• Read Nehemiah 11.1-12.26.

Remember Nehemiah 7.4: Now the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few and the houses were not built.¹⁾ (NASB) The city needed citizens to defend, govern, and form the socio-economic center for the people. Matthew Henry suggests that one of the reasons for this list is to honor the people who were willing to move into the city.²⁾ Kidner adds that this was important to show a “dignity of order and of know relationships; above all, of their calling to be a 'kingdom of priests and a holy nation'.” ³⁾

1. The decision was made to have 10% of the people to live inside the city walls. What would have been the advantages and disadvantages of living in Jerusalem as opposed to being outside the city walls?
2. Do you suppose everyone agreed with their “lot” in this decision? What would have made them respond positively to their “living assignment”?
3. Discuss the attitudes and commitments necessary for a people to obey instructions of their leadership? What instructions would you give to leaders before they make demands on their people, and what would you say to the people as they respond to leadership?