A DEVOTIONAL COMMENTARY ON NEHEMIAH

CHAPTER 1   The Plight of the Church and the Power of God.

Vs.1-4. The condition of Jerusalem.

In 458 BC Ezra had led a band of exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. Thirteen years later, serving as cupbearer [ an important position because of the danger of assassination by poison] to the king in Persia ( who had conquered Babylon), Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem was still in ruins. The Jews had suffered transportation and exile because they rebelled against God, but now was the time for favour towards Israel's remnant, the time to return.

Nehemiah, and a few others, had remained faithful to God in Babylon. He had not adopted the heathen beliefs, standards or customs ; he was an ' Israelite indeed.' ( John 1 ) He was also faithful to God's people. He did not ignore their distress or say,' Someone else will help them.' He volunteered for service ( as Isaiah 6 ) and prayed to God for opportunity, that God would use him to bring glory to God and encourage God's people.

Vs.5-11.  Nehemiah's prayer is a model for us. He addressed God with reverence, acknowledging His majesty and perfections [ attributes]. Because of this discernment he humbled himself, and kept himself low before God. He speaks of God's faithfulness in the Covenant God has made, to give grace to His people, a people of chosen sinners. His prayer was not a duty of formal routine, but his heart was in it and he persevered in it day and night. He was in earnest ; like Jacob he needed the blessing of God, nothing less would do ( Gen.32;26)). He identified with God's people, their sins, unworthiness and spiritual needs ; he did not feel superior to other sinners. Finally, he rested on God's promises and encouraged himself when he thought upon God's past faithfulness ( " Ebenezer "). God's redeemed will not perish, God will not let that happen. He is specific in what he asks for (11), the king's favour, to obtain leave of absence. But before he speaks to the king, he must speak to God, in prayer.

CHAPTER 2  Preparation, Plans and Practice.

Vs.1-9. God uses the unconverted to benefit His people ( Proverbs 16:1).

God's Providence called Nehemiah to this work in His own time, in the month Nisan ie. 3 months after he heard of the ruins of Jerusalem. Young people, in particular, must learn not to rush into God's work. God's time is the right time, and He will open the door then. Therefore, like Nehemiah, prepare in prayer and be ready, prepared in your mind, to give a clear answer of what is needed to get the task done properly. Effective practice needs the preparation of prayer and meditation. Nehemiah had both zeal and knowledge, not one without the other. Now God turned the heart of the king to favour him ( Prov.21:1) and his aim, which was to further God's purpose, against the opposition( Ps.76:10). In 445 BC Nehemiah set out for Jerusalem.

Vs.10-18.  Preparation for the conflict.

Nehemiah presented his credentials and royal authority to the governors of the king's provinces. It was now public knowledge why he had come, and the enemies of the church became visible ! We must expect this when we seek to serve the Lord, and then we will not be disappointed or discouraged. On arrival Nehemiah made a careful investigation during the night of the precise condition of Jerusalem ; we need to get our facts right before we speak. " Plans are best kept secret until they are matured. We must serve the Lord prudently as well as zealously. lord, teach us how to do this." ( Spurgeon ) Next, Nehemiah encouraged the people. Yes, they were few in number and the work was great, but they were not to look to themselves ( otherwise the work would never get started ), but they were to look to the Lord. This is the essence of faith ( and hope ), to look away from ourselves and to remember the Lord. The temptation will be to forget Him in the crisis. What He has done before for His people He can do again.

Vs.19-20.  Threats and Defiance.

The enemies of the work sought to discourage the people by slander, ridicule and intimidation - nothing new about this strategy ! Nehemiah had one answer only, " The God of Heaven." Let the people of God look up to " God over all, blessed for ever." ( Ps.71:1). The opposition showed that they had rejected ' man's chief end.' This aim divides God's people from the world, whether we are here to glorify God or not. ( Malachi 3:18. 1 Corinth. 15:58).

CHAPTER 3  The Workers and their Work.

The church has work to do. The building of the wall around Jerusalem was to protect the church inside, so that things inside could grow. The gates are given the greatest attention in this chapter. They were to be strong and guarded as this is where the enemy, the world, attempts to come in. ( cf. John Bunyan's book "  The Holy War " - Mansoul .) Locks and bars are mentioned 5 times. The church is in the world as a ship in the water, but if the water gets inside the ship..! Moreover,our own house must be set in order ( 10) before we attempt to repair someone else's. " And where could Jediah work more suitably (10) ? Wherever we work, let us not forget to serve God at home, and do good in our own neighbourhood." ( Spurgeon )

The forty two groups mentioned in this chapter shows us that the workers and work were divided into sections, and the leaders set an example (1). Nehemiah could not do it all by himself, and yet many in the church today expect the Minister to do everything, or they say, " The church will do it." - but they are the church ! All kinds of people were involved in the work, including the women (12).

Some people in the church refused to help in the work vs.5.

" They were too proud and selfish to work, but the people would not be discouraged by them." (Spurgeon) This apathy and lack of co-operation in the church is perplexing and reeks of ingratitude to God. There was something wrong with these people, their lack of commitment was shocking ( Prov.18:9). They were notably different from the others who had " a mind to work.' ( Nehem.4:6). Often it is these spectators who are the greatest critics of those who do work. Verse 5 teaches us that God records the names of those who do not help in " the work of the Lord." ( 1 Corinth.15:58). What a dreadful way to be remembered !

The Church required no innovations in order to do the work.

In rebuilding the city the workers did not need anything new, all the materials were already there before them. They had been knocked down but were still there, still to be seen for use. They only needed to be put back in their right place. Many religious people today think that the Church needs something new to build it up eg. musical instruments, new doctrines and standards. No, we must stick to what God has already given us in His Word, and work with it. We cannot build rightly if we ignore His Word - He is the Architect, and has revealed the plan ( Rev.2:25).

At the end of the chapter the circle of the wall was complete. We may admire the work, 

but should also ask, " What can I do ? We can never do too much for the good cause." 

( Spurgeon )

CHAPTER 4  The Sword and the Trowel.

Vs.1-3. Religious opposition to rebuilding the walls.

These enemies were not atheists, they had their own peculiar forms of religion. They reacted angrily when they saw the remnant of the Church take up the old stones again (2). They used propaganda, threats, ridicule and slander. Former enemies became friends ( like Herod and Pilate ), united in their opposition to the Church - an ancient 'oecumenical movement'. The devil and his servants will always oppose and contradict God and His work ( Matt.16:18. Heb.12:3. Psalm 2 )

Vs.4-6. The best response - prayer.

Nehemiah was concerned above all for the glory of God. The enemies of God must reap what they sow. We must refer our enemies to our Master ; we have little time to spare, we have other priorities. Enemies are inevitable in the Christian life ; prayer must be our first response and not our last resort.

Vs.7-23. Defensive measures.

The Lord said, 'Watch and pray.' For the church militant this must be unceasing, as we are always liable to be attacked on the way to the Heavenly City, like Bunyan's Pilgrim. But prayer is not to be used as an excuse or substitute for doing nothing in addition. People become discouraged under attacks, and often start complaining (10), others become paralyzed by fear ; they are absorbed by thoughts of what might happen. Nehemiah's answer to the fear of man was the fear of God (20) and the' armour of God ' ( Ephes.6). God can, if He so wills, overturn the enemies' plans (15). Meanwhile we must trust in God's promise ( Rom.8:28) and do our duty. The workers must also be warriors. God is ' for us ' in this work, and we must fight also. Nehemiah is our model - "Look, rise up and speak." (14), as is David," They are my adversaries, but I will give myself to prayer." (Psalm 109:40. Let us be thankful to God that He teaches us spiritual warfare ( Ps.18. Ephes.6). " Trust in God and do what's right." said the old Covenanter.

CHAPTER 5  Problems in the Church.

Vs.1-5. Debts, taxes and slavery.

There are always problems in the church while it is on earth. It will not be found perfect in its practices while on this side of heaven. The reason for this is, of course, sin ;an indwelling remnant power in the believer, and sometimes given more reign than it should because of selfishness. Nehemiah was not aware of the extent of the financial problems and poverty among the people, until it was brought to his attention. There is always something happening in the church which we are not aware of. There were many struggling to pay their debts and the ( Persian ) government taxes. To meet these demands, some families gave up their children to become slaves to other Jews. Because of this there was a public outcry against the ' brethren ' (1) on account of the inequality,bias and exploitation. Even later, under Apostolic leadership,there were still problems arising because of the selfishness of sin ( eg. Acts 6:1).

Vs.6-13. Doing what is right and not what is popular.

There was clearly a group of people in the church who were happy to dominate and take advantage of their brethren. Perhaps Nehemiah had already spoken privately to these people, but he now found it necessary to give public rebuke in an assembly (7). However, before he did this he spent some time alone with God with God and conscience, " consulting within himself " (7). The reason for this fault of self-seeking, he said, was because of the lack of the fear of God (9), and the bad results of this were being witnessed by the world around them (9). Where there is a lack of reverence for God, there is a lack of obedience and of resisting sin ( Prov.16:6). The remedy is for all to agree with God, His purpose and commands in life. This is still the answer to the problems in today's church, especially in our relationship with our brethren. Nehemiah was using church discipline. He not only had the authority to do so, but also the integrity, as he himself sought to obey God; he was a credible authority (10) and no hypocrite. He compelled the offenders to take an oath that they would not repeat these sins which had caused so much harm and misery to others (11,12). He also reminded them that there was a higher Judge (13) and that they would not escape His judgement if they continued to defy His commands. The people added their Amen to these words. They not only accepted God's Word to correct them, but thanked and praised God for it (13). It is a good sign when a person ceases to resist God's call to obedience, and changes,now  to obey God and not self or others ( Acts 4;19).

Vs.14-19. Leading by example.

Nehemiah not only had the words but the life to go with the words ; his walk was according to his talk. He was an example of self-denial (14-16), following Christ ( Luke 22:27). He was an example in hospitality (17) and consideration for others in their afflictions (18). Although it was his duty as a leader to ' take charge ', he did not just sit in an office but was out working among the people(16). What was his motivation ? - to please God ; he was a man of faith ( Heb.11:6). He thought upon God, and prayed that God would think upon him (19) cf. Ps.40:17.

CHAPTER 6  Threats and Slanders, Prayer and Trust.

Vs.1-9. The strategy of the enemy.

A work of God shall always be opposed by ' the gates of hell ' ( Matt.16:18). If Satan cannot get his servants involved in the work, he will oppose it by deceit and force. Many attempts were made to hinder the work. There were plota made to harm Nehemiah the leader (2) and they were persistent (4). There was slander and intimidation by speech and by letter (5,7,17,19). Nehemiah challenged them to show proof for their accusations, but they could not (3). This happened in the days of Jeremiah (Jerem.5:30,31 & 9:4), as it does today. You cannot believe everything you hear, in society or in the church.

Vs.10-19. Perils among false brethren. ( 2 Corinth.11:13-15, 26).

Shemaiah tempted Nehemiah to be afraid and then disobey God, by entering the temple (10) ; something he was forbidden to do as he was not a priest ( 2 Chron.26: 16-21). You need discernment to see through these insincere people (Isaiah 8;20), one of whom was a prophetess (14). There will always be pressure from a group in the church to compromise with truth and depart from the plain words of Scripture. Sometimes relatives will try to influence your Christian beliefs and practice (17-19), but this must be resisted by Christ's authority ( Matt.10:37). The opposition to Nehemiah and his faithful band is answered, but still continues. There were spies inside the church and enemies around it - how did Nehemiah respond ? He challenged them with the Word of God and resisted their pressure (8,11). He prayed and continued the work (3,15). There were 52 days of relentless opposition, but the work of God went on ; the enemies could not annul this or deny it (16). God's people shall always persevere because they themselves are a work of God ( Ephes.2:10). The wall was built but the opposition did not cease (17-19). We must be careful after a victory, the world will not give up its opposition.( Psalm 2).

CHAPTER 7  Guarding the work done. 

Vs.1-5. The church on guard.

It is easy to grow careless after a victory and thus give the enemy an opportunity. "We must be as vigilant after the battle as before." ( Andrew Bonar ). Leaders must lead faithfulness, in the fear of God (2) ; this is not the world's standard for leadership. The guards were organized (3) ; God has instituted a system of government for His church, with Himself as the sole Head. We must all watch and pray, as the world is not our friend. We are ' few ' in comparison to their great number, but " One on the side of God is a majority."

Vs.6-69. A register on earth and a Register in heaven.

A census was taken for the number in the ' visible church ' at Jerusalem. There was an examination of those who professed to be the Lord's people, especially regarding their birthright. If this could not be proved by evidence, then these people could not be recognised as part of Israel (61,64). There is a membership Roll in every congregation on earth, but it is not infallible nor does it guarantee a place in heaven. But the Lamb's Book of Life, the register kept in heaven does ( Rev.13;8. Philipp.4:3. Heb.12:23). Our evidence that our names are in His Book is the new birth (John 1;12,13 and John 3:3,5). If we can prove our birthright by marks of grace ( which marks are declared in the Bible ) then we have reason to rejoice, says the Lord ( Luke10:20).

Vs.70-73. Giving to the treasury of the House of God.

The people showed their support for the worship of God, not only by turning up for it but by giving money to support this ' work '( 71), and to support the main people involved in iit (73). An old minister well said, " When the Lord touches the heart He also touches the pocket." The church has a work to do in this world and we must give all we can to ensure that it is not starved while it does it. Worship must not only be established, it must be supported ; this is our responsibility.We also believe it is the government's duty to support the true worship; this is called the ' Establishment Principle.' 

CHAPTER 8  The People of the Book.

Vs.1-8.  The priority of the Word of God.

The people were in a healthy spiritual condition, they had an appetite for the Word of God (1). They wanted instruction and not only privately but in public worship (5). The Book given by God was treated with reverence (5) - this was a handling of something holy. " All the people " attended (5) - a contrast with nowadays, when worship is not a priority but takes second place in life. Many have found something more important to do than worship, on the Lord's Day in particular. In an age when more Bibles are printed than ever before, it is less read than before. The Bible was not only read but explained by men appointed and spiritually qualified to do so. There was an emphasis on understanding ( not on excitement or entertainment), vs 2-13. Notably, musical instruments were absent from the worship - this was not Babylonian worship ( cf. Book of Daniel ch.3:5-7).

Vs.9-12.  The response to the Word of God.

At first there was sorrow. This happened because the people were applying the Word of God to their own lives, and were convicted of sin ( something rare nowadays ). They felt their guilt, rebellion, neglect and ingratitude. But God gave joy after repentance (10). This is the fruit of the Spirit (Galat.5:22), the promise of the Word ( Ps.89:15). The Book contains law and gospel, conviction and promise ( Ps.130). When lawbreakers repent in sorrow their faith in Christ gives eternal joy ; no other Book can give this joy ( Jerem.15:16)

Vs.13-18. The Feast of Tabernacles reinstated.

This Feast had been neglected by the people, but when the church returns to the Bible it returns to the ' old ways ' (Jerem.6:16). Tabernacles had been appointed by God for the people in the wilderness.As they journey through the wilderness towards the 

' promised land ', this feast was appointed to remind them of how God delivered them from their slavery in Egypt ( Leviticus 23:43). This ( though not a Sacrament) is similar to the Lord's Supper given to pilgrims to remind them of how God delivered them from the captivity and slavery of sin. By this we look back with sorrow, but look forward with joy. God's people should be known as ' the people of the Book ' - are you one of them ?

CHAPTER 9  A Day of Humiliation and Prayer.

" It is easy to be convicted about other people's sins, but God forgives us only when we repent and confess our own sins." ( W.Wiersbe) This day began after the Feast of Tabernacles, reminding us that joy and sorrow alternate in the Christian life. The people had the outwards signs (1) of the inward humbling of their souls. To show their sincerity they separated themselves from the world (2) and submitted to the direction and correction of the Word of God (3). They did not complain about the length of the worship ; such was their earnestness that they stood for 6 hours (3). We also see from this that when sinners draw near with an apprehension of the majesty of God there must be confession of sin as they draw near in worship (3) ; these two aspects are inseparable.

The worship began by telling of the greatness of God ( Ps.145:5-7 ) and of the great things He had done for them ( Ps.126:3). The covenant which gave grace to Abraham was remembered (vs.7,8), and also the redemption of His people from Egypt (9-15). Moreover, they gave thanks for the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit ( vs.20 and Ps.143:10), including His longsuffering and faithfulness towards them (16-31). This was more than mere confession of sin, it was repentance from it, turning to God in hope. They acknowledged God's justice in afflicting them, appealed to His mercy and responded in faith to His covenant (32-38) - their covenant rested on God's Covenant.

Such a day as this was the result of a deep inward work of God's Spirit. It was a revival of those who seemed as dead, and the evidence of life was repentance, faith, worship and devotion. Is this the kind of revival people pray for today ? - A return to the Bible. It is repentance that brings " a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." ( Acts 3:19). It is ' we and our sins ' (33), not ' they and others '. There are no sinless members of the church ! 

Do we think of the greatness of God ? If so, it will lead to worship." The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him." (A.W. Tozer)

CHAPTER 10.  The Covenanters.

What is the evidence of a genuine revival, of a true repentance ? It is obedience to the Word of God. Their words led to action , and were not used to cover hypocrisy. 

Vs.1-27. The names of the Covenanters.

These people, in particular, sealed the covenant. This national covenant was accepted by the leaders of the nation and by the church. The rest of the people ' cleaved to their brethren ' (29), they were in agreement. 

Vs.29-39. The reforms. Firstly, they bound themselves in general terms (29) ' to observe and to do all the commandments of the Lord their God.' Genuine devotion does not pick and choose which commands of the Lord we will obey. In heaven there is perfect obedience, and although this is not attainable here ( Philipp.3:12), the ideal and the desire are in the heart. They then went on to name areas of the law for specific attention ; the parts which in the past they had been guilty of neglecting or violating ; marrying the heathen (30), not keeping the Sabbath (31), neglect of the House of God and those who served there (32-34), failure to offer the firstfruits to God (35-37) nd failing to give tithes to the treasury to support the House of God (38,39). " Where there is true spiritual revival, it will reveal itself in the way we support God's work, beginning in our own local church."(W.Wiersbe )

This was a time of great Reformation, there was a return to honour God in every part of life. The Christian life is continuous, not part-time. It affects us every day of the week and not just one out of seven.This life is not a vague feeling but a following of Christ in detail. The Bible is the textbook for Christianity ; what we believe and practice, and how we worship. The Philippians were true Covenanters with God, " They gave first themselves to the Lord.." ( 2 Corinth.8:5)

CHAPTER 11  The Dwellers in Jerusalem.

The rebuilt walls of Jerusalem measured 4 miles long and there were not enough people living inside the walls to defend it. There was therefore a call to those living around the city to dwell inside. This was an honour (1) and the list of the volunteers (2) is given in vs.4-22. It was the king's commandment that the Levites should not go unpaid for their labours. The people who dwelt in the villages around the city are also listed (24-36).

There was a variety in the people, where they lived and what work they did, but they were all united in living to God and serving Him. They all had the same faith and love for Christ, and this love ' constrained them '. ( Ephes.4:4-7. 1 Peter 2:9). The stone temple in Jerusalem was a symbol of the church - this is where God dwells ( Ps. 46:5). He dwells in the trusting, repenting and praying heart ;and in the midst of worship when it is in truth ( Matt.18:20).

No matter where the people lived, what was important was that they were members of " the Israel of God " ( Galat.6:16). They were few in number but, as Hudson taylor said," When God's work is done in God's way, for God's glory, it will not lack God's support." If therefore God's support for a work is lacking, we should examine how it is being done by the church ( 1 Corinth. 14:40).

CHAPTER 12  Ministry,Thanksgiving and Dedication.

Vs.1-30. These lists of those who served in God's temple remind us not only of the order (24) and organization which God appoints for His worship, but also that men are not indispensable to God's working. Servants of God come into the world and go out of it, but the work of God goes on, with or without them.The men listed had the right to minister in holy things ( Heb.5:4) - not everyone was called to be a Priest or a Levite. However, none of God's people were to be idle ; if we are each servants of God there is always work to do, whatever our capacity is. The Lord said, " Work while it is day." Soon the night will come, and the time for labouring here will be gone. God has His servants in every generation. Many are not remembered by men, but none are forgotten by God ( Heb.6:10-12). The Lord has a far more comprehensive Register than we have here ( Malachi 3:16,17).

Vs.31-47. Thanksgiving and sacrifices were the order of the day, indeed for every day in the life of God's people. But the first sacrifice must be ourselves ( Rom.12:1,2 and 2 Cor. 8:5). If this is done first, secondary things will have their rightful place ( vs.44,47). (cf. also Corinth.16:1,2.)The wall of the city was a symbol of God's protection of those inside. God is our ' city of refuge ' and faith looks to Him and His promises through Christ - this is how faith perseveres ( Ps.46:1. 1 Peter 1:5). The children of the church were also present when the church was at worship ( 47). There they learned that just as the work was God's so also was the praise. There is joy among the ' Israel of God ' (44), it was " heard afar off " and this was a testimony to God (43).

CHAPTER 13.  Nehemiah absent, present and moving on.

Nehemiah had to return to Babylon for a while, to repost back to the king. While he was away, strange things began to happen in the church at Jerusalem.The house of God was forsaken, it was not supported (11). The nobles were not maintaining it and the people were ' forsaking the assembling of themselves together '( Heb.10:25). Moreover, the church officers were not being paid. Worse, the world was in the church and was excluding those who were appointed by God (vs.7,9). There was a widespread indifference to these abuses, and compromise was rife (4). The church was characterized by selfishness and self-will ( Haggai 1:4). The church was being used and abused ; it was no longer the centre of worship and the honour of God was not seen as being important. One symptom of decline was that those in the church were marrying the world (27) ; another was the toleration of abuses on the Sabbath Day - they found something ' better ' than attending worship on that Day (15-17) and the local traders in particular were doing good business ! [ Does not all this sound familiar today ? ] This ecclesiastical disobedience showed that their earlier promise to God was insincere

( 10:39). To disobey God without acknowledging it, means that something in that heart is missing. Such people have rejected the Example of Christ ( Ps.69:9), who had great zeal for the house of God ( Bethel ).

When Nehemiah returned he found that the people needed to return to the basics of practising the Christian life ; the church in the OT had the same Lawgiver and Saviour as ourselves. It is one thing to accept a Reformation, it is another to maintain it lifelong, as we see in the church today ( Ps.127:1). Nehemiah would not accept any compromise, the Word of God had to be kept. God had spoken, there could be no debate ! This did not make him popular, but it made him faithful, and this is what matters when we come to die. Can we say with Paul, " I have kept the faith." ?

Nehemiah ended his days on earth with the same prayer to the same Lord as the dying thief, " Lord, remember me." How will God remember us ? Surely that depends on how we remember Him - what He is, what He has done, and what He has said. He will keep His Word... shall we ?