How does the history of God’s mercy free us to confess our sin and give us hope for the future? Join us as we walk through the next chapter of Nehemiah and see a people poised to hear God’s word, worship for a wondrous creator and redeemer, sweeping cycles of sin and salvation, and a penitential prayer that is finally resolved in salvation in Christ.

A grievous and extensive sin comes to light among God’s people gathered in a fragile community with a precarious existence. Will God in his wrath finally snuff them out? How do we consider their sin in light of our own setting in redemptive history? What can we learn from them of the nature of true repentance?

After some remarks on helpful resources and a bit of review (including corrections!) we dive into chapter 7. After 20 years idolatry has taken root and Israel needs…a king? Not yet! First Samuel serves as judge, in a manner reminiscent of Moses. As the people confess and repent, recommitting themselves to the Lord, he works a great deliverance from the Philistines. But where will Israel go from here? And where is the king that Hannah’s prayer led us to expect?