Zerubbabel
The Descendant of David and govenor of Judah oversaw the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the exile.
Who is Zerubbabel
Nehemiah's famous reply when enemies tried to distract him from the wall:
What is "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down" Nehemiah 6:3?
The lesson invites us to identify "God's work for me" the same way we see it for Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. Name one way you can do a "great work" right now.
After the Babylonians destroyed Solomon's temple, the returning Jews eventually rebuilt one under Zerubbabel. Today, Latter-day Saints also rejoice when a new one of these is dedicated.
What is a temple?
After years of limited access, the people gathered at the water gate and asked Ezra to bring this book and read it to them.
What is the book of the law of Moses/the scriptures?
When enemies offered to help rebuild the temple, Zerubbabel and the leaders gave this firm reply.
What is: "You have nothing to do with us in building a house unto our God"?
Before asking the king for permission, Nehemiah first did this when he heard Jerusalem's walls were broken down.
What is pray, mourn and fast?
When opposition comes (discouragement, busyness, criticism), Nehemiah's example teaches us not to "come down" from the work. What is one way you can stay focused?
(all answers are good, if serious)
The people shouted for joy when the foundation of Zerubbabel's temple was laid. Modern members ofter feel similar joy when they do this for the first time or return after a long absense.
What is enter/attend the temple?
Ezra stood on a wooden pulpit and read the law from morning until midday. The people showed this attitude while he read.
What is attentive?
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people to resume this work after it had been stopped.
What is rebuilding the temple?
The people "had a mind to work", so the wall was finished in this surprisingly short time (despite mockery and threats).
What is 52 days?
The people rejoiced with great shout when the temple foundation was laid. How can you show or feel similar joy about the house of the Lord today?
(all answers are good, if serious)
In both ancient and modern times, the temple is a place where God's people make and keep these sacred promises.
What are covenants?
What is the joy of the Lord?
The temple completed under Zerubbabel's leadership is often called by this name.
What is the temple of Zerubbabel? or What is the Second Temple?
Enemies used ridicule, threats of attack, and even false prophets when trying to frighten Nehemiah into hiding in the temple. He responded by continuing the work and praying that God would do this:
What is strengthen his hands and remember the enemies?
Ezra read the law and the people responded with attention, understanding, and even weeping then rejoicing. What does this suggest about how we should approach scripture study?
What is reverence, effort to understand, and a desire to apply it?
Just as the jews needed to cleanse themselves and follow the Lord's law to participate in temple worship, Latter-day Saints today must have one of these to enter the temple.
What is a temple reccoment?
The Levites helped the people do this so they could understand the law as it was read.
Despite opposition that halted construction for years, the people eventually finished and dedicated the temple with joy. This shows the Lord's ability to do what?
What is accomplish His purpose / help His people finish His work?
Nehemiah inspected the walls at night, then rallied the people with the reminder that "the God of heaven, will prosper us." This illustrates what principle from the lesson?
What is the Lord helps those who do His great work?
or
What is we can move forward despite opposition?
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk "We are doing a great work and cannot come down" applies Nehemiah's story to us. What modern "walls" or work might the Lord be asking you not to abandon?
(all answers are good, if serious)
Zerubbabel's temple restored a place for sacrifice and worship after decades of loss. Today's temples make possible saving ordinances for both the living and the dead, including this oridinance that unites families eternally.
What is sealing?
Nehemiah 8 shows that the word of God has power to turn hearts back to the Lord. President Ezra Taft Benson taught that the word of God can do the same for us today (fortifying us against the evils of the day). What is one way you can better feast upon the scriptures all week?
(no wrong answers, if serious)