Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah

Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah

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Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah

Ezra Teaches The Law Nehemiah Builds The Walls


Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s focus on the enemy required

tremendous focus & determination Facing an external threat was difficult If that wasn’t bad enough…now he had

to deal with an internal situation that was just as threatening & discouraging


Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Everyone was having to contend with a

famine v. 3b It created bad situations between brethren Some were apparently more adversely

affected than others There was an “outcry” against some

Jewish nobles & rulers v. 1


Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Effects of the famine…

It forced some to mortgage their own lands and houses just to buy food v. 3a

Some had to borrow money just to pay the king’s tax on their fields v. 4

Others sold themselves into indentured slavery to repay v. 5a cp. Ex 21:1-11


Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Effects of the famine…

They complained “Our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers…our children are like their children” v. 5a We are equal to them re: the covenant

Yet, they were helpless because now their lenders owned their land v. 5b


Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s reaction vv. 6-11

He became angry v. 6 He “…consulted with himself” v. 7a

He thought it over…he “counted to 10” Acting out of anger rarely ever produces

the right results Jas 1:19-20



Thought question…how good might Susa have looked to him right now? Remember Artaxerxes’ question 2:6 Given all the outside opposition…and now

this with his own brethren…what might you have been tempted to do?



How did the Law address this? Ex 22:25 Lev 25:35-43 Deut 23:19-20 Could Jews lend brethren money? YES What restriction(s) governed such actions?

Interest could not be charged Pledges could not be kept Indentured slaves had to be released



What kind of work had Ezra done among the remnant? Ezra 7:6a, 10, 25

What do these present actions say about their obedience to all that Ezra had taught them?



He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 He rebuked the nobles and the rulers for

their usury v. 7b He accused them of undoing all the good

previously done re: freeing the remnant from surrounding nations v. 8a



He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 The initial response…SILENCE What defense could the nobles & rulers

have given? cp. 1 Kings 18:21 Rom 1:20



He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 They had forgotten Jerusalem was still a

“reproach among the nations” v. 9 This behavior was not going to help their

image among the surrounding nations



He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 He admitted he had lent money also v. 10 Implication…he had not charged interest How could he rebuke them for the same

unlawful behavior if he was also guilty? The problem wasn’t lending…it was interest



He also held a public assembly vv. 7b-11 He ordered a return of all possessions to

those who had borrowed as well as the refunding of all interest collected v. 11

The remnant nobles & rulers agreed this was the right thing to do v. 12a


Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s other actions vv. 12b-13

He wanted more than just their promise… he put them under oath v. 12b

He also publicly shook out his garment as a sign to what God would do to them if they did not do what was right v. 13


Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s example vv. 14-18

His governorship was exemplary Apparently, he began serving as governor

upon leaving Susa v. 14 cp. 2:1 He didn’t just lead by issuing orders…

he led by setting the proper example



In 12 years as governor, he never took advantage of the food allowance This would have placed a burden upon the

people vv. 15, 18b He still provided for over 150 people daily…

apparently at his own expense vv. 17-18a



In 12 years as governor, he never took advantage of the food allowance He never lost sight of the important work for

which he had left Susa…building the walls v. 16


Internal Problems Arise Neh 5 Nehemiah’s prayer v. 19

His consistency 1:5-11a 2:4 4:4-5, 9 A concern for how his actions would be

viewed by those he led


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Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah

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