“After the wall (of Jerusalem) was finished, Nehemiah gave his attention to internal problems. One of the major problems was the small population in the large city of Jerusalem…The returned Jews were settled mainly in the rural areas…(So Nehemiah) wanted to draw up a genealogy of the people to see where the different families were living in order to place some of them in Jerusalem. He then discovered a very important genealogical list.” This appears to explain why chapter 7 gives the names and numbers of so many of the families living in the land. It is interesting to note that even after working so hard, and enduring so many difficulties, in rebuilding the wall, still very few people want to leave their “new” home and return to live in the city. Why do you think this was?

Until recent years, many people have left the inner areas of our cities and moved to the suburbs. Decline and decay have replaced them. Now, there seems to be a growing trend to want to rebuild the inner city. Do you think that kind of renewal can occur without many of the more affluent and stable of our society moving back into the area? If this is important, what role should Christians play in this?

It appears that the people began almost immediately upon having their land returned to them to seek the will of God, and to act according to the precepts of the law of Moses. Following the instruction of Leviticus 23:24, they gather together before the Water Gate to hear read a portion of the law. When Ezra begins to read, all the people rise in respect. He reads to all the men and women, and to all the children who have the ability to understand what is occurring, for half a day, while the interpreters help him communicate from Moses’ law to the people. The people are touched both by the reality of their iniquity, and its role in their destruction, and by the great grace of God which has brought them back and secured this land for them. Yet their leaders caution them that sorrow is not the current appropriate response, and challenge them to celebrate, by eating and drinking the best they have, and by sharing with the poor and those unable to prepare a feast for themselves. What lessons can we learn from this incident, and how should we apply them today?

Notice that integral to these events is an understanding of what God’s word taught. Care was given to be sure that all the people understood the teaching of the torah. Do you feel we are getting away from the importance of understanding what the Book of God has to say today?
How significant is the concept of teaching to covenant renewal today?
From chapter 8, verses 13 through 18, there seems to be an awareness that the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) was to be celebrated, according to law, just two weeks from hence. So the people begin immediately preparing for that event. Discuss the role of repentance in covenant renewal.
Notice from chapter 9:2 that the people confessed not only their own sins, but also the sins of their ancestors. Do we need to do that same thing today? If yes, what were our forefathers’ sins which have influenced us?

Note from chapter 10:28-39 the concrete points of commitment made by the people in their renewed covenant with the Lord. What things did they specify that they would do/not do? Why are these things selected by them as important things which must accompany covenant renewal? Are there things today which you feel must be a part of any recommitment of ourselves to God. If yes, what would some of those be?
To end class, please read the prayer of chapter 9 verses 5b through 38 aloud.