Nehemiah

A Brief Introduction 

Global Message for Today 

This affluent servant of the king was touched with the suffering and anguish of his fellow Jews. Far greater is Christ’s love for His people. Though He dwelt in the greatest places of honor and glory (John 17:5), He came down to die for them (Matt. 1:20–21; 20:28), and being raised for their justification (Rom. 4:25), He now intercedes in heaven for them (Rom. 8:34). Just as it was a great comfort to the Jews that they had a Nehemiah, so it is an infinite comfort to Christians that they have a sympathetic Savior at God’s right hand. Praise God for His love and intercession on our behalf! 

As is clear from his prayer, Nehemiah knew and believed the truth of Scripture. How does knowing and believing God’s Word help in prayer? Using Nehemiah as an example, how can we use God’s attributes (v. 5) in prayer? How can we use His laws (v.7)? His promises (vv. 8–9)? His great works of salvation (v. 10)?  

Nehemiah was a man of prayer. Again and again we read of him praying before he does something (vv. 4,20; 1:11; etc.). Some prayers were long times of devotion; others very short but heartfelt cries to heaven. A man who realizes his dependence on God will be frequently directing prayer heavenward. How would you describe your prayer life? 

Nehemiah did not rush into a plan without surveying the rubble firsthand. Once he was intimately acquainted with what was needed, he called others to rise up and build with him. He is a model of wisdom, especially wise leadership. Why is it important to carefully investigate and understand a situation before proposing action? See Prov. 18:17; 29:20; Luke 14:28–30. 

The cause of God will be opposed by the world, yet the gates of hell cannot prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). God’s servants should expect both opposition and victory, suffering and success, if they seek God’s kingdom and righteousness. Reading through Heb. 11–12, what should be our sources of encouragement, endurance, and optimism?  

It is sad to see some who have no heart for the work of the Lord (v. 5). What a blessing they missed through failing to put their shoulders under the work! God has made sure their stubborn and selfish spirit was recorded for succeeding generations. Let this be a warning to us. How do you want to be remembered by generations to come? 

It is stirring to see small and great doing their part to help protect the city of God. Though each built only a portion, God noticed the labors of everyone and honored them in Scripture. The church is a body and none can say he or she does not need another member (1 Cor. 12:21). Every Christian has a part to play in building the church. Let us not be lazy, nor envy the gifts and position of another, but let each of us work hard to serve according to his gifts and calling. God will reward us. How are you helping to build the city of God? 

The adversaries of the Jews looked at their work and mocked it as feeble (v. 3). Often when the world looks at the church, it sees the imperfection, the faults, the sins, and its “rubble,” but fails to see and understand that it is a work in progress (Phil. 1:6). One day, however, the church will be a pure and spotless bride to our heavenly Bridegroom (Eph. 5:25–27; Jude 24–25). How can this hope help you be diligent with the work at hand? 

Nehemiah prayed and worked. Prayer should not be a substitute for exercising our responsibility. It is true that builders build in vain without the Lord’s blessing (Ps. 127:1); however, having His blessing does not mean we do not have to build. God’s servants must mix intense labor with devotion to prayer as they seek the kingdom of God. How might someone use prayer as an excuse not to work? How might he use work as an excuse not to pray? How do we exercise both prayer and work together? 

As the Jewish community faced problems from without as well as within, so believers face a war with multiple fronts. Never be surprised when the church must face sin in its midst, but be prepared to deal with it with love and justice (Gal. 6:1–2). Our own hearts are our worst enemy in the spiritual battle, so beware first of the log in your own eye before criticizing another (Matt. 7:3). How can we stand for justice among Christians without becoming cynical or bitter? 

Nehemiah led both by what he said and what he did. Leaders in home, church, and society have much they can learn from Nehemiah. Even then, Nehemiah was imperfect, like we all are. Only Christ led in a way that never had any stain. Take time to pray for those in leadership in your life. 

Though the Lord had called Nehemiah, He did not remove the challenges and make everything easy as we would like it. Often difficulties come to the situations and people that God is using for great good. We should not be discouraged when difficulty arises, but trust in God’s providence and press on with great courage. Courage may be found by faith and prayer (v. 9). Pray that God would help you to continue steadfast through temptation and intimidation, to cry to God, rely on Him, and view your situation and challenges with much spiritual discernment (v. 12). 

“This work was wrought of our God” (v. 16). God’s cause is not in doubt. He is never without resources. He says, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isa. 46:10). He will keep His covenant (1:5). This is the foundation of our courage and the bedrock of our prayers. How can you build on this foundation and shore up your walls of defense? 

The fear of God is a necessary element of any good leader (v. 2). For that matter, it is a basic mark of true believers (Jer. 32:40). They fear God more than they fear people. To fear God means to reverence His majesty, love His glory, obey His will as revealed in the Bible, be afraid to sin, and seek His grace and mercy. It directs both worship and behavior. What are signs in a person’s life that he does or does not fear the Lord? Why is the fear of God so important in leadership? 

“And my God put into mine heart” (v. 5). Nehemiah traced his good ideas and godly actions back to God (Phil. 2:13). Apart from God’s grace, our good intentions, attitudes, and inventions will mean nothing. We need to be led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14). How quick are you to give glory to God for any good in you, both with your lips and your heart? Do you secretly boast in yourself? 

Just like the walls of Jerusalem provided physical protection (chs. 1–6), so the precepts of God provide spiritual safety (Ps. 119:165). Rebuilding the walls without returning to the Word of God would be foolish. Why would this be foolish and how would it provoke the Lord to jealousy? 

Ezra did not merely read the law in the presence of the people, but the Levites were assigned to teach and instruct the people in the will of God. Give thanks for godly ministers from the past as well as the present whom God has sent to explain and apply the truth of God in your life. 

Has God’s truth ever broken your heart so that you wept like these people here in v. 9? When God’s Word takes hold of us, we can weep over our sins, which God’s Word unmasks. We can weep because we long for (more) communion with God. 

There is a time for mourning; but the other side of godly emotions should not be forgotten. Here, the Levites direct the people so that their sadness is turned to gladness (v. 10). Indeed, the joy of the Lord is a great defense, or shield, against undue sadness. How can the Christian learn to rejoice in the Lord always? 

For centuries, it was quite customary for governments and churches to call for days of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, especially during times of calamity, trouble, war, and so on. We ought to read God’s providence with an eye to God’s righteousness. Times of humbling ourselves, whether personal or public, are important to any close walk with God. How could you incorporate these habits into your walk with the Lord? 

The memories of most of us are poor. For this reason, it is necessary that we continually hold before our mind’s eye the great acts of redemption and salvation that God has wrought. Our children, grandchildren, and all around us need to hear of the great works that God has worked in and for us (Pss. 78:4; 96:3). Share with someone close to you how God has worked and is working in your life. 

Reviewing the history of Israel from Abraham to the exile, one can sum up its lesson in these words: God is righteous and keeps His promises, but man is wicked and breaks God’s laws. How then should we live? We must humble ourselves very low, recognizing that we and our families would have rebelled against God’s laws as bad or worse than the Israelites, and rest our hope in the grace of God alone. Cry out for the grace of Jesus Christ even as we have seen in this chapter. 

These people are not reenacting what God had done through Moses at Sinai in making a covenant with Israel. That had happened and was still binding. These people are expressing the vow to keep these things God had ordered with an emphasis on specific things that thus far had slipped. It is very important for all believers, especially leaders, to discern in what areas our spiritual boundaries are under attack and vulnerable. Pray for wisdom to know what sins God is convicting you of by His Holy Spirit. 

This agreement does not only emphasize negatives, but also positives, such as an offering to God and support for the Levites. Obedience to God is not only forsaking what is sinful, but doing that which is good. Read James 4:17. What “good” have you been neglecting? 

Note the strong resolution at the close of this chapter, “We will not forsake the house of our God” (v. 39). Christ preeminently had a zeal for the house of the Lord (John 2:17). Can you put your amen to this? Are you zealous for the church of Christ and the worship of God? How are you showing your support and zeal? 

Here one-tenth of the people of God lived in Jerusalem. This was a special “tithe,” consecrated to the Lord to sustain His holy city. Through Zechariah, God envisioned a time when everywhere, not just one city, would be called holy (Zech. 14:20–21). This is true in Christ. There is no longer one city where God has His presence in a particular way (John 4:21–24). The “city of God” touches believers throughout this world, and is found in its glory in heaven (Heb. 12:22–24). Praise God for the hope we have of His glory to be revealed one day! 

What a note of joy there is in this verse: “And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance” (v. 20). After a long time of exile, these prodigals were back, each in their own inheritance. Have you returned to the Lord and the heritage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? This is a lifelong process, but it begins with turning to God and forsaking the world.  

The priests descended from Levi foreshadowed the greater Priest. Christ did not come from the line of Levi, but the line of Judah. Thus He could be a king. However, He is also a priest, but after a different order, the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 7:14– 16). The work of this greater Priest would be to forever rebuild and reestablish the spiritual house of God. Read Heb. 7:23–25 and then spend time worshiping our great Priest! 

Chapter 12 includes one of the climactic moments in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After such a long time the walls and city of Jerusalem were dedicated (v. 27). When God does a work of revival like this, the refrain is: “God had made them rejoice with great joy” (v. 43). Revival brings life to bear on what was otherwise dull and dead. Joy is the only fitting response, so do not be ashamed to rejoice and celebrate over God’s works. What inhibits joy in worship? 

The Bible everywhere is concerned about purity of worship. This same concern appears here: they worshiped “according to the commandment of David” (vv. 24,45). Revival is not a time of innovation in doctrine or worship, but a time of returning to the old paths of God’s Word. It is a pressing need today to see the worship of God regulated by the commandment of God. In what ways do you think your worship could follow more closely the purity found in God’s Word?   

There will always be forces for evil. The history of Balaam and Balak reminds us that people will try to work against the people of God and the purposes of God. However, God is such that He will turn “the curse into a blessing” (v. 2). How can we be on our guard that we do not fall on the side of the curse, but experience God’s work unto blessing through Christ? 

How is it possible that an arch-enemy of Israel got a great chamber in the house of our God? In many churches and seminaries in our day, enemies of the gospel have a lot of sway. We should pray and labor that this not happen on our watch. 

Many have felt that Nehemiah’s actions were too harsh (v. 25). Let us remember, however, the time when Christ made a whip to drive out the money changers from the temple (John 2:15–16). Certainly, no one can say that Nehemiah was without sin, but Christ was. And Nehemiah was a man who desired fervently and acted decisively for the honor of his God. We may not have the authority to use physical force, but how are we using the authority and influence we do have for the glory of God?