Summary of Nehemiah 6:15-7:3
The wall of Jerusalem was completed in 52 days. The enemies of Israel were afraid because they knew God had helped.
Nehemiah then appointed the gatekeepers, musicians, and Levites. He put his brother in charge of Jerusalem. The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is up.
BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 2: Nehemiah 6:15-7:3
3a) “All the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”
b) The enemies of God’s people never give up. They are always looking for a way to sabotage God’s work. We must ever be vigilant from attacks from all sides in order to stay on course with God’s work.
c) I wish I could say with grace, but mostly anger. However, I pray about it and let God lead me, too!
4) Nehemiah then appointed the gatekeepers, musicians, and Levites. He put his brother in charge of Jerusalem. This was important because he had to return to Susa. The danger was not over, both from the enemies of God and the Jews, too (Tobiah).
5a) Integrity was vital because strong walls cannot stop internal betrayal. With many nobles secretly allied to enemies like Tobiah, Nehemiah required leaders who feared God more than men. Their incorruptible character ensured they would not compromise the city’s safety for bribes, family connections, or political expediency.
b) I always try to do what’s right and follow what God would want of me. Being a person of integrity can help in many ways in life.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 2: Nehemiah 6:15-7:3
Finally, the wall is finished! It’s always so amazing what God can do through you!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 2: Nehemiah 6:15-7:3
God can use any of us in mighty ways.
Nehemiah prayed for 4 months and got the work done in 2 months. Spiritual battles are often worse than the physical battles.
Tobiah was the man who opposed the walls being rebuilt from the beginning (Nehemiah 2:10, Nehemiah 2:19 and 4:3, Nehemiah 6:1-2).
We need to praise God with every victory we have.
Remember, Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani, was the one who told him about the work that needed to be done (Nehemiah 1:2). He was faithful and feared God — that’s all you need to serve the Lord.
Now, the wall needed to be guarded. We need to guard our victories, too.
END NOTES SUMMARIZED
Once the wall was physically built, Nehemiah shifted focus from construction to conservation.
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Supernatural Success (6:15–16): The wall was completed in just 52 days. This feat was so undeniable that even Nehemiah’s enemies lost their confidence, realizing that God was behind the work.
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Internal Espionage (6:17–19): Despite the victory, the danger wasn’t over. Many Jewish nobles were loyal to Tobiah (the enemy) through marriage alliances, acting as spies and sending him letters. Nehemiah had to lead a people who were still politically compromised.
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Securing the City (7:1–3): Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers, singers, and Levites, re-establishing order. Crucially, he handed command to his brother Hanani and Hananiah, choosing them not for their skill, but because they were “faithful and feared God more than many.” He established strict protocols: gates were only to be opened when the guards were active, and citizens were to guard their own neighborhoods.
Conclusion
This passage teaches that success does not mean the struggle is over. While the “hardware” (the wall) was finished, the “software” (leadership and loyalty) still needed work. True stability requires constant vigilance against internal compromise and appointing leaders based on character and fear of God rather than just talent or status.
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