Session 11

Nehemiah 11 concludes the restoration of civil and religious life after the walls' completion, noting few Israelites lived in Jerusalem due to economic, familial, and preferential reasons. Every tenth person relocates to Jerusalem to revitalize the city. Nehemiah, like King David, organizes Levites and prioritizes worship, emphasizing missional living and a worshipping community. Discussion questions delve into living for mission, fostering worship, and church priorities.

Classroom

This section finishes the sequence of events that began in chapter 7 reestablishing the civil and religious life of Israel after the completion of the walls had been rebuilt. It was mentioned in Nehemiah 7:4 that while the walls were completed, few Israelites were living in Jerusalem.

Reasons Israelites had not moved back:

1. Economic reasons

2. Family ties

3. Preferences

Nehemiah 11:1-2 describes a process by which the people selected one out of every ten people from throughout the nation to live in Jerusalem. Those people relocated away from their families and lands where they had settled to contribute to the thriving of the holy city.

Following in the footsteps of King David, Nehemiah:

1. Organizes divisions of Levites

2. Prioritizes worship

Two principles from this section:

1. Missional Living – The people transcended the natural ways people lived in order to

contribute to the thriving of the community of God.

● Jesus sent out his disciples to make disciples of all nations. This meant some of

them would end up very far from home to proclaim the Gospel. We too can

consider how our geographic location serves the mission of God.

2. A Worshipping Community – Human and financial resources were dedicated to the

full-time work of worshipping God. There were even full-time musicians in the temple to ensure that God was praised and the people were spurred on in their worship.

● Our destiny is to be a worshipping community in the presence of God. Revelation 7 records a vision of people from all nations before the throne of God worshipping. We too should prioritize worship in the community of God now.

Questions for Discussion/Reflection:

○ What factors determined the location where you currently live?

○ Should you consider relocating to be a witness for Christ in a place where there is less

representation?

○ What would it look like for your home to be a place that fosters worship of God?

○ What are ways your church community could further emphasize worship to God?

Session 11

Venue

Sections

Downloads

About

Classroom Instructions

Classroom Instructions