Observation

CIRCUMSTANCES THAT LED TO THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM (NEH. 1; 2:9-20; 4)

This question was avoided by majority of the candidates. Only a few candidates attempted it. There was a poor performance as candidates seem not to be familiar with the storyline. In rear instances, few candidates wrote about the fall of the wall of Jericho. However, to those who attempted it, the B part was a respite to them. Overall, the performance to this question was below average. The supposed points candidates were expected to have written are.

1. Babylon under king Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem by burning its walls, gates and the
   temple, and took the people into captivity, leaving the weak behind.


2. Nehemiah was one of the exiles in Susa where he became a butler to the king of Persia.


3. Nehemiah asked of the conditions of Jerusalem and the people, when his brother Hanani led a delegation to visit him.


4. Nehemiah asked about the Jews who survived the exile and also about Jerusalem in particular.


5. He was told that those who survived were in great trouble and shame, and that the walls of the city were broken down and its gates destroyed by fire.


6. On hearing this, Nehemiah wept and mourned for the nation of Judah (Jews).


7. Nehemiah in his sorrows fasted and prayed for days, for Judah.


8. He asked God to forgive them their sins and redeem them as he promised Moses.


9. Nehemiah after the prayer found favour before the King and he was permitted to go and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.


10. The King gave him a letter of authority to travel to Jerusalem.


11. Nehemiah was also offered escorts and logistics for the building of the walls.


12. The King also asked the provincial heads to support Nehemiah with materials necessary for the project.


13. When Nehemiah arrived at Jerusalem, he secretly inspected the walls after which he called the Jews and addressed
    them.


14. He encouraged them that they should arise and build the walls of Jerusalem so that they may no longer be disgraced.


15. The speech motivated them and they agreed to arise and build the broken walls.

In the B part which however was less challenging to the candidates, other points expected of candidates include;

1. Respect for institutions of authority.


2. Obedience to laws of the state.


3. Honouring all tax obligations.


4. Protecting state property.


5. Caring for the poor and needy.


6. Participation in communal labour/ rendering national service.


7. Supporting the security agencies in checking crime/ reporting evil doers.


8. Avoiding bribery and corruption.


9. Keeping the environment clean.