10 – Successors and Ancestors – 11/30 – 12/6

This week’s lesson – Successors and Ancestors.

The initial verses of chapter 7 state that Nehemiah had completed his mission. Whereas in the previous chapter, the wall had been built but the doors had not been hung (6:1), now both were complete. The logistics of the wall and doors were over. Now that a mere administrative leadership was necessary for the upkeep of the structures Nehemiah delegated the task to others: Hanani and Hananiah (6:2). From this week’s lesson–[inGest]

Read about it, think about it, and let’s discuss this Sabbath.

9 – Through Hidden Opposition – Discernment – 11/23 – 11/29

This week’s lesson.

When Nehemiah was not intimated by social deception (invitation to compromising dialogue) or by military deception (rumors of rebellion by letter), the enemies resorted to spiritual deception. A prophet named Shemaiah (v.10) sounded quite concerned for Nehemiah’s welfare. In this dramatic sub-plot, this man, who was a shut-in in his own house (“a secret informer” in NKVJ), signifying the gravity of the matter, became anxious of murder plots in the night, and suggested that they both find safety in the temple.  From this week’s lesson–[inGest]

Read about it, think about it, and let’s discuss this Sabbath.

8 – Through Hidden Opposition: Strength – 11/16 – 11/22

This week’s lesson.

The coalition’s efforts to hinder the work of Nehemiah were unsuccessful. He had proved victorious against external forces as well the complications of internal conflicts. This time, the coalition used deceptive techniques and compromise to halt the almost completed reconstruction program.  From this week’s lesson–[inGest]

Read about it, think about it, and let’s discuss this Sabbath.

7 – The Usage of Power – 11/9 – 11/15

This week’s lesson.

Where there is motion, there is friction. Just when the external problems seemed to be resolved, internal conflict emerged. This internal crisis involved spouses, children, families, and the community as a whole. The rich were getting richer, while the poor became poorer. Since everyone was busy building the wall, they had no time to go to the fields. Verse 3 mentions a dearth, or famine, that caused the people to borrow money. Others, who had mortgaged their fields, borrowed money to pay the taxes. Unable to pay, some had to sell their children into slavery.  From this week’s lesson–[inGest]

Read about it, think about it, and let’s discuss this Sabbath,

6 – Through External Opposition: Watchfulness – 11/2 – 11/8

This week’s lesson.

We are to stand our ground for the cause of truth even when all those around us are not with us. Enemies are not only those who have anger, contempt, and cruelty, but also indolence, inconsistency, lukewarmness, and betrayal of friends and helpers. Those who love pleasure-seeking and the world are just as much enemies to the work as those who outright hate us. Morale affects people in more ways than one.

The secret to success is remembering that strength is from the Lord and that all were in this together: brothers, sons, daughters, wives, and whole families (4:14). In the middle of building, when they are most vulnerable, Nehemiah is at his strongest because God is with Him. In the end, trust was placed upon God to turn their weak morale into God’s victory.  From this week’s lesson–[inGest]

Read about it, think about it, and let’s discuss this Sabbath.

5 – Through External Opposition: Prayer – 10/26 – 11/1

This week’s lesson.

This week we find the biblical answer to external forms of opposition: prayer. It sounds like a simple answer, but it really is the ultimate means to overcome any challenge. Instead of letting emotion take over, Nehemiah resorted to prayer. He did not repress or express his frustrations to others. Instead, he confessed his heart to the Lord and then re-assessed his situation. This focus allowed the people to have confidence in their leader and to mimic his restraint and resolve.  From this week’s lesson–[inTro]

Read about it, think about it, and let’s discuss this Sabbath.