Ezra: Finding the Greatest Treasure

September 28,2025

Nehemiah 8:1-12

Study Questions

1. Read Nehemiah 8:1-4. What was the situation in Jerusalem during Nehemiah’s day? What did the returning Israelites desire the most? Why did they want Ezra? Do you see that same hunger for God’s Word today? Why/Why not?

2. Read Nehemiah 8:5-8. Is there a difference between ‘hearing’ the Word of God and ‘receiving’ the Word of God? See also: Isaiah 25:4; Can you identify with times in your life when you ‘heard’ but not ‘receive’ the Word of God? Explain.

3. What strikes you about the various dynamics in this worship service in Jerusalem? Identify these dynamics and define what each expression represents.

4. Read Nehemiah 8:9-12. How did the Israelites ultimately respond to receiving God’s Word? Why did they respond the way they did? What does it tell us about their hearts?

5. What happens when you study and learn God’s Word?

• You receive Godly wisdom – Psalm 119:130; 2 Timothy 3:15.

• It provides self-awareness - James 1:22-25.

• It’s transformative - Isaiah 55:13; Psalm 1; 2 Peter 1:2-4.

• It brings encouragement – Psalm 94:18-19; Philippians 4:6-7.

• It reveals God’s plan - Psalm 139:16; Psalm 119:105; John 10:10; Philippians 2:13.

• It generates a deeper love for Jesus - Luke 11:10; 1 John 4:19.

6. Why did the leaders tell the people to no longer grieve but rather have joy? What lesson(s) can we learn here between repentance and rejoicing?

7. How do you prepare yourself to not just listen, but receive the Word of God? What are the biggest distractions in your life that try to drown out God’s Word? What needs to change in order to make God’s Word a priority in your life this week?