Nehemiah 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Nehemiah 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Sanballat hears about the wall being built and becomes very angry, mocking the Jews (vv. 1-3). He questions if they can fortify themselves or finish in a day.

Key verse

“I looked, and rose up, and said to the nobles, to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them! Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”
Nehemiah 4:14 (WEB)

Outline

Nehemiah 4:1–3 Opposition from Enemies
Nehemiah 4:4–6 Prayer and Determination
Nehemiah 4:7–9 Increased Threats
Nehemiah 4:10–12 Discouragement Among Workers
Nehemiah 4:13–15 Preparation for Defense
Nehemiah 4:16–20 Work and Vigilance
Nehemiah 4:21–23 Continuous Commitment

Discussion questions

In v1, why is Sanballat described as 'very indignant'?
What do the adversaries say in v11 about the workers' awareness?
Nehemiah's statement in v14 about fighting for 'your brothers' raises questions about community loyalty. What tensions are present?
In v20, Nehemiah mentions 'God will fight for us.' What implications does this have for the workers' efforts?
When have you faced mockery like the Jews in v2 during a difficult task?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Nehemiah 4: Exodus 14, Nehemiah 6, Deuteronomy 1.

Before next time: read Nehemiah 5.