of Nehemiah E PURPOSES In general, the book of Nehemiah seeks to show how God favored His people, so recently exiled, by strengthening their roots in the homeland of Judah in the face of all kinds of opposition Speci cally, the book shows how the broken-down walls of Jerusalem and the failing faith of the Jews were restored, through (1) the competent leadership of Nehemiah, a man of prayer and faith; and (2) through a host of Jewish brethren, who responded to the divine challenge to rise and build VIII SURVEY OF NEHEMIAH Scan the book, chapter by chapter, observing such things as organization of a theme, and the prevailing atmosphere 2 Concerning organization: Is there an introduction and conclusion to the book? Is the book mainly narrative? How much, if any, is autobiographical? Is there a progression? Is there a turning point? Observe the places in the book where lists appear (These are of various kinds.) Concerning atmosphere, what is the general tone of the book? Reread the rst few verses of each chapter and observe the intensity of the tone involved Note especially these verses: 1:4; 2:1; 4:1; 5:1; 6:1; 8:1; 9:1; 13:1 Observe also the simplicity in which the action is described There are no embellishments of a litterateur attempting to give color to the drama The intensity of the action remains even in the simplicity of the reporting One writer has remarked, “We see throughout the writing of an honest, earnest man,—and through him the history closes with a sublime dignity.”16 What are your rst impressions of the book of Nehemiah? Does any passage of the book stand out prominently in your mind? If so, what? Now reread the book of Nehemiah more slowly Record chapter titles on paper (Note the divisional points at 6:15; 7:736; 12:27; and 12:44 shown on Chart 60 Why are divisions made at these places?) Always be on the lookout for key words and phrases as you study Identify the main characters of the book Among other things, note when Ezra appears in the story Also, who are the most frequently mentioned enemies of Nehemiah? Make a note of Nehemiah’s prayers in the book’s first and last chapters 10 What is the key project of the story? How is the book organized around this project? Where is the rst activity of that project recorded? What verse records the project’s completion? How long did the project last? Try making some outlines of the book’s story 11 In your own words, write out a theme for the book Also, suggest a title 12 Study carefully the survey Chart 60 Compare its observations and outlines with your own work thus far 13 Observe that 7:736 marks a turning point on Chart 60 Some Bible students locate the main division at 7:1, which would make the passage 7:1-73a the opening of the second half of the book Because of the nonnarrative nature of most of this passage, ... the book where lists appear (These are of various kinds.) Concerning atmosphere, what is the general tone of the book? Reread the rst few verses of each chapter and observe the intensity of the. .. Bible students locate the main division at 7:1, which would make the passage 7:1-73a the opening of the second half of the book Because of the nonnarrative nature of most of this passage, ... the drama The intensity of the action remains even in the simplicity of the reporting One writer has remarked, “We see throughout the writing of an honest, earnest man,—and through him the history