By Mary Vee
Nehemiah 5
From Nehemiah's Journal
My name is Nehemiah. I have been a servant in Babylon for a long time. I was cupbearer to the king.
The king of Babylon liked the idea of Jerusalem returning to a strong city. Once her walls were built she'd stand as a city between Egypt and Babylon.
I knew the king planned for Jerusalem to be a buffer against the Egyptian army. I also knew the Babylon army could probably take the Egyptian army, but not without many losses in men, chariots, and weapons. The king was smart as far as Babylon's safety was concerned.
What he didn't know was God directed him to have this great plan to restore His people to their land. King Artaxerxes sent me to Jerusalem to lead the rebuilding of the walls twelve years ago. My, time has really flown by.
I was given the title, governor. Along with that title came many benefits I refused to accept. Previous governors taxed the people terribly on top of what the king of Babylon gave them. They accepted a huge allotment of food awarded to the man in the position. I did not.
I saw my brothers and their families. How poor they were. They'd given so very much to work on the walls while searching for ways to keep their families alive. Taxing them more than what the king already did was a crime in my mind.
Instead, I invited one hundred and fifty Jews, officials, and any who came from surrounding nations to eat at my table. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, which I shared with all who came to my table. Every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds was also prepared. In spite of all of this, I never demanded the huge amount of food allotted to the man who was governor, because the demands on my Jewish brothers were heavy already.
So for this, I ask, O my God, to remember me with favor, for all I have done to rebuild the city, to comfort and encourage my brothers, to relieve them from the nobles' taxes, and to better the lives of these, your people. I did all of this for you.
Come back next time to see what happens.
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sources: New International Version, New King James Version
By Mary Vee
Nehemiah 2
From Nehemiah's Journal
My name is Nehemiah. I have been a servant in Babylon for a long time. I was cupbearer to the king.
I packed quickly for the journey to Jerusalem, thanks to the permission given to me by the king of Babylon. The king also sent officers and a calvary with me for protection.
We first visited the governors of Trans-Euphrates. There I gave those kings letters from Artaxerxes, king of Babylon. The letters asked for their help and protection for my journey.
Sanballat and Tobiah were against the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem. After seeing their response to what their kings in Trans-Euphrates said, I had a feeling these two wanted to cause trouble. They seemed especially bothered that their kings promised protection by sending officers and a calvary for the welfare of the Israelites.
With these armies I traveled to Jerusalem and found a place to stay. I walked around the town, spoke to the people, and enjoyed resting from the long journey in my homeland for three days. I didn't tell any of my Israelite brothers or anyone else why I came. During this time I also found a few men whom I could trust to help me carry out my plan.
By the third evening, the men I chose stayed up late to help me. The city was still. Everyone but a few guards slept. I alone rode a mount, the others walked.
We sneaked out the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate inspecting the Jerusalem's walls. Seventy years ago, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon wage siege on our Jerusalem. His armies broke down the walls and gates, which had been destroyed by fire.
The men and I moved toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there wasn't enough room for my mount to fit in the narrow space. Instead, we turned to the valley and examined the wall. This was the last location we inspected. We sneaked back through the Valley Gate and slept until morning.
The officials didn't know where I went or what I was doing because I hadn't yet told them my real reason for coming to Jerusalem. Telling them the plan I'd presented to King Artaxerxes, king of Babylon, before I confirmed the facts would have been foolish. Now I know what repairs need to be done and can speak intelligently.
Tomorrow, I will call a meeting. It's time to rebuild the walls to protect our city.
Come back next time to see what happens.
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sources: New International Version, New King James Version
1. Who did the king of Babylon send to go with Nehemiah?
2. Who did Nehemiah stop to visit on the way to Jerusalem?
3. What was he given there?
4. What two men were angry about the plan?
5. How many days did Nehemiah rest before starting his work?
6. In the quiet of the night, what did Nehemiah sneak out to do?
7. What did Nehemiah see in the dark of the night?
By Mary Vee
Nehemiah 2
From Nehemiah's Journal
My name is Nehemiah. I have been a servant in Babylon for a long time. I was cupbearer to the king. In the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign I stood in my usual working position.
A servant brought wine to the king. I took the glass, sipped, then gave it to the king.
In all the years I've done this job, I'd never been sad when in the king's presence. Today, though, the king's sudden change from business to sad eyes showed he noticed. He set down his wine. "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart."
On the inside, I was shaking. I had never told him what was on my mind. I'd served him as I was commanded to do and never let any personal thoughts interfere. This time was different. I couldn't help it.
I took a breath and forced myself to answer. "May the king live forever. Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"
The king looked surprised. After all, he had sent Ezra to repair the temple fourteen years ago. "What is it you want?"
I quickly prayed to the God of heaven and answered the king what God urged me to say. "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."
The queen had been sitting by the king. He glanced at her then back at me. "How long will your journey take and when will yo be back?"
I said how long I thought the trip would take. I was so happy when he gave me permission to go. I then asked, "If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, asking for safe-travel until I arrive in Judah? And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king's forest to receive timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple, the city wall, and the home I will live in?
The king answered, "Yes."
I would have jumped up and down right then and there if it had be allowed in the king's presence.
Can you believe it? I am going to the land given to the Israelites by the Almighty to repair the city. And, the king has given me the supplies I need to do the job. This day started out so sad, but God had a plan and has surprised me with His blessings.
Come back next time to see what happens.
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sources: New International Version, New King James Version
1. What was Nehemiah's job?
2. What did the king notice?
3. Why was Nehemiah sad?
4. What did the king give permission for?
5. What supplies did Nehemiah ask the king to provide?
6. Did the king give Nehemiah the supplies?
7. What blessing did God give Nehemiah?
By Mary Vee
Nehemiah 1
From Nehemiah's Journal
My name is Nehemiah. I have been a servant in Babylon for a long time. The king appointed me cup bearer. That means my job is to taste his food and drink before he eats or drinks to insure there is no poison in them. If there is, well, I am the one who will be poisoned.
Fourteen years ago King Artaxerxes of Babylon gave Ezra permission to take a group of Jewish slaves back to Jerusalem. His group was the second group to return to our land. Ezra's job was to teach the people the Law of Moses. Ezra was an expert and a great choice for this job.
I had not been given permission to return to our homeland. Although I wouldn't mind going, the king kept me in my job as cupbearer.
One day, quite to my surprise, I had a visit from my brother. He'd visited Jerusalem before visiting me. I would have thought he'd bring great news. Enough time had passed for most of the city to have been rebuilt. But his eyes had sadness.
I took him to a place where we could speak privately. "What's wrong?"
He said, "The people who have survived the exile and have returned to Jerusalem are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."
I grabbed hold of my chair. The news was not what I expected at all. How could this have been? Ezra and a second group of people went back to help rebuild the city. They are in great trouble and disgrace? I couldn't bear the news. I sat down and wept.
For several days I mourned our people and our land. I couldn't understand what all had happened there. I refused food and spent all my free time in prayer before the God of heaven.
I prayed: "O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands. Listen and watch as I, your servant, prays before you day and night for those in Israel.
"I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my family, have committed against you. We have been wicked to you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws you gave your servant, Moses.
"Remember you said if we were unfaithful, you would send us to other nations. If we returned to you and obey your commands then you would bring all the exiles back home, no matter how far away they were taken.
"These Israelites are your servants and your people. They are the ones You have redeemed with Your power and strength. O Lord, please hear the prayers of your servants. Give me, your servant success today by granting me favor in the sight of the king.
Come back next time to see what happens.
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sources: New International Version, New King James Version
1. Who came to visit Nehemiah?
2. Where had this person been?
3. What news did he bring Nehemiah?
4. Why didn't Nehemiah leave right away?
5. What did Nehemiah ask God?
