Daily Thought

The reason that the story of Nehemiah is so encouraging for the Christian of today is that it tells of revival among God’s people, and of triumph in the face of adversity. The events described might have occurred a long time ago, but the circumstances are not dissimilar to our circumstances now. So, we can take heart from this account, but also to some degree take warning from its later sections. Therein is included God’s unerring comment on the aftermath of triumph and a postscript to revival, and in the light of all that has gone before it makes for disturbing reading! Notably, the lapses that we read about in the final chapter took place in the absence of Nehemiah, for according to arrangement he had returned to Babylon to resume his duties before king Artaxerxes as his cup-bearer; However, in due time, after a period of twelve years, he is allowed to return to his beloved Jerusalem to see for himself the state of affairs, and how his people are faring. He finds a number of things wrong, that have been allowed by others who choose to disregard the divine commandments.

1. One of his original enemies, Tobiah the Ammonite, had been granted lavish accommodation in the precincts of the temple itself - the result of an arrangement between Eliashib the priest and Tobiah.
2. The Levites could not function as God required, because they were not adequately supported by the peoples’ gifts through tithing.
3. The Sabbath Day was being profaned, and God’s clear instructions ignored.
4. Intermarriage with surrounding nations had become accepted.

What lessons for God’s people today may be read into these developments. In Nehemiah’s time they would have been justified in terms of bridge-building, and moving ahead with the times. Nehemiah saw them differently, and so should we. Notice the urgency with which he acts, and his resolution to uphold all that God has established for order amongst His people. Out go Tobiah and his belongings, and the chamber is cleansed. Sabbath Day requirements are re-established. Levites receive proper support through the people’s gifts. Intermarriage is banned.

Significantly the book ends with prayer, reminding us that the man of resolute action was ever a man of prayer!