Since the days of . 133. On the 24th day of the seventh month, how long did the Israelites stand and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God? A quarter of the day. 134. After spending a quarter of the day reading from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God, they spent another quarter of the day doing what? Confession and worshiping the Lord their God. 135. The Lord God chose whom to bring out of Ur of the Chaldeans? Abram. 136. What name did God give Abram? . 137. God saw the suffering of our forefathers in what country? Egypt. 138. God sent what against Pharaoh? Miraculous signs and wonders. 139. God divided the sea before them, so that the Israelites did what? Passed through it on dry ground. 140. God hurled the pursuers into the depths like what? A stone into mighty waters. 141. By day God led them with what? A pillar of cloud. 142. By night God led them with what? A pillar of fire. 143. In their hunger God brought them what? Bread from heaven (manna). 144. In their thirst God brought the what? Water from the rock. 145. How long did God sustain the Israelites in the desert? 40 years. 146. God made their sons as numerous as what? The stars in the sky. 147. What did the Israelites promise God regarding marriage? "Not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons." 148. When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, what did the Israelites promise God? "We will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day." 149. How often will the Israelites forgo working the land and will cancel all debts? Every 7th year. 150. How did the people determine when each family was to bring to the house of God a contribution of wood to burn on the altar? They cast lots. 151. Who was to accompany the Levites when they received the ? A priest descended from . 152. The leaders of the people settled where? In Jerusalem. 153. How many of the rest of the people were to live in Jerusalem? One out of every ten. 154. How did the Levites celebrate at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem? Joyfully with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres. 155. During the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, where did Nehemiah have the leaders of Judah go? Up on top of the wall. 156. Why did the people offer great sacrifices and rejoice during the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem? God had given them great joy. 157. When did Nehemiah return to the king of Babylon? 32nd year of Artaxerxes. 158. The book of Nehemiah contains the personal ____ of Nehemiah. Memoires 159. The final form of Nehemiah as we have it may had help in composition from ____ Ezra 160. When would Nehemiah have arrived in the promised land? 447 or 446 B.C. 161. What extra biblical source prohibit a date for Nehemiah later than 400 BC? Elephantin letter No. 30 162. Where was Elephantin? On an island in the Nile 163. Who led the first wave of Jews back to the Land from Babylon? 164. What Persian king granted Nehemiah permission to return? Artaxerxes 165. What two Samaritan enemies opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the wall? Sanballat & Tobiah 166. List five of the reforms Nehemiah established in his first reform movement? 1. Observance of the Sabbath; 2. Tax to support the temple; 3. Renewal of the covenant; 4. Prohibitions against mixed marriages; 5. Reestablished the festivals