Nehemiah 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Nehemiah 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Nehemiah, the son of Hacaliah, was in Shushan the palace during the month Chislev (vv. 1-2). He inquired about the Jews who had escaped the captivity and learned from Hanani and others that the remnant faced great affliction, with the wall of Jerusalem broken down and its gates burned (vv.

Key verse

“Lord, I beg you, let your ear be attentive now to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cup bearer to the king.”
Nehemiah 1:11 (WEB)

Outline

Nehemiah 1:1–2 Nehemiah's Inquiry About Jerusalem
Nehemiah 1:3–4 Report of Jerusalem's Ruin
Nehemiah 1:5–7 Nehemiah's Prayer of Confession
Nehemiah 1:8–10 Appeal to God's Promises
Nehemiah 1:11 Nehemiah's Request for Favor

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Nehemiah learn about the remnant in Jerusalem?
What does Nehemiah do after hearing the news in v4?
In v5, why does Nehemiah address God as 'the great and awesome God'?
In v9, how do God's promises concerning Israel affect Nehemiah's plea?
When have you felt compelled to pray for someone facing great affliction?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Nehemiah 1: Daniel 9, Nehemiah 2, Romans 8.

Before next time: read Nehemiah 2.