THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH
Nehemiah 7:73-8:18
Key verse 8:10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
1. Who was Nehemiah and why was he in Jerusalem? (1:1-3; 2:1,5,11-12; 8:9) What was the situation in Jerusalem before he arrived? (2:17-18)
2. For what occasion did the Israelites assemble in Jerusalem and why was this significant? (6:15-16) What did the people tell Ezra to do? (8:1-3)
3. How did Ezra lead the worship service? (4-6) What did the Levites do to help the people understand the Book of the Law? (7-8)
4. As the people heard the words of the Law, how did they respond and why? (9; cf. Deuteronomy 29:25-28) What did Ezra, Nehemiah and the Levites tell them to do? (10-11) What does “for the joy of the LORD is your strength” mean? How did the people celebrate and what gave them great joy? (12)
5. What did the Israelites learn through reading the Book of the Law? (13-15; cf. Leviticus 23:42) What does this show about their newfound obedience to the word of God?
6. How does this passage relate to studying, obeying, and teaching the word of God? (cf. Ezra 7:10) How might this passage strengthen your walk with the Lord personally and in community?