Week 28 Reading Guide

Written By Jacob Parodi

Restoration and Courage

Nehemiah 8–13, Esther 1–10

Big Idea: In Nehemiah, the focus turns from physical rebuilding to spiritual renewal through God's Word and covenant commitment. Esther, set during the exile, reveals God's providential care—even when His name isn’t mentioned. Together, these books show that restoration involves both worship and trust in God’s sovereign presence, even in unseen ways.

Reading Plan

  • Monday: Nehemiah 8-9 (Renewal Through the Reading of God’s Word)

  • Tuesday: Nehemiah 10-11  (Covenant Renewal and Commitment)

  • Wednesday: Nehemiah 12–13 (Dedication and Ongoing Reform)

  • Thursday: Esther 1-2 (Esther’s Rise to the Palace)

  • Friday: Esther 3-6 (Haman’s Plot and God’s Hidden Hand)

  • Saturday: Esther 7-10 (Deliverance, Reversal, and the Establishment of Purim)

Weekly DNA Questions

Discover

  • How does the heavenly perspective in Job 1-2 shape our understanding of suffering and spiritual warfare?

  • What do God’s speeches in Job 38-41 reveal about His wisdom and power?

Nurture

  • When you face suffering or unanswered questions, how do you wrestle with trusting God’s sovereignty?

  • How does reflecting on Jesus’ suffering and victory encourage you in your own trials?

Act

  • Consider someone in your life who is suffering. How can you walk alongside them with compassion and presence this week?

  • Spend time in prayer, acknowledging areas of your life where you struggle to trust God’s plan. Ask Him for the faith to endure with hope.

Key Verse: Esther 4:14

Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.

Reflection for the Week

God is at work even when we don’t see Him. God restores not just walls but hearts, drawing people back to worship and covenant faithfulness. God works behind the scenes to protect His people and fulfill His promises. Both books show that renewal requires faithful leadership, courageous action, and deep dependence on God’s guidance.

Bible Project Resources

Overlooked: Ezra-Nehemiah – Not the leadership lessons you’d expect.

Esther Overview – God’s providence in the midst of exile and crisis.

Public Reading of Scripture – Why reading Scripture in community matters.

Faithful – Why we can trust that God is full of emet, faithfulness and truth.

Jacob Parodi https://www.fbccottonwood.org
Next

Week 27 Reading Guide