Free group study handout
Nehemiah 11: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Nehemiah 11 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem. Others cast lots to choose one in ten to live in the city, with nine staying in other cities (vv. 1-2).
Key verse
“The people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem.”
Nehemiah 11:2 (WEB)
Outline
- Nehemiah 11:1–2 Resettlement of Jerusalem
- Nehemiah 11:3–6 Chiefs and Families in Jerusalem
- Nehemiah 11:7–14 Priests and Their Duties
- Nehemiah 11:15–19 Levites and Gatekeepers
- Nehemiah 11:20–24 Residency and Oversight
- Nehemiah 11:25–36 Villages and Settlements
Discussion questions
- In v2, who are the people blessing and for what specific reason?
- What does v18 tell us about the number of Levites in the holy city?
- In vv. 1-2, what does the act of casting lots imply about the people's commitment to Jerusalem?
- In v20, why is it significant that the residue of Israel is noted to be in their own cities?
- When have you made a decision that required you to commit to a specific community, as in v1?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Nehemiah 11: 1 Chronicles 9, Nehemiah 12, Joshua 15.
Before next time: read Nehemiah 12.