NEHEMIAH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Revision Questions on Nehemiah

Outline the problems that Nehemiah encountered in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. (10 marks)   

1. The officials of Tekoa did not co-operate with  him ( Neh3:5
2. He was ridiculed by  Sanballat and Tobiah. Neh 2:17 – 19, 4: 2- 3
3. He received threats of violence from the enemies Neh 4: 7 – 8
4. A trap was laid to drill his  mission of rebuilding the wall. Neh 4: 12
5. There was a plot to kill him.  Neh 6: 2 -3
6. Insecurity from the enemies Neh 4: 11 – 12
7. False prophets tried to discourage him. Neh 6: 14
8. Opposition from the Jewish  nobles Neh 4: 19
9. False accusation from his enemies Neh 6: 5-9

(5x 2 = 10 marks)

Explain the different occasions when Nehemiah prayed (8 marks)

1. Before asking Kind Artaxexas to let him go back to Judah
2. When he learnt that the Jews in Judah were suffering and the temple of Jerusalem was in ruins
3. When his enemies made fun of the Jews and discouraged them from building the wall of Jerusalem
4. When the enemies conspired to attack Jerusalem to stop the construction work
5. After he condemned the leaders for opposing the poor
6. When his enemies planned to harm him
7. When  he was  frightened by Shemaiah to hide in the temple claiming that there was a plot to kill him
8. When he cleansed and reorganized the temple for worship
9. After warning the people of Judah against violating the Sabbath law
10. When he had chased away the son-in-law of Sanbalat
11. After cleansing the Israelites of the foreign influence

(4 x 2 =8marks)

In what ways did Nehemiah demonstrate qualities of a good leader during his time? (7 marks)

1. He was hardworking /committed to his work
2. He faced opposition/challenges courageously
3. He prayed and consulted God in all situations
4. He had a vision/foresight for the nation/Jews
5. He recognized other people’s abilities /allowed them to perform different duties
6. He was concerned about the life of his people
7. He was patriotic
8. He made wise/firm decision in different circumstances
9. He was honest
10. He served as a role model/participated in the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem
11. He endured persecutions

(7 x 1 = 7 marks)

What is the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian today (5 marks)

1. It enables one to gain power over temptations
2. It expresses one’s obedience/humility before God
3. One is able to give thanks to God for the many blessings
4. So as to ask for God’s protection/care in all that one does
5. In order to ask for forgiveness for the wrongs done
6. One is able to intercede for others
7. In order to ask for forgiveness for the wrongs done
8. So as to praise/glorify /exalt God
9. To seek for guidance/direction for God
10. One is able to communicate with God

State four promises that the Israelites made when they renewed their covenant with God during  the  time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:28-29)     (8marks)

1. They were to live according to Gods law/obey, ail his commandments/requirements.
2. They would not intermarry with the foreigners living in their land.
3. They promised not to farm every seventh year/ they were to cancel all the debts.
4. They would make annual contribution towards temple expenses/not to neglect the house of God
5. They were to provide wood for burnt sacrifices.
6. They were to offer the first fruits of their harvest/ dedicate their first born sons/flocks as required by the law.
7. They would pay theirtithes in accordance with the law.     
8. They will not do any business on the Sabbath day.

(4x2=8marks)

Identify five final reforms carried out by Nehemiah to restore the worship of God in Judah. (5marks)

1. Cleansing of the temple.
2. Reinstating of the Levites and other temple workers,
3. He ordered the closure of Jerusalem for proper Sabbath observance,
4. He separated the Jewish from the foreigners.
5. He purified the priesthood.
6. Thro wins out the household of Tobia out of the chamber.  
7. Cleansing the chamber in the temple,
8. Returning the vessels of the house of God.
9. Appointing treasures over the storehouses,
10. Sopping the buying and selling of wares on the Sabbath day.
11. He ordered an end to mixed, marriages/ foreigners.

Outline the stages followed in the renewal of the covenant during the time of Nehemiah. (8 marks)

1. The people gathered in the public square in Jerusalem
2. The priest Ezra read the law to the people
3. They performed repentance gestures of raising/ lowering their hands
4. The people constructed makeshift tents/ shelters to celebrate the feast of the booths.
5. There was national day of confession / fasting as they wore sack clothes
6. Ezra led people in prayer of confession
7. They scaled the covenant by signing an agreement under the leadership of Nehemiah and the priest
8. The people promised not to go against the Mosaic law
9. The re-distribution of the people in Jerusalem and country side.    

Give six reasons why Nehemiah carried out religious reforms in Judah (6 marks)

1. To preserve the identity of the Jews as people of God
2. To separate the Jews from foreign influence
3. To purify the temple which had been defined by keeping a foreigner
4. To reinstate the services of the Levites as priests in the temple
5. To restore the tithing system that had been forgotten for the upkeep of the temple
6. To ensure that the Sabbath day was free from business activities
7. In order to cleanse the Jews who had intermarried with foreigners / exposed to idolatry.

What lessons do Christians learn from the renewal of the covenant by Nehemiah? (6 marks)

1. Christian should ask for their sins to be forgiven
2. They should lead righteous lives
3. Christians should always pray to God
4. Christians should demonstrate humility
5. They should avoid groups that can negatively influence their faith in God.
6. They should teach others the word of God
7. They should set aside a day for worship
8. They should respect the church as a place for prayer
9. They should read word of God