Dei Break
Nehemiah 4:1 - 8:18
Chapter 4 begins with Sanballat angrily urging others to join in his effort to stop the restoration of Jerusalem's wall. Verse 4 begins Nehemiah's prayer that God would keep them from success. Nehemiah then tells us the story of the workers' success and Sanballat's continued efforts to destroy the work. But the work continued, and succeeded, with armed workers and God's protection. Through it all Nehemiah continued to lean on God for help.
Chapter 5 cites the unfair loan practices by which some Jews were ruining the lives of others. One could understand Babylon placing such burdens on the people, but not their own brothers. Like children needing a strong parent, the Jews obeyed Nehemiah's command to cease the abuse. As an example of behavior he cited that unlike other governors appointed by the Persians, he never used his position to gain personal wealth.
Political intrigue continues through chapter 6. Nehemiah remains faithful to his calling while Sanballat and his minions plot murder and deceit. When the governor proved too wise to place himself in their hands, Sanballat threatened to go to the Persian king with false reports that the wall was built in preparation for Jerusalem's rebellion, with Nehemiah as their king. Through it all, Nehemiah's confidence never wavered, because his confidence was in the One who had led him to this place.
Unlike David's census centuries before, God led Nehemiah to count the people, for Jerusalem was under-populated—was it now beginning to grow? There were around 50,000 people living in and around the city. (Chapter 7)
In chapter 8 we find Ezra, Nehemiah, and other leaders before the people. For a second time the people have joined to listen to Ezra teach the Law. They had been through a summer of intense stress, rebuilding the city walls while enemies threatened their lives; suffering economically at the hands of their own; and wondering if any of it would work out in the end. It was time to hear the great teacher again. He was concerned for their wellbeing. He knew that without God at the center of their work, the people would fail to rebuild the nation. They feasted, celebrated, and learned for seven full days.
Next time: A Day of Repentance
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