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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)

In a total of fifty-two days, the people of Judah finished the wall.  When their enemies heard of it, they were disheartened, seeing the hand of God at work in this success.  Many of the nobles of Judah communicated by letter with Tobiah, because he had married a Judean woman.  They sang his praises to … Continue reading The Wall is Completed (Nehemiah 6:15 – 7:3)

When Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard that the wall was rebuilt, they wanted to have a meeting with Nehemiah in the plain of Ono, thinking to do him harm, accusing him of planning a revolt and declaring himself king.  Nehemiah refused, stating the following:  “I am doing a great work, so that I … Continue reading Remember Tobiah and Sanballat (Nehemiah 6:1 – 14)