Answer Key – Weeks 21-25

Week 21

As we step into the book of Nehemiah, we see the walls of Jerusalem are broken. What led to their destruction? (See Jeremiah 52:12–14)

In Jeremiah 52:12–14, we learn that Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar. The city walls were torn down, the Temple was burned, and many of the people were taken captive because the nation had continually turned away from God and rejected His warnings through the prophets.

The Bible tells us that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. With that in mind, what can Nehemiah 4:15–18 teach us about building and protecting our own temple walls?

Nehemiah 4:15–18 shows the people building with one hand while holding a weapon in the other. In a similar way, believers are called to build their spiritual lives through God’s Word, prayer, and obedience while also guarding their hearts against temptation, sin, and spiritual attack. Building and protecting go hand in hand.

In Nehemiah 8:10 the Israelites are told, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” How are the two connected?

The joy of the Lord gives strength because true joy comes from knowing God is faithful, present, and in control. Even after hearing the Law and recognizing their sin, the people were reminded that God’s mercy and covenant love were greater than their failures. That joy renewed their hearts and gave them courage to move forward.

Week 22

In Job 19:25–27, what confident hope does Job declare about his Redeemer, and what later words of Jesus in John 11 echo this hope?

In Job 19:25–27, Job boldly declares, “I know that my redeemer lives,” expressing confidence that even after death he would one day see God. Jesus echoed this hope in John 11 when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life,” pointing to the victory over death found in Him.

Throughout these chapters, what mistaken belief did Job’s friends have about suffering, and how does Jesus challenge a similar idea in John 9:1–3?

Job’s friends believed suffering was always the direct result of personal sin. They assumed Job must have done something wicked to deserve his pain. In John 9:1–3, Jesus challenged that same thinking when He explained that a man’s blindness was not caused by his sin or his parents’ sin, but so that the works of God might be displayed.

In Job 23:10–12, what did Job believe his testing would produce, and how is this similar to the refining of faith described in 1 Peter 1:6–7?

In Job 23:10–12, Job believed his testing would refine him like gold. He trusted that God was using hardship for a purpose and that he would come through it purified. This reflects 1 Peter 1:6–7, where Peter explains that trials test and strengthen faith, making it more precious than gold refined by fire.

Week 23

In Psalm 1, how does the person who delights in God’s Word differ from the one who follows worldly counsel?

In Psalm 1, the person who delights in God’s Word is compared to a tree planted by streams of water—stable, fruitful, and thriving. In contrast, the one who follows worldly counsel is like chaff blown away by the wind, lacking stability and lasting foundation.

In Psalm 22:1, 16–18, what details in David’s words point forward to Jesus’ crucifixion?

Psalm 22 contains several details that point forward to Jesus’ crucifixion. David writes, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—the very words Jesus spoke on the cross. The psalm also describes pierced hands and feet and people casting lots for clothing, all of which were fulfilled during Christ’s crucifixion.

According to Psalm 28:7, how does trusting in God bring strength and joy even during seasons of sorrow?

Psalm 28:7 teaches that trusting in God strengthens the heart because believers know they are not facing sorrow alone. God becomes both shield and helper. Even in difficult seasons, confidence in His faithfulness brings peace and joy that circumstances cannot take away.

Week 24

After David sinned with Bathsheba, he cried out to God. According to Psalm 51:10–12, what six things did he ask for?

In Psalm 51:10–12, David asked God to:

1. Create a pure heart within him
2. Renew a steadfast spirit
3. Not to cast him from God’s presence
4. Not to take His holy spirit from him
5. To restore the joy of salvation
6. A willing spirit to sustain him 

In Psalm 51:16–17, David acknowledges that God isn’t looking for empty rituals or surface-level obedience. What is He looking for?

In Psalm 51:16–17, David recognized that God desired more than sacrifices and outward rituals. What God truly wanted was a broken and repentant heart—someone humble enough to confess sin honestly and turn back to Him in sincerity.

In Psalm 72:12–14, who does the King show compassion toward, and how did Jesus reflect this during His earthly ministry?

Psalm 72:12–14 says the King shows compassion to the needy, the weak, the afflicted, and those who have no helper. Jesus reflected this throughout His earthly ministry as He cared for the poor, healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and showed mercy to those others often overlooked.

Week 25

According to Psalm 95:6–8, why are God’s people called to worship the Lord, and what warning from this Psalm is later repeated in Hebrews 3?

Psalm 95 calls God’s people to worship because He is our Shepherd, and we are under His care. The psalm also warns, “Today, if only you would hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 3 repeats this warning, urging believers not to become spiritually stubborn or unbelieving when God speaks.

According to Psalm 100, how are God’s people called to enter His presence, and why?

Psalm 100 says we are to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving, joy, praise, and singing. We worship Him because He is good, His love endures forever, and His faithfulness continues through every generation. Worship flows from remembering who God is and all He has done for us.

According to Psalm 103:11–13, how does God describe His love, mercy, and forgiveness toward those who fear Him?

Psalm 103 describes God’s love as being “as high as the heavens are above the earth.” His forgiveness removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west,” and His compassion is compared to the tender love of a father toward his children. These verses reveal both the greatness of God’s mercy and the depth of His care for His people.