Read Nehemiah
11-13 & Acts
4:23-37
To discover:
As you read consider what the
final chapter is teaching us about God’s people.
To ponder:
We learn the reason for registering
the people (7v4-73) was to ensure Jerusalem
was populated (11v1-2). The leaders set an example by living there, and the
remaining inhabitants were decided by lot as a means of God’s determination.
Such upheaval is the equivalent of someone moving in order to serve or plant a
church.
The
list of those who lived in Jerusalem
has a military feel (11v6, 8, 14), suggesting security was still a need.
Amongst the leaders were those governing parts of the city, those working at
the temple, and those leading music. The references to “the king” (11v23-24)
probably refer to the king of Persia.
The record of those settling both in Jerusalem
and in the villages, and over an area larger than Judea,
highlights that the land was resettled with an ambitious desire to regain the
entire inheritance given in the days of Joshua.
The
list of priests and Levites includes those from the days of Darius (Ez 5-6) and
the high priest Jeshua, and so from both returns. The sources of the names are
no doubt noted to emphasize the accuracy of the records, which was necessary if
their descendents were to be deemed fit to serve at the temple. The concern
that only those of the priesthood of all believers serve in the church is a
commendable one.
By
recounting the dedication of the newly rebuilt walls of the city, the closing
section of the book returns us to its great theme. It seems this took place
after Nehemiah had returned from a trip back to Babylon,
and so over twelve years after he first arrived (12v27, 44, 13v1, 4, 6-7). The
Levites were called together to conduct this event, and Nehemiah arranged a
great procession along the wall, comprising Judah’s leaders, two large choirs,
musicians, and Nehemiah himself. It culminated in the temple with many
sacrifices and much joy (12v31-43).
It
was then that people were put in charge of the tithes the law required for the
priests and Levites. It is noted that they fulfilled their responsibilities to
purify the people (12v30, 45, see Lev 11-15) and served with others as in the
days of David and Solomon. This stresses the continuity of practice, and makes
this a high point for the Jews.
Indeed, when “the book of Moses was read” and it was realised Ammonites and
Moabites should not be included in the worshipping community, the people seemed
to go as far as excluding all foreigners from it.
However, despite
such zeal there were ample signs the kingdom of righteousness was still
distant. At some earlier point, while Nehemiah was away, a priest had actually
given a chamber in the temple to Tobiah, an Ammonite. On returning, Nehemiah
had to evict him and purify the rooms. He also learned that the very three
things the people had covenanted with God to do (10v30-39), had been neglected:
First, portions hadn’t been given the Levites, forcing them to neglect the work
of the temple and return to their fields in order to eat. Second, the people
were working and engaging in commerce on the Sabbath. Third, they had
intermarried with the surrounding peoples so that the next generation couldn’t
even speak the language of Judah,
threatening the passing on of the faith and their distinctive witness to the
nations. In each case Nehemiah took action. He put trustworthy men in charge of
the provisions for the Levites, praying God would remember that. He warned and
rebuked those desecrating the Sabbath, reminding them this previously led to
the exile and that they were “stirring up more wrath.” He then shut and posted
guards on the gates, threatening any who came to trade, again praying God would
remember his act and show him mercy. Finally, he rebuked and even beat those
who married foreigners, making them take an oath not to have their children do
the same, reminding them of how this led Solomon himself into sin. Nehemiah
also drove off the High Priest’s grandson for marrying a foreigner (against Lev
21v14, because he could become High Priest). Here he prayed God would remember
the sins of these priests, but finishes again asking God to remember and favour
him for purifying, organising and providing for the priests and Levites.
The book
therefore ends making clear that the people are the same as they have ever
been, ready to repeat the very sins that led to the division of the kingdom
after Solomon and its eventual exile. Rulers like Nehemiah might be able to
ensure obedience for a time, but what was really needed were new hearts that
would consistently obey and an everlasting king who would be forever present.
For this, the people had would wait 400 years.
Praying it home:
Praise God for renewing our hearts
into obedience. Pray for him to raise up leaders like Nehemiah to reform his
church.
Thinking further:
None today.
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