Nehemiah 10: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Nehemiah 10 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Nehemiah and a group of leaders seal a covenant, including Nehemiah, Zedekiah, and many priests (vv. 1-8). The Levites, such as Jeshua and Kadmiel, join this commitment (vv.

Key verse

“For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the wave offering of the grain, of the new wine, and of the oil, to the rooms, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, and the priests who minister, with the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not forsake the house of our God.”
Nehemiah 10:39 (WEB)

Outline

Nehemiah 10:1–8 List of Leaders and Priests
Nehemiah 10:9–14 The Levites Join the Covenant
Nehemiah 10:15–27 Chiefs of the People
Nehemiah 10:28–31 Commitments to God's Law
Nehemiah 10:32–37 Commitment to Temple Service
Nehemiah 10:38–39 Support for the Priests and Levites

Discussion questions

In v1, who are the people that sealed the covenant?
What does the term 'curse' in v29 signify for the covenant?
In v29, why do the people enter into a 'curse' and an oath?
Why do the Israelites commit to not giving their daughters 'to the peoples of the land' in v30?
When have you needed to make a firm commitment, like the people’s 'oath' in v29?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Nehemiah 10: Nehemiah 13, Nehemiah 12, Nehemiah 3.

Before next time: read Nehemiah 11.