In the Month of Nisan Nehemiah 2:1-8

Ezra and Nehemiah – Two Parts to Each 1 – 6: Rebuilding of the temple 7 – 10: Restoration of worship Nehemiah 1 – 6: Rebuilding of the walls and putting the gates in place 7 – 13: Instruction for the people and the Word of God

Timeline of Ezra Ezra 1 – 6 530 B.C. 605 – 537 B.C. 16 Years Israel: 70 years of captivity under Babylonians Babylon conquered by Persians; Jews encouraged to return to Jerusalem to rebuild Temple. Opposition occurs, building stops God sends Haggai and Zechariah to speak the Word of God

Timeline of Ezra (continued) 458 B.C. 60 Years 14 Years God sends Haggai and Zechariah to speak the Word of God Ezra returns from Babylon to Jerusalem to deal with moral and spiritual life of the people, and establish worship.

Took place in the span of about one year Timeline of Nehemiah 20 Years Nehemiah 1 - 12 Nehemiah 13 Took place in the span of about one year Nehemiah goes back to serve King Artaxerxes and then returns to Jerusalem. Serves 2 terms as governor.

Major Themes of Nehemiah Prayer Leadership Teamwork Vision Opposition Spiritual Warfare Repentance and the Word Obedience

Summary of Nehemiah 1 Nehemiah heard the news Nehemiah wept, mourned, and fasted over the situation After that, the work began.

Nehemiah 2:1 “In the month of Nisan…” “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait patiently.” Psalm 5:3

Nehemiah 2:1 “In the month of Nisan…” “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Nehemiah 2:1 “In the month of Nisan…” “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Nehemiah 2:1 “In the month of Nisan…” “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20

Nehemiah 2:1 “In the month of Nisan…” “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7

Nehemiah 2:1 “In the month of Nisan…” “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5

Nehemiah 2:1 “In the month of Nisan…” “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” Isaiah 26:8

Nehemiah 2:2 “Why is your face sad, seeing that you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” “Then I was very much afraid.” Courage is not the absence of fear, but the courage to go through our fears.

Nehemiah 2:3 Nehemiah responds to the king. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15

Nehemiah 2:4 “What are you requesting?”