Concern for One’s Nation – SS2 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Patriotism is love for one’s nation, shown by sharing in its problems and offering solutions to them. When Judah fell to Babylon and its people were taken into exile, Ezra, Zerubbabel and Nehemiah showed patriotism by working to rebuild the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. Their example teaches concern and commitment to God and to one’s nation.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what patriotism means;
• describe the events in Judah under Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah that led to the exile;
• state what Cyrus did after Persia defeated Babylon;
• describe Nehemiah’s role in rebuilding the nation and name those who opposed the work;
• state the lessons we can learn from Nehemiah’s patriotism.

What was the condition of the nation? (2 Kings 24; 25:1-17)

A nation at times goes through difficult periods. These may be political, economic or social. People who love their nation identify themselves with these problems and offer possible solutions. Such people are described as “patriotic”.

Such was the situation in Israel when some people showed noticeable acts of patriotism. These were Ezra, Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. The occasion was the exile of Judah and the destruction of the temple and walls of Jerusalem.

Jehoiakim

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to rule Judah in Jerusalem. He was formerly called Eliakim. King Neco changed his name to Jehoiakim when Neco conquered Israel. Jehoiakim was the son of Josiah, the man who carried out various reforms in Israel. Jehoiakim was lax in attitude, carefree and nonchalant.

By this time (605 BC), Egypt had been defeated by Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. Judah therefore transferred its allegiance to Babylon. King Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar reacted by sending a powerful contingent of Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites and Ammonites to destroy Judah.

Jehoiachin

Jehoiakim died that same year, before the invaders arrived, and was replaced by his eighteen-year-old son, Jehoiachin. In 598 BC Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah and took away the men of Judah, the mighty men of valour, as well as craftsmen and smiths. The temple and the king’s house were looted. Only the poorest and the aged were spared.

Zedekiah

To make matters worse, Nebuchadnezzar made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah. It was not long before Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah again. Zedekiah fled with his men but was captured and tortured. His two sons were killed before him, and then his eyes were plucked out. He was taken to Babylon, where he died.

Nebuchadnezzar sent his men to burn down Jerusalem, including the temple and walls. This time another batch of captives was taken to Babylon.

How did Nehemiah and others respond to the state of the nation? (Neh. 1:1-11; 2:9-20; 4:1-23)

After the conquest of Israel by Babylon, Israel did not exist again as a nation. Most of the people were taken as captives to Babylon, though they were not enslaved and they settled in a particular area. Later, Persia defeated Babylon and became a world superpower.

The decree of Cyrus

Babylon and all its empire were now under Persia. Cyrus, king of Persia, stirred by the spirit of God, called on all Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of God. He also called on people to assist them financially. He returned five thousand four hundred and sixty-nine vessels of gold and silver which King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple.

The patriots who rose up

Following this decree, various patriots rose up to the occasion and played different roles, which finally led to the re-establishment of Israel as a nation. Remarkable among them were Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah, who led five thousand Jews to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of God.

Some people (Samaritans) tried to oppose what these men were doing. They were Bishlam, Mithredath and Tabeel. God was with these men and the work was completed.

Nehemiah’s role

Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king and used this position to seek permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His request was granted. Some people tried to frustrate the efforts of the builders. They were Sanballat and Tobiah. Despite the opposition, the work was completed in fifty-two days.

What lessons do we learn from Nehemiah’s patriotism?

1. Their actions showed strong concern and commitment to God and their nation, which are acts of patriotism.
2. We should not forget our responsibilities to others simply because we are in a comfortable position. Nehemiah was a top-ranking officer under Artaxerxes, yet he never forgot his duty.
3. Even in the midst of danger, we should not be afraid to perform our responsibilities. Nehemiah, at the risk of death from armed opposition, was not deterred in the service of his people.

Evaluation

1. What is patriotism?
2. Describe how Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah each ruled Judah and what happened in their reigns.
3. What did Cyrus do after Persia defeated Babylon?
4. Name the people who opposed the rebuilding work.
5. State two lessons we learn from Nehemiah’s example.

Assignment

1. Explain how Zedekiah’s rebellion led to the destruction of Jerusalem.
2. Describe Nehemiah’s role in rebuilding the nation and say how he showed patriotism.