It is hard summarizing the large chunks of reading that is required in order to read the Bible in 90 days. I often feel like I am leaving out good details or facts. There is a reason why reading through the Bible in 90 days is just to skim the surface and not a deep dive. There are definitely portions of the Bible that I want to go back and study more in depth.
Nehemiah’s heart is one for God and His people. Even though he was serving King Artaxerses as a cupbearer, he mourned that the city of his fathers was in ruins, unprotected. Now, whether Nehemiah knew that he would get a chance to lead the way to fix it, I don’t know. He likely knew that he couldn’t lie to the King and just blurted out, I want to fix it and his request was granted. A King from Babylon was okay with the wall of a city that had been destroyed by previous kings is difficult to comprehend.
Not only did Nehemiah want to rebuild the wall, but he wanted the Jews to walk with God, to set aside their sins and live as God’s chosen people, set apart from the rest of the world. He had a healthy reliance on the Lord and a lot of faith, but also always seemed to have common sense. I’m sure the people were afraid of attacks for their adversaries, but they strapped on swords and went to work rebuilding a wall, and resetting gates that were likely anywhere from 20 feet to 40 feet high. They knew that the any battle that occurred was the Lord’s. We often can be paralyzed by fear when asked to do something, especially something outside our comfort zone for the Lord, but He is there for us, to guide and protect us. What do you need to strap on your sword and get to work doing?
Passage:
Nehemiah
Discovered:
- Nehemiah heard a report that Jerusalem had a broken, destroyed wall and gates.
- Upon hearing this, Nehemiah was distressed, he fasted and prayed.
- Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king, when he went to give King Artaxerses his wine, the King asked why he was sad.
- N: My hometown is in ruins and the gates are destroyed.
- K: What are you requesting?
- N: I want to rebuild it.
- K: You may go.
- N: Can I have letters of safe passage and timber from the royal forest?
- K: Granted!
- Upon arrival, Nehemiah went out at night, in secret to inspect the walls and gates. He kept his mission a secret until he announced it to the Jews.
- Everyone worked on a different part of the walls, gates. Came from different houses, all had different jobs.
- Sanballat, Horonite and Tobiah, Ammonite, harassed the Jews – taunting them.
- The wall soon reached halfway because of teamwork and the will to work.
- Angry-Arabs and Ammonites began to plot attacks.
- Afraid, they prayed for protection but continued to work: half on guard duty and half on rebuilding but they had faith in God’s protection.
- Nehemiah found out that Jews were exploiting other Jews, was angry and assembled them to order them to change, to obey the law.
- Nehemiah was appointed governor of Judah for 12 years, he knew the Jews could not support him, so he took nothing, but he often entertained officials and other nations on his dime.
- Enemies sought to harm him – “invited him to meet” (be attacked). Nehemiah: I’m busy doing great work – they tried 4 times. 5th time: sent an open letter accusing him of preparing to become King of Judah.
- Wall was finished in 52 days! Enemies were in fear because of the speed it was done.
- First day of 7th month, everyone gathered and Ezra read the Law, helped them to understand it and they worshipped the Lord.
- They celebrated the Feast of Booths
- 7th month, 24th day: they gathered together to confess their sins, made a covenant, put it in writing and sealed it.
- Covenant: to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord
- With the wall finished, Jersusalem needed people, blessed were those that gave up what they had to start fresh.
- They celebrated the dedication of the wall with JOY and great thanks!
- Nehemiah helped to correct/teach the Jews of behavior that was against God, such as foreign marriage, Levites not being given their portion and misuse of offerings and contributions to priests.
Help me to remember:
that we are not to sit in fear, but take wise action and rely on/have faith that God will provide and deliver.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I not be afraid to take risks, to be brave but prepared like those rebuilding the wall.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
those who are sent by You to help Your plans along!
