Category: Biblical Reflections

At the reading of the Book of Moses, it was noted that no Ammonite or Moabite should come  into the assembly of God.  They had refused to assist Israel on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.  They also hired Balaam to curse Israel, but God turned it into a blessing.  After the reading, … Continue reading Reforms of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13)

In this passage, we see the system whereby rooms were made for the tithes, offerings, and firstfruits to be gathered in to the house of God.  It states that this happened because "Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who ministered."  The singers and the gatekeepers kept the charge of their God and the charge … Continue reading Provision for Ministry (Nehemiah 12:44 – 47)

In this passage, Nehemiah recounts the tremendous celebration of Judah in the House of God.  They had rebuilt the temple, rebuilt the city walls, restored the surrounding cities, assigned officers, priests, Levites, and gatekeepers.  Now the singers and musicians assembled and made ready for a celebration.  The Levites were summoned from the surrounding cities, and … Continue reading The Sound of Joy (Nehemiah 12:27 – 43)

In this passage of Nehemiah, we see a list of people who lived outside of Jerusalem in the land of Judah.  There are descendants of Levites who served with David, and there were priests, heads of houses descended from Aaron.  There was even a record in Persia under Darius of the priests and Levites who … Continue reading Praising God and Watching the Gate (Nehemiah 11:25 – 12:26)

The leaders of Judah were residing in the city of Jerusalem.  The rest of the people cast lots to send one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem.  The other nine-tenths dwelt in other cities around Jerusalem.  The people blessed their representatives who offered to live in Jerusalem.  Next came a census of who was … Continue reading Taking Care of Business in the City (Nehemiah 11:1 – 24)

The people of Judah decided as part of their covenant commitment to serve God in the traditions and Laws of Israel again.  They sealed the covenant, as we noted in our last blog, and then the rest of the people committed to the following actions:  Not to intermarry with pagan nations, to obey the commandments … Continue reading Honoring God Again (Nehemiah 10:28 – 39)

In this passage, the names of al the leaders of Judah who signed the covenant document were listed.  The governor, Nehemiah, numerous priests, Levites, brethren and leaders were listed and placed their seal on this document of the covenant. While this may not seem like a deep theological moment in the Bible, it has significance … Continue reading Stand Up and Be Counted (Nehemiah 10:1 – 27)

The solemn assembly of the Israelites began with fasting, sackcloth, and dust.  The Israelites separated themselves from any foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.  For a fourth of a day, they read from the Law of the Lord their God.  For another fourth, they confessed and worshiped their … Continue reading Here We Are (Nehemiah 9:1 – 38)

When Nehemiah had Ezra the scribe open and read the book of the Word of the Lord, the entire congregation gathered.  When he opened the book to read, they all stood up for the reading.  They cried out "Amen," bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord.  Some wept, and Nehemiah encouraged them to rejoice, because … Continue reading The Word of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:1 – 18)

Nehemiah observed that the city of Jerusalem was not very crowded, and that there was plenty of room.  He searched for and found a census of the people who originally came back from captivity.  The total number was 42,360 Jews plus 7,337 servants and 245 singers.  The census also recounted the governor's contribution to the … Continue reading Who is in Jerusalem? (Nehemiah 7:4 – 73)