Nehemiah
What is a Cupbearer
A cupbearer was much more than a modern-day waiter or bartender. It was a high-ranking position of extreme trust in a royal court.
Who is Paul?
This 'Apostle to the Gentiles' was originally named Saul and famously encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Who is Esther?
This beautiful Jewish woman became Queen of Persia after winning a royal beauty contest.
What is Tarshish?
Jonah was swallowed by a great fish after trying to run away from God by boarding a ship to this city.
Who is Solomon?
This King of Israel, known for his immense wisdom, is credited with writing most of this book.
What is 52
52 is the number of days it took to complete the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
What is Pentecost
This Jewish festival marks the day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles like tongues of fire, leading to the birth of the early Church.
Who is Mordecai?
This cousin of Esther raised her as his own and refused to bow down to the king's advisor.
What is Nineveh?
God commanded Jonah to go to this great city and preach against its wickedness.
What is Knowledge?
Proverbs 1:7 states that the "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of this.
Who are Sanballat and Tobiah?
Sanballat and Tobiah are the primary "villains" of the story. They were local leaders who fiercely opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
Who is Stephen?
He is recognized as the first Christian martyr after being stoned to death while a man named Saul (Paul) watched in approval.
Who is Haman?
This villainous advisor plotted to destroy all the Jews because of his pride and hatred for Mordecai.
What is Three?
Jonah remained inside the belly of the fish for this many days and nights.
What is Pride?
This emotion "goes before destruction," while a haughty spirit goes before a fall.
What is a Weapon
The mention of a weapon (specifically swords, spears, and bows) represents the high tension during the rebuilding of the wall. Because Sanballat and Tobiah were threatening to attack, the builders had to become soldiers.
Who is Luke?
This companion of Paul was a doctor by profession and is credited with writing both this book and one of the four Gospels.
What is this?
Mordecai famously told Esther that she may have come to her royal position for "such a time as..." this.
What is a Gourd
While Jonah sat outside the city waiting to see what would happen, God provided this type of plant to give him shade.
What is Sharpens?
According to Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron," so one person does this to another.
Who is Ezra
Ezra was a priest and a scribe who played a vital role in the spiritual rebuilding of the people, just as Nehemiah handled the physical rebuilding of the walls.
What is a Tanner?
In the city of Joppa, Peter had a famous vision of a sheet full of "unclean" animals while staying at the home of Simon, a man with this smelly profession.
What is Purim?
This annual Jewish festival was established to celebrate the Jews' deliverance from Haman's plot.
What is Sackcloth?
After Jonah preached, the King of Nineveh declared a fast and ordered that everyone (including the animals!) wear this as a sign of mourning.
What is Noble Character?
The final chapter of the book (Chapter 31) is famous for describing a woman of this specific quality.