Full Commentary in PDF format - Free sermon outlines, Bible study ...

escape from shame.b. Status of the Work of God – centered around the prosperity of Jerusalem“and about Jerusalem.”Our lives need to be aligned with God’s purpose for this point in history; what is important toGod should be important to usC. (:3) Distressed State of God’s Kingdom Program“They said to me” – Report of Devastation and Shame1. Problem #1 – God’s People Need Reviving / Rebuilding –Chaps. 8-13“The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in greatdistress and reproach,”2. Problem #2 – God’s Work (The Walls / Gates) Needs Reviving / Rebuilding –Chaps. 1-7a. The Walls of the City of God“and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down”b. The Gates of the City of God“and its gates are burned with fire.”MacArthur: The opposition had successfully thwarted the Jews’ attempt to reestablish Jerusalemas a distinctively Jewish city capable of withstanding its enemies’ assaults, which could possiblylead to another destruction of the newly rebuilt temple.Yamauchi: Most scholars, however, do not believe that Nehemiah’s distress was caused by thecondition of walls torn down 140 years before his time but rather by the episode of Ezra 4:7-23.According to this passage Jews had attempted to rebuild the walls earlier, in the reign ofArtaxerxes I. But after the protest of Rehum and Shimshai, the king ordered the Jews to desist.II. (:4) THE CONCENTRATED GRIEF OF GOD’S CONCERNED SERVANTA. Emotional Response of Intense Grief – not just analyzing the situation but disconnected1. Attentive to kingdom priorities“When I heard these words,”2. Shocked into interrupting normal activities – takes a lot to interrupt some people“I sat down” -- are we more interested in our own agenda or God’s agenda??Kidner: Since Nehemiah’s natural bent was for swift, decisive action, his behaviour here isremarkable. It shows where his priorities lay.Yamauchi: Custom of mourners being seated (cf. Ps. 137:1; Job 2:13)3. Overcome with intense grief – this should be an emotional message“and wept and mourned for days;”