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Third Presbyterian Church

Tuesday Bible Study

Old Testament Tour – Nehemiah 9

Lesson 112 - Confession of Sin

Nehemiah 9:1-37 (NIV) 1 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth

and having dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They

stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. 3 They stood where they were

and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in

confession and in worshiping the LORD their God. 4 Standing on the stairs were the Levites--Jeshua, Bani,

Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani and Kenani--who called with loud voices to the LORD their God. 5 And the Levites--Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah--said:

"Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting." "Blessed be your glorious

name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. 6 You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens,

even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them.

You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. 7 "You are the LORD God, who chose

Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. 8 You found his heart faithful to

you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites,

Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous. 9 "You saw the suffering of our forefathers in Egypt; you heard their cry at the Red Sea. 10 You sent miraculous

signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his officials and all the people of his land, for you knew how

arrogantly the Egyptians treated them. You made a name for yourself, which remains to this day. 11 You

divided the sea before them, so that they passed through it on dry ground, but you hurled their pursuers into the

depths, like a stone into mighty waters. 12 By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar

of fire to give them light on the way they were to take. 13 "You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them

from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are

good. 14 You made known to them your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your

servant Moses. 15 In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water

from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give

them. 16 "But they, our forefathers, became arrogant and stiff-necked, and did not obey your commands. 17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-

necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God,

gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, 18 even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, 'This is your god, who brought you up out of

Egypt,' or when they committed awful blasphemies. 19 "Because of your great compassion you did not abandon

them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by

night to shine on the way they were to take. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not

withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. 21 For forty years you

sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become

swollen. 22 "You gave them kingdoms and nations, allotting to them even the remotest frontiers. They took over

the country of Sihon king of Heshbon and the country of Og king of Bashan. 23 You made their sons as

numerous as the stars in the sky, and you brought them into the land that you told their fathers to enter and

possess.

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24 Their sons went in and took possession of the land. You subdued before them the Canaanites, who lived in

the land; you handed the Canaanites over to them, along with their kings and the peoples of the land, to deal

with them as they pleased. 25 They captured fortified cities and fertile land; they took possession of houses

filled with all kinds of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees in abundance.

They ate to the full and were well-nourished; they reveled in your great goodness. 26 "But they were disobedient

and rebelled against you; they put your law behind their backs. They killed your prophets, who had admonished

them in order to turn them back to you; they committed awful blasphemies. 27 So you handed them over to their

enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard

them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their

enemies. 28 "But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned

them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard

from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time. 29 "You warned them to return to

your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, by

which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and

refused to listen. 30 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through

your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. 31 But in your

great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. 32 "Now therefore, O our God, the great, mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let

all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes--the hardship that has come upon us, upon our kings and leaders,

upon our priests and prophets, upon our fathers and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until

today. 33 In all that has happened to us, you have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong. 34 Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our fathers did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your

commands or the warnings you gave them. 35 Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great

goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil

ways. 36 "But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its fruit and

the other good things it produces. 37 Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed

over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress. 38 "In view of all this,

we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are

affixing their seals to it."

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Questions

1. People often use the adage “time sure flies.” I believe that is because when we think

about the past, we only think of the highlights but avoid the painful thoughts that we

have learned from.

a. When has it been helpful for you to look back at your past and think about what

you’ve gone through?

b. Does your maturity as a Christian give you greater strength to reflect on the

past? Why or why not.

2. The reflection in our scripture today is Israel learning the hard way despite clear

warnings from God and God’s prophets.

a. We are supposed to be people of faith in God, just like the Israelites. Why just

like Israel do we too have to learn lessons the hard way?

b. What can help us heed warnings from God the first time?

3. 1 John 1:8-10 (NIV) 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we

confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from

all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no

place in our lives.

a. Why is sin confession so powerful?

b. Why is sin confession necessary to God?

4. Why is it our tendency to remember God only in the good times?

5. If you wrote a passage about your own history of walking with the Lord, what themes

would you see?

6. In what concrete ways has the Lord demonstrated His love for you?

7. How does remembering God’s provision for you in the past encourage you?

8. What should we do to restore our relationship with the Lord whenever we realize we

have been acting selfishly?

9. How can you thank the Lord today for His forgiveness?

Homework: Take some time this week for confession and recommitment to obeying God.

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(9:1-37) Introduction: our world desperately needs an outpouring of God’s goodness and mercy. We do not

deserve it, but we urgently need it. However, the only way we can obtain these gifts is to seek God wholeheartedly.

While a number of individuals in nearly every culture are genuine believers, the majority are not. If people all

across the face of the earth would sincerely follow the LORD, looking to Him for guidance and strength, this would

be a far different world. In seeking God, these people would demonstrate the desire to help build up their own

societies and to better themselves. In finding and following God, the individuals would become more godly,

modeling for others the excellent qualities of life. Our supreme model of all that is good and perfect is God: God

the Father, God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and God’s Holy Spirit. Therefore, we must look at all that God is

and all that He has done for us as we begin our quest to secure His goodness and mercy. While God’s goodness

is immeasurable, there are certain qualities that we can, through Him, attain. We can be…

Again, those who seek and receive God’s goodness and mercy become better people, making significant

contributions to society, building up the lives of others. Wherever a good person lives, those around him always

benefit. A helping hand is ready to meet any need that arises. The person sets a dynamic example of man’s best

traits, a dynamic example of what God wants us to be and how He wants us to live. In the pursuit of God’s

ideal, perfect goodness and mercy, we will become more and more conformed to His image.

The returned exiles of Nehemiah’s day were determined to seek after God, His goodness and mercy. They were

faced with rebuilding their nation and society. To accomplish what was needed, they needed their spirits

revived. They needed God to pour out the spirit of His goodness upon them, arousing all the people to work

together to build a righteous, just, productive, and loving society. Thus, they determined to seek God, begging

Him to give them a spirit of revival. With their spirits revitalized and renewed, they could be successful in

rebuilding their nation. The promised land would once again be fruitful and economically productive, and the

people would some day in the future be given the wonderful hope of living in permanent peace. They would be

free from all the bondages and enslavements of this life. This is, Step 2—Rebuilding Through a Revived Spirit:

Stressing the Importance of Seeking God, His Goodness and Mercy, 9:1-37.

1. (9:1-4) Confession, of Sin, Essential, for Revival—Repentance, Essential, for Revival—Revival,

Essentials, Confession and Repentance—Seeking, God, Essentials for—Returnees, Jewish, Sought

Revival—Nehemiah, Stirred Revival—Ezra, Stirred Revival—Israel, Revivals of—Jews, Revivals of: the

first step in revival is to seek God through genuine confession and repentance. This was exactly what the Jewish

returnees did under Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s leadership.

Just two days after celebrating the Festival of Tabernacles, the people assembled together again. Remember, the

Festival of Tabernacles had lasted for seven days, and prior to that the people had met for two days in a special

study of God’s Word. So even before the present assembly began, the people had already been meeting for a

total of nine days to study God’s Holy Law and to worship Him. Now, after just one day’s break, they gathered

once more to study God’s Word and to seek the LORD for a spirit of revival within their community. They made

a deliberate decision to fast all day, wearing sackcloth and covering their heads with dust, which was an

outward symbol of their hearts’ being humbled before the LORD (v.1). They also made a deliberate decision to

separate themselves from all foreigners, disallowing any foreigner to attend this particular worship service.

Excluding the foreigners in this instance was understandable since their purpose was to confess the sins of their

nation down through the centuries. They sought to reestablish the covenant or agreement between God and

Israel. They wanted God to forgive their sins and to reestablish them as the nation of Israel within the promised

land. They longed for God to fulfill all His promises to them and through them, the promises that had been

given to Abraham and to David. These promises were basically threefold: they would receive the wonderful

inheritance of the promised land of Canaan (a symbol of heaven); through them would come the promised seed,

a king, who was to sit upon the throne of David eternally (fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ); and they would

become a great nation of people who would be a blessing to the world. The Jews were to bless the world by

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being the channel through which the LORD sent the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Word, the

Bible. The great nation promised to Abraham was fulfilled in the nation Israel and in all the leaders who walked

in the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (true believers) (Ro.4:11-16). Thus, this worship service of

the returned Jews had to do specifically with their relationship to the LORD and theirs alone. For this reason,

they needed to meet privately with the LORD face-to-face without any foreigners being present.

The worship service itself included confession of their sins and the reading of God’s Word. Keep in mind here

that where Scripture refers to a quarter of the day, it most likely refers to the daylight hours. Reading God’s

Word lasted for about three hours (vv.2-3). Confessing their sins and worshipping the LORD took approximately

another three hours, which meant that the worship service lasted a total of six hours. (Imagine a worship service

today lasting six hours, three hours spent in reading and studying God’s Word and another three hours in

prayer!) Leading the worship service in praise and prayer were the Levites, who stood on the stairs of the

platform that had been prepared just for these services (v.4; also see 8:4). The Levites were divided into two

groups who lifted up their voices in prayer and praise to the LORD. Part of their prayer is given in the song that

follows in the next point.

Thought 1. When God’s children are seeking a spirit of revival, two acts are absolutely essential: genuine

confession and genuine repentance of sin. Repentance means that we turn away from our sins. God cannot

accept sin, for He is holy, righteous, and perfect in all His being. Sin is unacceptable to Him. In view of that,

before we can ever approach God, our sins have to be removed. Sin can be removed only through the blood of

the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore when we approach God, we must come to God through the Name of the Lord

Jesus Christ, confessing our faith in Him and asking God to forgive our sins. We must turn away from our sin

and turn back to God, following Him and living righteous and moral lives. Once we have confessed and

repented of our sin, God gives us a spirit of revival. Our spirits are stirred with praise and thanksgiving, aroused

to live righteous, productive, and fruitful lives, lives that are triumphant and that overcome all the trials and

temptations of this world. The privilege of living such victorious, successful lives comes only through Jesus

Christ, confessing our sins and receiving His forgiveness. Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about

confession and repentance of sin:

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt.3:2).

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Mt.5:4).

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than

over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Lu.15:7).

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ

for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Ac.2:38).

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of

refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Ac.3:19).

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness” (1 Jn.1:9).

2. (9:5-31) Revival, Essentials, Praise and Thanksgiving—Praise, Essential, for Revival—Thanksgiving,

Essential, for Revival—Worship, Essentials of, Praise and Thanksgiving—Worship, Service of, Praise and

Thanksgiving—Services, Worship, Essentials—Returnees, Jewish, Sought Revival—Jewish Returnees,

Worship of God, Eleven Praises—Israel, Songs of, Jewish Returnees—Songs, of Jewish Returnees—Praise,

of God, Eleven Praises: the second step in revival is to seek God through praise and thanksgiving. The song of

praise in this passage is one of the most eloquent praises of God in all of Scripture. It is comparable to the other

great songs of Holy Scripture such as…

“Moses’ Song of Praise for God’s Great Deliverance” (Ex.15:1-21)

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“The Song of Moses that Stood as a Strong Warning and Witness to God’s People” (De.32:1-52) “Deborah’s Great Song of Victory” (Judges 5:1-31) “The Song of Hannah” (1 Sam. 2:1-11) “David’s Song of Grief,” a funeral song composed for King Saul and his son Jonathan (2 Sam. 1:17-27)

The Levites led the Jewish returnees in this prayerful song of praise and thanksgiving. The LORD was being

praised for having led the nation of Israel down through the generations up through the present time. The

praises to God begin with acknowledgment that the LORD God Himself exists eternally, prior even to creation,

stretching on down through the ages to the prophets who were presently ministering among the people. The

Levites sang from the depths of their hearts, mentioning eleven specific facts about God and His wonderful

works.

1. The people praised God for His being, His supremacy (vv.5-6a). God is eternal, from everlasting to

everlasting, and His Name is glorious. Therefore His name is to be exalted and praised. Nevertheless in praising

the LORD, the worshipper must realize that God is so exalted and His Name so glorious that all human praise is

inadequate. The glory of His Name far exceeds any and all praise that could be ever offered up to Him.

The LORD is also to be praised because He alone is God (v.6a). No other God exists, not a true and living God.

All other gods are merely the creation of people’s imaginations, gods invented by the human mind and hands.

Accordingly, the Name of the LORD, and His Name alone, is to be praised. All praise and worship is due the

LORD. Because of who He is, the one and only true God who exists from everlasting to everlasting.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave

himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Ti.2:5-6).

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years,

and a thousand years as one day” (2 Pe.3:8).

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children

of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Ex.3:14).

“Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else

beside him” (De.4:35).

2. The people praised God for creation (v.6). He alone made the universe, heaven and earth and all that is

therein. The stars of the sky and the earth with all its vegetation, seas, and animal life were all made by the

LORD. Furthermore, the LORD alone preserves life. As the great Creator of the universe, no person or being in

heaven or earth can be compared to Him. Because of His creative power He is deserving of worship and praise.

“And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach

unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth,

and the sea, and all things that are therein” (Ac.14:15).

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Ge.1:1).

“Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’S thy God, the earth also, with all

that therein is” (De.10:14).

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot

contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” (1 Kings 8:27).

3. The people praised God for choosing Abraham and for calling him to such a great purpose, giving his

descendants (believers) the covenant of the promised land (vv.7-8). God had called Abraham to leave his home

in Ur of the Chaldeas to go to an unnamed land that God would give him—if Abraham would commit his life to

the LORD and follow Him. Abraham believed God, forsaking his old life and following God to the new life in

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the promised land (a symbol of heaven). Because of Abraham’s faithfulness, God established a permanent

covenant with him. The covenant included three wonderful gifts: the promise of the promised land, which was a

symbol of heaven; the promise of the promised seed, which was fulfilled in Christ; and the promise of a great

nation of descendants, which was fulfilled in all the descendants of faith who truly believed God.

Down through the centuries, the LORD had kept His promise—because He is righteous. The Jewish returnees

were evidence of God’s fulfilling His covenant, for they were the true believers of that day and time and they

were in the promised land. Thus God’s Name was to be praised for choosing Abraham and for giving his

descendants (believers) the covenant of the promised land (Ge.12:1-9; Ge.15:1-21; Ge.17:1-27).

Thought 1. The promise of the promised land has been given to all believers, to all descendants of faith, all of

us who walk in the steps of faith that Abraham demonstrated. In fact, Abraham is called the father of all

believers, which means he was the first who walked in faith, believing God’s promise concerning the promised

land (the symbol of heaven and of spiritual rest and assurance).

“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet

being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not

circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision

to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our

father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir

of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of

faith” (Ro.4:11-13).

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,

being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the

dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I

may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself

to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching

forth unto those things which are before” (Phil. 3:10-13).

“For our conversation [behavior, conduct]is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour,

the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his

glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself”

(Phil. 3:20-21).

4. The people praised God for having delivered their forefathers from Egypt. God’s wonderful deliverance was

a symbol of His salvation, of His saving people down through the ages from the world’s enslavement (see

outline— Ex.7:8–11:10 and notes— Ex.7:8–11:10 for more discussion). In order to free His people from

Egyptian slavery, God had miraculously executed judgments upon the Egyptians. These judgments had fallen

upon Pharaoh and his people because of their stubborn arrogance toward God and because of their brutal

treatment of the Israelites.

Through God’s mighty deliverance, He made a lasting Name for Himself. His wonderful deliverance of the

Israelites from Egyptian slavery is still studied and talked about today just as it was in the days of the Jewish

returnees. Yet God’s mighty acts in behalf of Israel were not done. In Israel’s escape from Egypt, God divided

the Red Sea so that they could safely cross. He then drowned the pursuing Egyptians in the same sea. As the

Israelites marched forth on their journey through the wilderness journeys, God continued to guide His people.

And His guidance was symbolized in the spectacular pillar of cloud that led them by day and the pillar of fire

that led them by night (v.12. also see Ex.13:17–14:31).

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Thought 1. The LORD alone can deliver us from the enslavement of sin, death, and hell. He alone delivers us

from the bondages of this life and from the fears that can so easily grip us.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn.3:16).

“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we

were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had

the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth

the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will

yet deliver us” (2 Cor. 1:8-10).

5. The people praised God for giving the law and the Sabbath to His people (Ex.20:1-26; 21:1–24:18). Looking

back through the history of their people, the Jewish returnees could see that the law and commandments given

by God were good. God’s law had established justice and righteousness throughout the land. And when the

people obeyed the law, they experienced the blessings of God. A righteous and just society was established and

peace was given to the nation. Moreover the people had productive and fruitful lives with a strong society,

strong families, and a strong economy. When their ancestors obeyed the laws of God, they lived successful,

victorious lives, lives that triumphed over all the temptations and trials of life.

In addition to the laws and commandments, God had given His people the Sabbath, a day for rest and worship.

Six days were to be spent in diligent labor, but the seventh day was to be spent in worship and rest. Both the

body and spirit were to be cared for. The body was to rest on the Sabbath, and the spirit was to be revived

through worship.

Thought 1. God’s law shows us just how short we come of God’s perfection and glory, how desperately we

need a Savior. God gave us the law for the purpose of showing us how to live righteous and just lives upon this

earth, how to love and treat other people as we wish to be loved and treated. However when we attempt to keep

or obey the law, we find ourselves failing and coming up ever so short. We break God’s law over and over. For

that reason we must pay the penalty and suffer the punishment for violating the law. The punishment for that

violation, for disobeying God’s law is death, both physical and eternal death. Eternal death means to be

eternally separated from God, separated from His light, love, goodness, mercy, compassion, forgiveness and so

much more. It also means an eternity without hope. Thus when we break the law of God, the first thing the law

shows us is the fact that we desperately need a Savior. The law points us to Jesus Christ.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is

the knowledge of sin” (Ro.3:20).

“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law:

for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Ro.7:7).

Thought 2. God gave us the Sabbath for both rest and worship. No matter what generation we live in, our

bodies still need rest one day a week, and our spirits still need to join with others in one day of worship and

praise to the LORD.

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul

preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight”

(Ac.20:7).

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into

the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read” (Lu.4:16).

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“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one

another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But

the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy

son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is

within thy gates” (Ex.20:8-10).

6. The people praised God for His provision of food and water (v.15). As the Israelites had made their way

through the wilderness wanderings, traveling to the promised land, the LORD miraculously provided for His

people. The Bread from Heaven, known as manna, was graciously provided as needed on a daily basis. And

when water was needed in the middle of the desert wanderings, the LORD again miraculously provided all that

was needed (see outline— Ex.16:4-8; note— Ex.16:4-8; outline— Ex.17:1-7; and note— Ex.17:1-7 for

more discussion).

Thought 1. God meets all the daily needs of those who truly follow Him, obeying His commandments and

living righteously. When a person truly seeks the LORD first, He promises to provide food, clothing, shelter, or

any other basic necessity of life that is lacking.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added

unto you” (Mt.6:33).

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from

heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven….I am the living bread which came

down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give

is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world….This is that bread which came down from

heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for

ever” (Jn.6:32, 51, 58).

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in

all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil.

4:19).

7. The people praised God for having forgiven the sins of their ancestors or forefathers (vv.16-18). Throughout

the wilderness journey, they had been proud, stiff-necked, and disobedient to God. Their forefathers had failed

to keep God’s commandments. They failed to remember God’s goodness, instead rebelling against Him and

even appointing a leader to replace Moses. They wanted this new leader to lead them back to Egypt,

proclaiming that wandering about in the desert wilderness was too demanding, too difficult. They felt hope for

the promised land was not worth all the suffering and hardship (see outline— Nu.13:1–14:45 and notes—

Nu.13:1–14:45 for more discussion). But despite the Israelites’ disobedience and rebellion, the LORD had

neither forgotten nor abandoned them. Because of His mercy and compassion, He was ready to forgive them

when they confessed their sins, repented, and turned back to God. They were never forsaken, even when they

turned to false gods and to false worship (see outline— Ex.32:1-35 and notes— Ex.32:1-35 for more

discussion).

Thought 1. We must always remember what God has done for us, the wonderful salvation and hope for heaven

He has provided us through Jesus Christ. Forgetting what God has done always leads to disobedience. Even so,

when we disobey and turn away from the LORD, we must always remember that God is merciful. If we confess

and repent of our sins, He will forgive us our sins.

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“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart

may be forgiven thee” (Ac.8:22).

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you

the forgiveness of sins” (Ac.13:38).

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches

of his grace” (Ep.1:7).

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness” (1 Jn.1:9).

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my

face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and

will heal their land” (2 Chr.7:14).

8. The people praised God for His sustaining power, for preserving His people as they walked toward the

promised land (a symbol of heaven and of spiritual rest in the LORD) (vv.19-23). Out of compassion for His

people, the LORD never abandoned them in the desert wilderness. On the contrary, He miraculously guided

them day and night by the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire (Ex.13:21-22). Even more significant, He gave

them His Spirit to instruct them how to live righteously and how to survive in the desert wilderness. Day by day

the LORD continued to meet their needs by providing food and water. For over 40 years He sustained them in

the desert, and they lacked nothing. Amazingly, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet swell. The LORD

provided what clothing they needed and took care of their health. And when enemies confronted them, the

LORD gave victory over all who would oppress them. It was also during their wilderness journeys that the

Israelite population grew so astoundingly. In summary, during the entire 40 years of their desert journey, the

LORD sustained them until He finally brought them to the promised land.

Thought 1. God’s divine intervention and sustaining power look after us. Day by day God sustains us, taking

care of all our needs. If we are genuine followers of the LORD and we need food or shelter or clothing, the LORD

will provide these necessities of life. Even when we are attacked by the trials and temptations of life or

persecuted by unbelievers, the LORD will walk with us through the crisis or give us victory over the attacks.

Even in death—whether as a result of violence, disease, or natural cause—the LORD does not forsake us. As

believers, we will never taste or experience death. Quicker than the eye can blink, the LORD will deliver us into

His presence, and the horror of death and hell will never lay hold on us. The LORD’s sustaining power will keep

us as we walk toward the promised land of heaven, where we will live eternally with Him.

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,

shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2

Ti.4:8).

“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought

you unto myself” (Ex.19:4).

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out

the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them” (De.33:27).

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isa. 41:10).

9. The people praised God for the strength and power to conquer the enemies of the promised land (vv.24-25).

When the Israelites reached the promised land of Canaan, the LORD gave them the power to conquer all the

Canaanites, and any other enemy that confronted them (see outline— Jos.6:1–12:24 and notes— Jos.6:1–

12:24 for more discussion. Also see De.6:10-12; Jos.24:13.) Through His mighty power His people not only

conquered all their enemies, but they also inherited the wealth and fruitfulness of the promised land.

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Thought 1. The LORD promises to give power to believers, to all of us who truly trust Him. And supernatural

power is essential, for believers wrestle against both physical and spiritual enemies. Physically, we face the

normal trials and temptations of life that everyone faces. But in addition, genuine believers face the oppression

and persecution of a hostile world of unbelievers. Unbelievers want little to do with the holy commandments of

God, the commandments that demand righteousness and morality. Most unbelievers want to live with no

constraints on their morals or lifestyle. Doing what they want—when they want—is the philosophy of their

lives. Thus when we live righteous lives and proclaim the way of holiness, we are often persecuted through

discrimination, ridicule, mockery, outright assault, and sometimes even martyrdom.

Spiritually, believers face the continuous attack of the devil and his followers, the attack of temptation to join in

the carnal pleasures and passions of this world. Believers are also tempted often to compromise their morals and

beliefs. To combat such attacks, whether physical or spiritual, the believer must rely upon the strength and

power of God. Only the power of God can enable us to withstand the constant barrage of temptations, trials, and

attacks that confront us as believers. Listen to the wonderful promise of God’s Word:

“For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Lu.1:37).

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by

his Spirit in the inner man” (Ep.3:16).

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according

to the power that worketh in us” (Ep.3:20).

“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering

with joyfulness” (Col.1:11).

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”

(2 Ti.1:7).

10. The people praised God for His mercy and forgiveness despite their ancestors’ persistent backsliding

(vv.26-28). Israel’s ancestors committed three serious offenses against the LORD:

⇒ They disobeyed and rebelled against the LORD, casting the Law of God behind their backs.

⇒ They rejected and killed the prophets who had encouraged the people to turn back to the LORD.

⇒ They had committed terrible blasphemies against the LORD.

As a result of these grave sins, the LORD chastised them by allowing their enemies to oppress them (v.27). Then

when they were broken and under enemy control, the Israelites repented and cried out to the LORD for

deliverance. In mercy the LORD had heard their cry and delivered them, raising judges to rescue them from the

hand of the enemy.

But, sadly, time and again the Israelites’ ancestors backslid, and the cycle of a compromising, inconsistent

lifestyle repeated itself (see outline— Judges 2:1–3:6 and notes— Judges 2:1–3:6 for more discussion; also

see the entire book of Judges for more discussion). This cycle of inconsistency included the following steps:

⇒ the people’s sin

⇒ the LORD’s chastisement

⇒ the people’s repentance and cry for deliverance

⇒ the LORD’s rescue of them from the hands of their oppressors

Thought 1. Far too many of us backslide, turn away from the LORD in order to seek the pleasures and

possessions of this world. We profess to know the LORD, but we do not keep His commandments. The LORD,

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however, sees and knows all that we do. Still, we must remember that God is merciful and forgiving. And as our

loving heavenly Father, He chastens us. But note: He will forgive us only if we are sincere, if we truly repent of

our sins. We must turn away from sin and turn back to Him.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples,

and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them,

saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the

remission of sins” (Mt.26:26-28).

“If we [continually] confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse

us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn.1:9).

11. The people praised God for His prophets and for their warning to repent (vv.29-31). Preaching with fervor

in their souls, the prophets had warned the Israelites to return to God’s Holy Word, His commandments. But the

people were proud, stubborn, and obstinate. Refusing to listen, they continued in their sin, rejecting God and

His Word (v.29). Nevertheless, the LORD continued to be patient, and His patience lasted many years (v.30).

Despite the Israelites’ repeated cycle of sin down through the centuries, God warned them through His prophets,

speaking to them through His Holy Spirit. Still the Israelites continued to shut their ears against the prophets’

warnings. As a result, the LORD was forced to continue chastising them by allowing their pagan neighbors to

oppress and conquer them. But through all their shameful sin and rebellion, the LORD continued to show mercy.

Although He had a perfect right to eradicate them from the face of the earth, He never allowed them to be

totally destroyed. He never abandoned them (v.31).

Thought 1. We should praise and thank God for the prophets of our day, the ministers of the gospel who

proclaim and teach the Word of God. They have been called to a difficult and often seemingly impossible

mission. Basically, their call is to lead believers to meet the desperate needs of this earth and to arouse all of us

to serve and worship the LORD, and Him alone. In addition, they are called to reach out to all the unbelievers of

the world. In just these three fundamental tasks, imagine the heavy weight upon a true minister’s shoulders. God

is to be praised for giving us dedicated ministers who both stir us to be faithful in our service and witness for the

LORD and to help us through the difficult times of life.

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the

Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at

peace among yourselves” (1 Th.5:12-13).

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in

the word and doctrine” (1 Ti.5:17).

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God:

whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Heb. 13:7).

3. (9:32-37) Mercy, of God, Pleading for—Prayer, What to Pray for, Mercy—Trouble, Deliverance from,

Through Prayer—Hardship, Deliverance from, Through Prayer—Suffering, Deliverance from, Through

Prayer—Disobedience, of Israel, Confessed—Jewish Exiles, Freed: the third step in revival is pleading with

God for mercy in the midst of trouble and hardship. Because of God’s wonderful acts in behalf of His people

down through the centuries, the Jewish returnees knew beyond question that God was merciful. Having just

reviewed His acts of salvation, the people now pleaded with God for mercy in their own behalf. Four very specific

pleas were made:

1. The returned exiles pleaded with God because God is merciful and keeps His covenant, never breaking His

promises (v.32). Because He is faithful to His promises, they could call upon Him as “our God.” They could

look to Him as the great, mighty, and awesome God who could act in their behalf. Believers must always

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remember who God is. He is the believer’s God, the only living and true God. He is the LORD of the universe,

who has the might and the supreme power to act and to meet all the needs of the believer.

2. The returned exiles pleaded for mercy because of the trouble and hardship they were suffering (v.32). Ever

since the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, the people had suffered. No matter who the people were—kings,

royal officials, priests, prophets, or citizens—they all had suffered as slaves in the captivity of foreign empires.

And they were still

suffering in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra. Keep in mind that their suffering was justified because they had

sinned greatly, committing all kinds of wickedness. As a result, the LORD Himself had carried out His judgment

upon them (v.33).

3. The returned exiles pleaded for mercy because none of the people had kept God’s Law or headed His

warnings. Neither the leaders nor the people of their day nor of past history had kept God’s commandments.

Even when they were in the promised land and enjoying the fruitfulness of God’s blessings, they did not serve

the LORD. They refused to turn from their wicked ways.

4. The Jewish returnees pleaded for mercy because they themselves were slaves in the promised land God had

given them. Although they had been freed from Babylonian captivity, they were still under the control of

Persian power. Because of their own sins, they were still being oppressed. God’s judgment was still falling upon

them. The harvest of the promised land was being paid in taxes to the Persians. Although they had been freed to

return to the promised land, they were still in great distress because they were slaves within their own land.

They longed to be totally free, subject only to the LORD. Therefore, they pleaded for the mercy of God and for

His delivering power.

Thought 1. God is merciful beyond measure. Despite all the sin and wickedness of His people down through

the ages, He still loved them and forgave them and heard their cries for mercy. This should be a great comfort to

all believers. God still loves us and He will have mercy upon us. No matter the circumstances, if we cry out to

God for mercy, He will hear our cry. He will come to our rescue and meet our needs. Think of any circumstance

or need, such as:

⇒ marital problems

⇒ financial

difficulties

⇒ disease or illness

⇒ the death of a loved

one

⇒ a wayward child

⇒ overwhelming temptations

⇒ crushed hopes

⇒ broken hearts

The list could go on and on. But no matter what the circumstance or need, God will deliver us, giving us the

power and strength to walk through and conquer the crisis or troubling situation.

In addition to being merciful, God keeps His covenant, His promises, that He has made with us. If we walk

faithfully, trusting God and keeping His Holy commandments, the LORD will fulfill every promise He has ever

made in our lives. He keeps His covenant, His promises if we follow Him sincerely and in truth.

1) Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about His mercy:

“And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation” (Lu.1:50).

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“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were

dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us

up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come

he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For

by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ep.2:4-8).

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by

the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly

through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs

according to the hope of eternal life” (Tit.3:5-7).

2) Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about His faithfulness in keeping His covenant, His promises.

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory

to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform”

(Ro.4:20-21).

Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.