Bible study · Nehemiah 11:1-36
Nehemiah 11: One of ten, and the willing
Read Nehemiah 11:1-36 before you meet.
In a few lines
Nehemiah 11 answers 7:4's large city with few people: the princes lived in Jerusalem, the rest cast lots for one of ten, and "The people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem" (11:2), with the same word as the volunteers in Deborah and Barak's song (Judges 5:9).
The verse to carry
“The people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem.”
Nehemiah 11:2
To talk about
1. "The people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem" (11:2). Who has offered themselves for something that needed doing where you are? How could you bless them this week?
2. Some went to live in Jerusalem by lot (11:1), and others offered themselves (11:2). When has a place or a task come to you that you didn't choose? What helped you settle into it?
3. The chapter names gatekeepers "who kept watch at the gates" (11:19) and one who "was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer" (11:17). Which is most like your part among God's people? Which part do you tend to overlook?