When the people of the land bring merchandise or any kind of grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we will not buy from them on a Sabbath or holy day. Every seventh year we will let the fields lie fallow, and will cancel every debt. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 10:31? 2. How does Nehemiah 10:31 guide us in honoring the Sabbath today? 3. What principles from Nehemiah 10:31 apply to our financial dealings? 4. How does Nehemiah 10:31 connect with Exodus 20:8-11 on Sabbath observance? 5. Why is it important to follow Nehemiah 10:31's example of community commitment? 6. How can we implement Nehemiah 10:31's teachings in our modern work-life balance? 7. What does Nehemiah 10:31 teach about observing the Sabbath in modern times? 8. How does Nehemiah 10:31 address commerce and trade on the Sabbath? 9. Why is the prohibition of buying goods on the Sabbath significant in Nehemiah 10:31? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 10? 11. How can Nehemiah 10:31’s strict Sabbath regulations be feasible, given the economic and agricultural demands of that era? 12. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence showing that ancient Israel consistently observed the Year of Jubilee (Lev 25)? 13. Does the sabbatical land rest of Exodus 23:10-11 have any archaeological or historical substantiation of its widespread observance? 14. If God is merciful, why does He command the execution of people who work on the Sabbath (Exodus 31:14)? Discussion Questions 1. How does the commitment to not buy or sell on the Sabbath challenge our modern understanding of rest and work?2. In what ways can we practice trust in God's provision in our own lives, especially in times of financial uncertainty? 3. How can we, as a community of believers, hold each other accountable to live according to God's commands? 4. What practical steps can we take to reflect God's justice and mercy in our financial dealings with others? 5. How can we maintain our distinctiveness as Christians in a culture that often prioritizes economic gain over spiritual values?1. What does the act of signing the covenant signify about the spiritual transformation of the Israelites? 2. How does the communal agreement to follow God's law demonstrate unity among the Israelites? 3. What consequences might the Israelites face due to their vow in verses 28-31? How might this apply to our lives today? 4. How does the chapter illustrate the importance of religious and civic responsibilities in a community? 5. Reflect on the commitment of the Israelites to support the Temple services. How does this translate to supporting religious institutions in our time? 6. How does the community's dedication towards avoiding intermarriage reflect their desire to preserve their faith and cultural identity? How does this resonate in today's multicultural societies? 7. Discuss the concept of Sabbath in the context of this chapter. How can the idea of rest and cessation from work apply to modern life? 8. What does the commitment to give first fruits, firstborns, and tithes reveal about the Israelites' understanding of blessings and gratitude? 9. What is the significance of the statement "We will not neglect the house of our God" in the contemporary context of religious observance? 10. How does Nehemiah 10 challenge us to examine our commitment to our faith or principles? 11. In the spirit of Nehemiah 10, how can we create or renew personal covenants that guide our lives today? 12. What actions can individuals take to ensure their community adheres to its collectively agreed principles? 13. What role does leadership play in upholding and promoting societal values and norms, as depicted in this chapter? 14. The Israelites agreed to a self-imposed tax for the maintenance of the Temple. What parallels can you draw with modern society's approach to funding communal or public goods? 15. How does the community’s commitment to God's law in Nehemiah 10 inspire you in your personal life? 16. How might the covenant in Nehemiah 10 serve as a model for creating accountability within communities today? 17. How does the concept of collective responsibility in Nehemiah 10 apply to current global issues like climate change or social inequality? 18. What practices or rituals in your life serve a similar purpose as the Sabbath, tithes, and offerings described in Nehemiah 10? 19. How can the lessons from Nehemiah 10 inform the way we navigate cultural integration and preservation in a diverse society? 20. Based on the principles outlined in Nehemiah 10, what personal changes would you consider making in your life to better align with your faith or principles? Links Nehemiah 10:31 NIVNehemiah 10:31 NLT Nehemiah 10:31 ESV Nehemiah 10:31 NASB Nehemiah 10:31 KJV Nehemiah 10:31 Commentaries Bible Hub |



