Nehemiah 2:1-20 Arise and Build

Nehemiah 2 Verses 1 to 20 Arise and Build July 20, 2025 Lesson 3

Kingdom Assignment The Relentless Pursuit of Obedience

Class Presentation Notes AAAAAA

Background Scriptures:

Nehemiah 2:1–10 (NASB95)   We will study them today in our journey.

Main Idea:

· When God called Nehemiah to rebuild the wall, He also provided resources to accomplish this task.  Nehemiah developed a plan and called on the people to stand with him and rebuild the wall.

Study Aim:

· To understand how we can respond obediently to the burden God has placed on our hearts.

Create Interest:

· Unknown to him, Nehemiah was about to join the glorious ranks of the “champions of faith”; and in the centuries to follow, his name would be included with heroes like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Esther, Deborah, and David. One person can make a big difference in this world, if that person knows God and really trusts in Him. Because faith makes a difference, we can make a difference in our world to the glory of God.

· “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace,” said Martin Luther. “It is so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.” The promise is that “all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23, NKJV). Jesus said living faith can move mountains! (Matt. 17:20)[1]

Lesson in Historical Context:

· The Book of Nehemiah is named after its central figure, Nehemiah, whose name means “Yahweh has comforted.”

· As Ezra records the first and second returns from Babylonian captivity, Nehemiah records the third, which happened in 445/444 BC. Therefore, its original audience was the postexilic community of Jerusalem, and its purpose was to remind them of the events that transpired making it possible for them to live in the land of their fathers once again.

· The book of Nehemiah focuses on the faithfulness of God in keeping his promises both to scatter his sinful people into exile and then to gather them back together and lead them home.

o It also highlights how God used Nehemiah, a man of faith and determination, to lead the people of God in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and to be faithful in keeping the covenant they made with him.[2]

· Nehemiah He was a true leader, a visionary who was both bold and righteous. He was a leader who exhorted and challenged others to action. Remember that Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. While in the palace at the capital Susa, he had received alarming news from Jerusalem.

o The exiles who had returned to Jerusalem were facing terrible trouble and suffering, being reproached and disgraced by people all around them.

o In addition, the city of Jerusalem was in shambles with its walls torn down. Hearing this news had broken Nehemiah’s heart, arousing deep concern within him.

· For many days he had fasted and prayed about the matter. And during these days he had sought the Lordfor an opportunity to bring up the subject with the king, to seek his help for the distressed Jews back in Jerusalem. He personally wanted to return to help the people himself, but first, he had to secure permission from the king. However, seeking a long leave of absence from the king could be dangerous. If the request displeased the king, he could imprison Nehemiah and even have him executed. Because of the seriousness of his request, Nehemiah took four months to carefully plan his strategy for approaching Artaxerxes.[3]  Let’s look at God’s message to us.

Bible Study:

Nehemiah 2:1–3 (NASB95)     He had the faith to wait

   1     And it came about in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, that wine was before him, and I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence.

   2     So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid.

   3     I said to the king, “Let the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?”

· Vs. 1:  Nehemiah patiently waited on the Lord for directions; because it is “through faith and patience” that we inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12). “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16).

o True faith in God brings a calmness to the heart that keeps us from rushing about and trying to do in our own strength what only God can do.

§ We must know not only how to weep and pray, but also how to wait and pray.

· Three statements in Scripture have a calming effect on me whenever I get nervous and want to rush ahead of the Lord:

o “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Ex. 14:13);

o “Sit still… until you know how the matter will turn out” (Ruth 3:18)

o “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).

§ When you wait on the Lord in prayer, you are not wasting your time; you are investing it. God is preparing both you and your circumstances so that His purposes will be accomplished.

§ However, when the right time arrives for us to act by faith, we dare not delay.

Hebrews 11:1 (NASB95)”Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

§ Faith begins by the promises of God…Strengthen your faith!

· Vs. 2-3:  The king noticed that his cupbearer was carrying a burden. Had Artaxerxes been in a bad mood, he might have banished Nehemiah or even ordered him killed; but instead, the king inquired why his servant was so sad. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water He turns it wherever He will” (Prov. 21:1). World leaders are only God’s servants, whether they know it or not.  “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You” (2 Chron. 20:6, NIV).

Nehemiah 2:4–8 (NASB95)  He had the faith to ask.

   4     Then the king said to me, “What would you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.

   5     I said to the king, “If it please the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

   6     Then the king said to me, the queen sitting beside him, “How long will your journey be, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I gave him a definite time.

   7     And I said to the king, “If it please the king, let letters be given me for the governors of the provinces beyond the River, that they may allow me to pass through until I come to Judah,

   8     and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress, which is by the temple, for the wall of the city and for the house to which I will go.” And the king granted them to me because the good hand of my God was on me.

· Vs. 4:  Between the king’s question (v. 4a) and Nehemiah’s answer (v. 5), the cupbearer “breathed” a brief prayer to the God of heaven (cf. 1:4–5). This “arrow prayer”—whatever its unvoiced words—was built on his praying for four months. No doubt he asked for timely wisdom in stating his request properly and for a favorable reply from the king.[4]

· Vs. 5: Nehemiah presented his desire as a personal matter of grief, not a political one. He was concerned about the tombs of his fathers.

· Nehemiah also expressed that he wanted to rebuild the city. Artaxerxes wanted to know Nehemiah’s needs and Nehemiah told him.

o Esther used a similar approach with Xerxes, the father of Artaxerxes. The result was the Jews would be able to defend themselves against their enemies and Haman ended up being put to death.

· Vs. 6-8a:  Nehemiah had a fixed goal and worked out a plan to rebuild Jerusalem.

o Planning involves a way to achieve the goal. It involves gathering information and planning ahead. Nehemiah knew he would need requisitions for supplies and letters for safe conduct through the empire. He prepared for any red tape that he would encounter. A lack of preparation is one of the key reasons why goals are not achieved today.

o When we are not prepared, we may miss opportunities that come our way, or we don’t recognize them at all.

· Vs. 8b:  Nehemiah depended upon the Lord and He came through. He said, “The king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.”

o We are to depend upon the Lord for strength, vision, wisdom, opportunities, and finances to reach our goals.

· As Christians, we must maintain a proper balance between divine and human factors in doing the will of the Lord.

o On one hand, Nehemiah prayed and sought the help of the Lord. He realized it was impossible to solve his problem on his own.

o On the other hand, Nehemiah applied himself diligently to do all he could to prepare himself for the moment when God would open the door for him.

· When we take matters into our own hands without seeking God’s direction or help, we can make some serious blunders. Depending on the Lord and fulfilling your responsibilities requires a balance in your life. Maintaining this balance is not easy but can be done. The following steps will help you to have a good balance in your life between dependence on God and personal responsibility.   Please soak on the following……………………….

o Read and soak on  the Word of God regularly.  Psalm 119:105 (NASB)

§ “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.

o Counsel should be sought from godly, mature Christians.

o Circumstances should not be allowed to discourage you.

o Carefully examine yourself and evaluate your feelings[5]

Nehemiah 2:9–10 (NASB95)

   9     Then I came to the governors of the provinces beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen.

10     When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about it, it was very displeasing to them that someone had come to seek the welfare of the sons of Israel.

· Nehemiah prayed, and he made preparations to be used of the Lord in answer to his own prayers. And Nehemiah’s prayers were based on the strong foundation of what God had promised to do. His requests are granted, but not everyone is on the Lord’s side.[6]

· Upon arrival at Jerusalem, Nehemiah was made aware at once of the jealousy and suspicion of certain powerful enemies of the Jews in Palestine. Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, and Tobiah, “the Ammonite,” apparently one of Sanballat’s henchmen, were grieved … exceedingly that there had come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

· A Jew arriving from Jerusalem as governor and with a clear mandate from the king to fortify the city was political dynamite to them. In addition, they had no time for anyone who had the interests of the Lord’s people at heart. 

o They wanted to remain in the dominance in the area, and therefore it suited their selfish desires to keep the people in a demoralized state.[7]

· In any case these two, assisted by an Arab leader by the name of Geshem, appear as Nehemiah’s principal enemies throughout the period of his governorship, some thirteen years or more.[8]

Nehemiah 2:11–12 (NASB95)  Nehemiah had faith to challenge others (12-18)

11     So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days.

12     And I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. I did not tell anyone what my God was putting into my mind to do for Jerusalem and there was no animal with me except the animal on which I was riding.

· Vs. 11:  Nehemiah arrived at Jerusalem, full of heart, full of prayer, full of faith, full of wisdom, full of a big vision, full of support from the king.  He arrived with a military escort and lumber from the king of Persia’s forest, people noticed him—but he didn’t say anything about his mission until the time was right. Good leaders learn a sense of God’s timing. 

· “You will often find it best not to commit your plans to others. If you want to serve God, go and do it, and then let other people find it out afterwards. You have no need to tell what you are going to do, and, I may add, there is no need for you retelling what you have done, for very, very frequently God withdraws himself when we boast of what is being done.” (Spurgeon)[9]

· Vs. 12:  Nehemiah did his inspection secretly at night, accompanied by a few men whose names are not given. He used only one animal to ride on; more animals would have drawn the attention of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. His animal (ḇəhēmâ) might have been a mule or horse. In the night while the whole of Jerusalem was soundly asleep, Nehemiah and his small escort sneaked out. The men with him might have been residents of Jerusalem who knew the city well and could direct Nehemiah on his way.

· Why the secret mission? Guided by God, Nehemiah had already made plans, but he wanted to keep his thoughts to himself until he had inspected the position to see if his plans could be executed. Thus, the people of Jerusalem had not been unduly informed, especially since some of his own people had contacts with the neighboring nations. If they knew about his plans, they could have sold his secret. He wanted to keep his enemies in the dark as long as possible concerning what he intended to do.

o They must not know what he was planning or else, as in the beginning of the reign of Artaxerxes, they might try to thwart his efforts.[10]

Thought to Soak on: 

· Nehemiah’s physical need was rest. The journey of four months would have taken its toll, and he began by taking a break. He waited for three days (v

Vs.11) before embarking on anything else except gathering intelligence when others were sleeping. He was following Ezra’s example, who ‘rested three days’ when he arrived in Jerusalem.

· Nehemiah’s spiritual need was direction from God. Even the valued few men (Vs. 12) he had as colleagues were not told everything about his desires and ambitions. He did not chatter irresponsibly even to people who shared his ideals. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem, and as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work(Vs.16).

· Over the eight months of preparation and travel, he became increasingly sensitive to creative thoughts which the Lord fed into his receptive heart and mind. Moreover,God was still speaking to him; the past continuous tense emphasizes the immediacy and continuity of his communion, ‘what my God was promptingme to do’ (neb). He needed time for further reflection on those imaginative ideas which were to carry the project through to a successful conclusion and to gather intelligence on the situation in Jerusalem. Once the work began, innumerable demands would be made upon him.[11]

Nehemiah 2:13-16 (NASB95)

13     So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Well and on to the Refuse Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire.

14     Then I passed on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was no place for my mount to pass.

15     So I went up at night by the ravine and inspected the wall. Then I entered the Valley Gate again and returned.

16     The officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials or the rest who did the work.

· Vs. 13-15:  We do not know enough of the extent and shape of Jerusalem nor of the location of its different gates to be sure of the route of Nehemiah’s ride or of the course of the building works, though it is clear enough that the places are listed in counterclockwise order around the city.

· Nehemiah undertook his survey by night presumably because he knew Sanballat would have aides in the city and because he wanted to establish the dimensions of the project before he started getting people involved in undertaking it. He left by the Canyon Gate on the west and proceeded south to the Trash Gate, then turned north to go up the city’s east side and back to the Canyon Gate. On that side of the city the slopes were especially steep and this may explain the fact that Nehemiah could not ride his donkey all the way and had to proceed on foot. Likewise, the general trickiness of the southern part of the wall may explain why it was the only area Nehemiah actually investigated; the northern part would provide fewer problems.[12]

Vs. 16: Note the emphasis upon the secrecy of Nehemiah’s inspection. He conducted his investigation without the knowledge of any of the leadership. This was necessary until he could formulate the details of his plans.

Nehemiah 2:17–18 (NASB95)

17     Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.”

18     I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work.

· Vs. 17:  Once Nehemiah completed his plans, he assembled and motivated the people to action.  The assembled group included all the Jews of Jerusalem and the surrounding territory, which would have included the common people, the landowners or farmers, the business owners, the religious and political leaders—all who would be contributing to the work of rebuilding the city and its walls.

o First, in addressing the people, Nehemiah presented the problem they faced.Jerusalem and its walls lay in ruins. Although he had been with them for just a few days, note how he identified with them. It was not the trouble the people were in, but rather the trouble “We are in.” As long as the walls remained unbuilt, the people were in serious trouble, being fully exposed and left without any protection from marauders or enemies.

o Second, Nehemiah challenged the people to action, to join him in rebuilding the walls in the great city of God. This was not a new vision for the people.

§ The very first exiles had also returned with the great hope of rebuilding their temple and homeland. But due to opposition through the years, they had backed off the project and become lethargic and complacent.

§ They had resigned themselves to the dark, dismal circumstances of their lives and to the hardships they were suffering. But at last, here was a man of God, Nehemiah, who challenged the people to arise and recommit themselves anew to rebuilding the city.

· Vs. 18.  Third, Nehemiah challenged them by giving his personal testimony.

o  He shared how God’s gracious hand had been upon him and guided him in securing the very authority of the king himself.

§ Through his personal testimony, the people could rest assured that God would be present with them in the awesome task of rebuilding the walls and city.

§ The Spirit of God was working in the hearts of the people, for they responded to Nehemiah’s challenge. They made a strong commitment to start rebuilding immediately. And they began the “good work.”[13]

Thought to soak on:

· When Nehemiah had everything in hand he said unto the nobles and rulers, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.” Afterward Nehemiah told them how God had directed him, and how Artaxerxes, the king, had spoken unto him. Then they said, “Let us rise up and build.”

· When God stretches forth His hand, who can hold it back?

o It was God who heard the cry of His people.

o Unknown to the people in Jerusalem, it was God who was coming to the rescue.

o It was God who had moved upon the heart of the king, and upon the heart of the king’s servant.[14]

Nehemiah 2:19–20 (NASB95)

19     But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard it, they mocked us and despised us and said, “What is this thing you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

20     So I answered them and said to them, “The God of heaven will give us success; therefore, we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right or memorial in Jerusalem.”

· Vs. 19:  Here is the enemy—three men. This is not a nice little trio to have around you. I suppose that every man of God not only has wonderful men around him, but he also has a few like Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian. The enemy will use different methods to try to discourage you. Generally, ridicule is the first method the enemy tries.

o That is the first phase of the devil’s warfare against you.

§ Satan will have folks make fun of you as a Christian. At times you will find the going extremely rough as was true of Nehemiah. The three leading enemies used the weapon of ridicule first to deter the people from attempting the herculean project of rebuilding the walls and gates.

· Vs. 20: Notice what happened. I cannot help but love Nehemiah, and I hope you do too. He said, “Get out of my way. We are going to work. God is with us in this.” How wonderful—and God was indeed with them.[15]

Thoughts in closing?

· How do you respond to the challenge of doing God’s work? Under Nehemiah’s leadership, the Jews were ready and willing to begin the task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. Paul reminded us never to lack zeal in the service of God’s work (see Rom. 12:11).[16]

o Romans 12:10–11 (NASB95)

               10 Bedevoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

               11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

· Before we join the workers on the wall, let’s ask ourselves whether we are the kind of leaders and followers God wants us to be.  Consider the following.

o Like Nehemiah, do we have a burden in our hearts for the work God has called us to do? (2:12)

o Are we willing to sacrifice to see His will accomplished?

o Are we patient in gathering facts and in planning our work?

o Do we enlist the help of others or try to do everything ourselves?

o Do we motivate people on the basis of the spiritual—what God is doing—or simply on the basis of the personal—what we want?

o Are they following us or the Lord as He leads us?

· As followers, do we listen to what our leaders say as they share their burdens?

o Do we cling to the past or desire to see God do something new?

o Do we put our hands and necks to the work? (v. 18)

o Are we cooperating in any way with the enemy and thus weakening the work?

o Have we found the job God wants us to complete?[17]

Reflect and Discuss

· When Nehemiah learned of the sad state of Jerusalem, he wept, mourned, and fasted. Do reports of the sad state of a church affect you the same way? Why or why not?

· When you hear bad reports about the state of a church, do you instinctively pray the way that Nehemiah did when he heard about Jerusalem? Explain your reaction.

· What things in your life are there about which you should be crying out to the Lord and making plans for the opportunity you may get to address the situation? When you come into a new situation like the one awaiting Nehemiah in Jerusalem, do you have a tendency to go straight to work, or do you have the patience to survey the situation first?[18]

[1]Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Determined, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 23-24.

[2]Douglas Mangum, ed., Lexham Context Commentary: Old Testament, Lexham Context Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020), Ne.

[3]Leadership Ministries Worldwide, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible (Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 2004), 107.

[4]Gene A. Getz, “Nehemiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 676.

[5]Rod Mattoon, Treasures from Nehemiah, Treasures from Scripture Series (Springfield, IL: Rod Mattoon, 2008), 21.

[6]James M. Hamilton Jr. et al., Exalting Jesus in Ezra-Nehemiah (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014), 105.

[7]C. T. Lacey, “Nehemiah,” in Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther, What the Bible Teaches (J. Ritchie, 2009), 229.

[8]C. E. Demaray, “The Book of Nehemiah,” in Joshua through Esther, vol. II, Beacon Bible Commentary (Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1965), Ne 2:9–11.

[9]David Guzik, Nehemiah, David Guzik’s Commentaries on the Bible (Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik, 2000), Ne 2:11–16.

[10]F. Charles Fensham, The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1982), 165.

[11]Raymond Brown, The Message of Nehemiah: God’s Servant in a Time of Change, ed. J. A. Motyer and Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today (England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1998), 54.

[12]John Goldingay, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther for Everyone, Old Testament for Everyone (Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2012), 92.

[13]Leadership Ministries Worldwide, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible (Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 2004), 111.

[14]R. E. Neighbour, Wells of Living Water: Old Testament, vol. 4, Wells of Living Water (Union Gospel Press, 1939–1940), 185.

[15]J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary: History of Israel (Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther), electronic ed., vol. 15 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 87–88.

[16]Martha Bergen, Ezra & Nehemiah, Shepherd’s Notes (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 1999), 56.

[17]Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Determined, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 23-35.

[18]James M. Hamilton Jr. et al., Exalting Jesus in Ezra-Nehemiah (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014), 110.