Nehemiah
2:1–5
Nehemiah was praying. Inny wonders if you can find out why Nehemiah was praying. That’s a very good reason to pray!
Nehemiah prayed as he was working. You can talk to the Lord throughout the day. You don’t even have to close your eyes or kneel. God is always with you and he hears your thoughts.
Try talking to the Lord in your thoughts today. Talk to him just as you would speak to a friend.
2:11–18
Nehemiah knew that the city walls weren’t being built. But Nehemiah didn’t rush in with orders for everyone. He wanted to know all about the situation. First, Nehemiah rode around the city to examine the walls. Then he talked to the officials and the people. They saw that he knew what was going on in Jerusalem. They trusted him and were willing to work with him.
Talky suggests you talk with your family or friends about these questions. Why is it important to know all the facts about a problem? How did knowing all the facts help Nehemiah? When you have a problem, do you take time to learn all the facts? It’s important that you do so that you can make thoughtful decisions.
4:1–2
When the Jews were taken from their country, other people went to live in Samaria. Samaria was the former land of Israel, the northern kingdom. These people mixed with the Jews who were left behind. They brought their own false gods with them and worshipped them.
The Jews who returned to Jerusalem wanted nothing to do with the people of Samaria. In the days of Jesus, the two groups still hated each other.
4:7–9
The Jews’ enemies planned to attack them. When Nehemiah heard about their plan, he prayed with the people.
Inny sees that the Lord didn’t make the enemies disappear. He showed Nehemiah what to do and helped the Jews to be strong.
The Lord doesn’t take away our problems. He helps us to solve them. Tell the Lord about your problems. Ask him to help you to trust in him.
5:1–7
Most of the people worked hard to build the walls. But some of the rich people took advantage of the poor people. There are things that are wrong in every society. There are always people who only care about themselves. Nehemiah was a leader who stopped those who did wrong. He made sure that the rich people treated the poor people fairly.
Ask the Lord to give you leaders who are just and fair.
6:5–14
When the enemy saw that the walls were nearly finished, they tried to trick Nehemiah. Before Nehemiah did anything he prayed. What does he ask the Lord in verses 9 and 14?
And the Lord gave him wisdom. Nehemiah realized his enemies lied to him and tried to frighten him. Nehemiah’s prayer wasn’t full of difficult words and long sentences. Inny would like to know what this tells you about prayer.
8:9–13 (Hearty)
Hearty wonders how the people felt when they heard the law. Read verse 9. Why did they weep? The people now understood how the Lord wanted them to live. And they knew if they followed the Lord’s commands, he would be with them. And they knew the Lord would protect them.
What must the people do? Read verse 11. How did they feel then? What did they do? Read verse 12. Did you know that the Lord’s commands should also guide how you live? Following his commands helps you to show the Lord that you love him. And when you do that, you thank the Lord for his love and protection. How does that make you feel?
9:1–3
The people had a day of fasting. They were sad about their sins. They wanted to show the Lord that they were serious about changing. The people wore rough clothing and stopped eating. They listened to the Book of the Law so they would know what to do.
A day of fasting is a very serious thing. It’s a special day set apart to pray and to think about the Lord.
10:28–29
The people promised to serve the Lord. This was a serious matter. So they made a firm agreement. They promised that they would follow God’s laws and commands.
13:29–30
The book of Nehemiah ends with a prayer. Nehemiah tells the Lord how he taught the Jews to serve him. That was the work the Lord gave him to do. Nehemiah wants to give the Lord a report of everything he had done.
Take another look at Nehemiah’s prayer. Inny says that Nehemiah’s prayer is a great example for us to follow.
Talk to the Lord often. Tell him about everything in your life.
