Nehemiah 2 - discussion questions

1. What is a cupbearer?
   What is the significance of Nehemiah holding this position?
   
   
2. List the requests that Nehemiah made to King Artaxerxes.
   Four months passed between the time Nehemiah heard the news (month of Kislev) and the time he looked sad before the King (month of Nisan).
   What does it appear Nehemiah did besides pray during that time?
   
   What happens when you pray and plan?
   
   Despite spending a lot of time in prayer and some time planning, Nehemiah credits who with his success?
   
   How do you bring glory to God in your accomplishments?
   
   
3. If you were Nehemiah, what would you ask of the King?
   for yourself?
   
   for your family?
   
   for OCC your church?
   
   
4. Why do you think Nehemiah stayed in Jerusalem for three nights before inspecting the walls and told his plans to no one?
   
   
5. In your own words, describe Nehemiah’s investigation of the Wall.
   Why do you think this was necessary?
   
   
6. The “walls” that surround us are our relationships and boundaries.
   What is the condition of your walls?
   
   Are they adequately protected or are they neglected?
   
   
7. Look at the pronouns Nehemiah uses in verses 17-18.
   What difference might the use of these pronouns make in the tasks we are completing?
   
   
8. Nehemiah encourages the people of Jerusalem with a personal example of God’s gracious hand upon him (Nehemiah 2:18).
   What examples from your spiritual heritage c could you encourage your family/group with right now?