Date: Nov. 16, 2014
Nehemiah 11:1-36
Key Verse: Nehemiah 11:2
First, leaders and commendable volunteers (1-2). Jerusalem was historically the holy city of David-the place to worship God at the temple. But it was difficult and dangerous to live there in Nehemiah's time due to political instability and enemy threats. So they had to choose 1 out of 10 by lottery to come and live there. The Israelite leaders and volunteers who decided to live there were commended since they had to sacrifice safety and comfort or even ancestral land. Those who sacrifice for God and his people are commendable.
Second, people and places identified (3-36). The leaders who lived in Jerusalem are noted by name, along with the number of descendants from Judah and Benjamin and from the priests, the Levites and the gatekeepers. The rest of the Israelites lived in the towns of Judah and Benjamin.
Prayer: Lord, give me courage and faith to make sacrifices for you and for your people.
One Word: A commendable sacrifice before God and people
Psalm 34:1-22
Key Verse: 34:12-14
What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
