IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Introduction to Nehemiah

Key Verse: 1:11

1. I sat down and wept (1-4)

Nehemiah was a Jewish exile living in Susa in Babylon. He had a high position in the court of King Artaxerxes; he was the king's cupbearer. Some of the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem and had rebuilt the temple. One day some men-including Nehemiah's brother-came from Judah bringing news of Jerusalem and the people living there. When Nehemiah heard that the city wall of Jerusalem was broken down, leaving her helpless and disgraced, he sat down and wept. He fasted and prayed.

2. Nehemiah's decision (5-11)

Nehemiah decided to risk his job, and even his life, and speak to the king. But first, he prayed. He confessed the sins of his people, and he included himself. The people were living in exile because they had not lived according to God's word. God had kept his promise to scatter his disobedient people; he was keeping his promise to restore repentant people.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see my nation's problems as my own, pray with a repentant heart, and act by faith.

One Word: Pray to the Lord for his help and success