Quiz 83 Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1:1-11

The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, one of my brothers, Hanani, came with certain men from Judah, and I asked them about the Jews who escaped, those who had survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem. They replied, “The remnant there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.”

When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for your servants, the Israelites, confessing the sins of the Israelites, which we have sinned against you. Both I and my family have sinned. We have offended you deeply, failing to keep the commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances that you commanded Moses your servant. Remember the word that you commanded Moses your servant, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I have chosen to establish my name.’ They are your servants and your people whom you redeemed by your great power and your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man!”

At the time, I was cupbearer to the king.

Deeper Dive into the passage. The Book of Nehemiah was written during the Persian period when the Jewish people were returning from exile. Nehemiah’s role as a cupbearer was crucial, as it gave him access to the king and the ability to request support for rebuilding Jerusalem. The writer aimed to convey the importance of faith, leadership, and community restoration. Today, this passage can inspire individuals to seek divine guidance in leadership roles. A modern example might be a community leader advocating for urban renewal projects, relying on both strategic planning and community support.

Historical Accuracy. The account of Nehemiah is generally considered historically plausible, as it aligns with known historical events and practices of the Persian Empire.

Nehemiah 2:1-10

2 In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was served him, I carried the wine and gave it to the king. Now, I had never been sad in his presence before. 2 So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my ancestors’ graves, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves, so that I may rebuild it.” 6 The king said to me (the queen also was sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set him a date. 7 Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may grant me passage until I arrive in Judah; 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, directing him to give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple fortress, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me.

9 Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent officers of the army and cavalry with me. 10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.

Deeper Dive into the Passage. The passage also speaks to the theme of restoration and the re-establishment of Jewish identity. By focusing on the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, the writer underscores the physical and spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. This was crucial for the post-exilic community, who needed to reclaim their identity and heritage after years of displacement. Today, this can be seen as a metaphor for personal or communal renewal, where rebuilding one’s life or community can lead to a stronger sense of identity and purpose.

Another interpretation is the demonstration of divine providence. Nehemiah’s successful request to the king and the subsequent support he receives can be seen as evidence of God’s hand guiding the events. This would have been a comforting message to the original audience, reassuring them that God was actively involved in their restoration. In modern times, this can be likened to situations where unexpected support or opportunities arise, suggesting a higher power at work.

Today, Nehemiah’s story can inspire individuals facing daunting tasks or opposition. It teaches the value of prayer, strategic planning, and perseverance. For instance, someone leading a community project might draw parallels with Nehemiah’s leadership, finding strength in faith and community support.

Historical Accuracy. The account of Nehemiah is generally considered historically plausible, as it aligns with known historical events and practices of the Persian Empire. However, like many ancient texts, it may contain theological embellishments to convey deeper truths.

Nehemiah 2: 11-20

Deeper Dive into the Passage. Nehemiah faced significant opposition from surrounding groups, yet he remained steadfast. This narrative illustrates the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity. The writer may have aimed to encourage the Jewish community to remain faithful and determined despite challenges. Today, this can be related to personal or collective struggles where perseverance and faith lead to eventual success.

Historical Accuracy. The account of Nehemiah is generally considered historically plausible. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of Nehemiah’s wall, and the political context aligns with known historical events. While some details may be embellished for narrative purposes, the core events are likely based on historical occurrences.

Mark 13:24-32

“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage. The primary message of this passage is the emphasis on being prepared for Jesus’ return rather than trying to predict when it will happen. This reflects the early Christian community’s need to remain vigilant and faithful amidst uncertainty. The audience, likely facing persecution, would find comfort in focusing on their spiritual readiness rather than the timing of events.

Divine Mystery. The passage highlights the mystery of God’s plan, as even Jesus, in his human nature, does not know the exact time of the end. This underscores the belief in the divine mystery and the importance of trust in God’s timing. For modern readers, this can be a reminder to focus on living a life of faith and integrity, rather than being consumed by speculation about the future.

Signs and Symbols. SThe imagery of cosmic disturbances serves as a symbolic representation of significant change and divine intervention. In the historical context, such language would resonate with Jewish apocalyptic literature, which often used cosmic signs to indicate God’s action in history. Today, this can be seen as a metaphor for transformative moments in our lives where we are called to recognise God’s presence and action.

Modern Interpretation. In today’s world, this passage can be interpreted as a call to live each day with purpose and readiness, focusing on our relationship with God and others. A modern example might be the unpredictability of life events, such as natural disasters or personal crises, which remind us of the importance of being spiritually prepared and grounded.

Historical Accuracy. The account in Mark 13:24-32 is considered to be a reflection of early Christian eschatological beliefs. While the exact historical details may not be verifiable, the passage captures the essence of Jesus’ teachings on vigilance and trust in God’s plan.