Nehemiah : WK 1 - THU
The Cupbearer
Nehemiah 1:1
These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah.
In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa.
Nehemiah 1:11
In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer.
The story of Nehemiah is considered the last recorded activity before the Old Testament Scriptures fall silent, anticipating the coming Messiah of the Gospels. Our study begins in 445 B.C., 160 years after Daniel and his friends were taken captive to Babylon. Ninety-three years have passed since Cyrus permitted the first trickle of Jews to return to their homeland, and seventy-one years since the temple was completed.
Our main character, Nehemiah, served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, the third son of Esther’s husband, King Xerxes. Only twenty years have passed since the events chronicled in the book bearing her name. In fact, Jewish historians suggest that Queen Esther was still alive when this passage begins.
The cupbearer to the king held an esteemed position. Nehemiah likely spent considerable time in his presence and could only have attained this role due to Artaxerxes’ profound trust. The king's safety depended on the integrity of this exiled Jew. Artaxerxes ascended to the throne in the wake of his father’s murder at the hands of Artabanus, commander of the guards. Therefore, he would have been especially cautious about whom he allowed access to his presence. Did Nehemiah receive this position based on the recommendation of the now-famous Queen?
As we study this book, we will regularly examine Nehemiah's experiences, seeking connections to our own lives. We will consider the implications for our personal journeys, as well as the principles relevant to our community of faith. If you feel spiritually stuck and helpless or lead an organization facing change, pay careful attention. Perhaps you are part of a new, emerging campus, are at the Redlands campus during the transition of an important leader, or are here in Chattanooga launching a daunting building project. In all these situations, we hope to find inspiration in Nehemiah's example. So keep your eyes open and your heart attentive to the voice of God.
Nehemiah 1:1
These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah.
In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa.
Nehemiah 1:11
In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer.
The story of Nehemiah is considered the last recorded activity before the Old Testament Scriptures fall silent, anticipating the coming Messiah of the Gospels. Our study begins in 445 B.C., 160 years after Daniel and his friends were taken captive to Babylon. Ninety-three years have passed since Cyrus permitted the first trickle of Jews to return to their homeland, and seventy-one years since the temple was completed.
Our main character, Nehemiah, served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, the third son of Esther’s husband, King Xerxes. Only twenty years have passed since the events chronicled in the book bearing her name. In fact, Jewish historians suggest that Queen Esther was still alive when this passage begins.
The cupbearer to the king held an esteemed position. Nehemiah likely spent considerable time in his presence and could only have attained this role due to Artaxerxes’ profound trust. The king's safety depended on the integrity of this exiled Jew. Artaxerxes ascended to the throne in the wake of his father’s murder at the hands of Artabanus, commander of the guards. Therefore, he would have been especially cautious about whom he allowed access to his presence. Did Nehemiah receive this position based on the recommendation of the now-famous Queen?
As we study this book, we will regularly examine Nehemiah's experiences, seeking connections to our own lives. We will consider the implications for our personal journeys, as well as the principles relevant to our community of faith. If you feel spiritually stuck and helpless or lead an organization facing change, pay careful attention. Perhaps you are part of a new, emerging campus, are at the Redlands campus during the transition of an important leader, or are here in Chattanooga launching a daunting building project. In all these situations, we hope to find inspiration in Nehemiah's example. So keep your eyes open and your heart attentive to the voice of God.
- Who are three people I trust deeply? Why do I trust them so much?
- Who has shown me the most trust in my life?
- What aspect of my character would I like to invite Jesus to work on with me today?
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