Nehemiah
Nehemiah Sets Up a Communication System
When Nehemiah’s enemies heard that their plot had been discovered, they did not attack and the people resumed their construction work (v. 15). However, Nehemiah exercises caution and devises a plan of defense that will unite and protect his people. He divides the people around th …
Nehemiah Was Fearful of What Others Think
As Nehemiah was going about his usual duties the king noticed that he was sad and asked, “Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick.” (vv. 1-2) At first Nehemiah was frightened because it was dangerous to show sorrow before the king who could execute anyone w …
Nehemiah Institutes Biblical Separation
The final problem that Nehemiah faces was the tendency so common in Israel to ignore the prohibitions against intermarriage with pagan peoples. When he returned to Jerusalem, he found the people again disobeying the Law (vv. 23-24). It was true then as it is today that when the f …
Nehemiah Prays For His People
As chapter one begins we are told that Nehemiah is in Shusan serving in the winter palace of Artaxerxes the king (v. 1). The brother of Nehemiah came to visit him and told of the difficulties the people who had returned with Jerubbabel and Ezra were having in Jerusalem. Nehemiah …
Importance of Giving The First Fruits to God
The people recognized the importance of supporting the worship of the temple (vv. 32-39). This was a part of obedience to God’s law. They recognized the need of financially supporting the continuing services of the temple (v. 32). This offering was to be used in taking care of th …
Nehemiah Dedicates The Wall
The Jews were accustomed to having workers and watchers on the walls of Jerusalem, but now Nehemiah and Ezra assigned people to be worshipers on the walls. They conducted a dedication service with such enthusiasm that their shouts and songs were heard “afar off” (v. 43) …
Nehemiah Determines to Rebuild The Wall
Even though Nehemiah took the shortest route possible, the journey to Jerusalem would have taken at least two months. The king appointed captains and horsemen to go with him, both for his protection and to show that he was a man who had the king’s stamp of approval (v. 9). As soo …
The Generosity of Nehemiah
Nehemiah ruled as governor for twelve years in Jerusalem. During this time he did not take advantage of his position (v. 14). The governors who had ruled before him had heavily taxed the people (v. 15). He was more interested in serving the people than he was in fulfilling a voca …
The Agreement of The People
On the basis of their repentance and prayer mentioned in 9:38, the people made an agreement with God. The agreement was signed and sealed, and the first twenty-seven verses of this chapter list eighty-four people who put their seal on this covenant. Many other citizens subscribed …
Priests And Levites Serving in The Temple
Now that the walls and gates of Jerusalem were restored, it was important that the Jews live in their capital city and make the population grow. For one thing, people were needed to protect the city; for they never knew when the enemy might decide to attack. It may have been safe …