• Read Nehemiah 3.1-32

Following his survey, Nehemiah moved very quickly to begin the rebuilding process. Some of these descriptive chapters can appear to have little “meat” as they contain a great deal of names, locations, and numbers, but all these were written for a purpose. (2 Timothy 3.16-17) Remember that in these days a people's ability to protect themselves was a direct reflection on the power of their god. The situation of Jerusalem meant that the God of the Israelites was not viewed as a very capable God in the eyes of the peoples around them.

Note: “next to that”, “next to them”, “next to him”, “the next section”, “beside him”, and “beyond them”. These terms appear in the chapter 28 times, as people were assigned to work near their homes.

1. List some reasons for this plan. What was accomplished by this strategy?
2. What are the implications of the priests “consecrating” the Sheep Gate and the wall to the towers? Do we dedicate “inanimate things or objects”? Why or why not?
3. What are some of the things you can learn about Nehemiah from his overall plan?