Nehemiah 11-13
After re-committing to God, the leaders urged the people to move into the city. The leaders willingly moved, and some Jews volunteered, but 10% of the people had to be selected by casting lots. Apparently, not many were excited about another move, this time into the newly rebuilt and under-populated city. The remainder of chapter 11 provides a list of the people involved.
Chapter 12 begins with another list of men returning with Zerubbabel & Jeshua and ends with a description of the wall dedication ceremony. The ceremony entailed instruments and singing used in thanksgiving to God. The leaders of Israel divided into 2 groups and walked along the top of the wall until they had traveled all the way around and met before entering the temple for further worship. Throughout the celebration, a desire to return to the worship style of King David is evident. The service ended with delegation of important tasks.
Chapter 13 is said by most commentators to be later in chronology (after Nehemiah's 2nd return to Jerusalem, v. 6). In this chapter Nehemiah has to play the role of problem-solver once again. He deals with 4 key problems:
1. The "Israel" problem
The people were too connected with pagans, even including Nehemiah's enemies Tobiah & Sanballat. Eliaship, the priest, had given Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God! Nehemiah threw Tobiah's belongings out of the room and purified the room. Israel was to be separate!
2. The "Temple" problem
Though they had committed to NOT neglect the temple, they were in fact, once again, neglecting God's house. The Levites had not been supported in Nehemiah's absence and had thus returned to their fields. Nehemiah rebuked the officials and re-stationed them to their posts. The temple was to be honored!
3. The "Sabbath" problem
Though they had committed to honor the Sabbath, they were in fact, once again, dis-honoring it by working, buying & selling each Saturday. Nehemiah made sure that foreigners trying to commercialize the day were dealt with (threatened violence against them!). Israel was to keep the Sabbath day holy!
4. The "Marriage" problem
Though they had committed to honor marriage, they were in fact, once again, dis-honoring it by marrying pagans. Many of the children from these marriages didn't even know the language of Judah. Nehemiah rebuked the offenders, called down curses upon them, beat them, and even pulled out their hair. Israel was not to allow pagan influence, as Solomon had done!
Throughout the chapter, and the book, Nehemiah consistently asks God to 'remember' (whether to remember him or what the wicked had done). By this, Nehemiah was not pretending that God was forgetful, but was asking God to apply justice to these situations. He was hoping that the righteous would eventually be rewarded and the wicked would eventually be punished. He must have been fairly frustrated with the fickleness of his people. The cycle of repentance and rebellion seemed never-ending. It becomes clear why Malachi (the next chronological book) is the last of the Old Testament.
Chapter 12 begins with another list of men returning with Zerubbabel & Jeshua and ends with a description of the wall dedication ceremony. The ceremony entailed instruments and singing used in thanksgiving to God. The leaders of Israel divided into 2 groups and walked along the top of the wall until they had traveled all the way around and met before entering the temple for further worship. Throughout the celebration, a desire to return to the worship style of King David is evident. The service ended with delegation of important tasks.
Chapter 13 is said by most commentators to be later in chronology (after Nehemiah's 2nd return to Jerusalem, v. 6). In this chapter Nehemiah has to play the role of problem-solver once again. He deals with 4 key problems:
1. The "Israel" problem
The people were too connected with pagans, even including Nehemiah's enemies Tobiah & Sanballat. Eliaship, the priest, had given Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God! Nehemiah threw Tobiah's belongings out of the room and purified the room. Israel was to be separate!
2. The "Temple" problem
Though they had committed to NOT neglect the temple, they were in fact, once again, neglecting God's house. The Levites had not been supported in Nehemiah's absence and had thus returned to their fields. Nehemiah rebuked the officials and re-stationed them to their posts. The temple was to be honored!
3. The "Sabbath" problem
Though they had committed to honor the Sabbath, they were in fact, once again, dis-honoring it by working, buying & selling each Saturday. Nehemiah made sure that foreigners trying to commercialize the day were dealt with (threatened violence against them!). Israel was to keep the Sabbath day holy!
4. The "Marriage" problem
Though they had committed to honor marriage, they were in fact, once again, dis-honoring it by marrying pagans. Many of the children from these marriages didn't even know the language of Judah. Nehemiah rebuked the offenders, called down curses upon them, beat them, and even pulled out their hair. Israel was not to allow pagan influence, as Solomon had done!
Throughout the chapter, and the book, Nehemiah consistently asks God to 'remember' (whether to remember him or what the wicked had done). By this, Nehemiah was not pretending that God was forgetful, but was asking God to apply justice to these situations. He was hoping that the righteous would eventually be rewarded and the wicked would eventually be punished. He must have been fairly frustrated with the fickleness of his people. The cycle of repentance and rebellion seemed never-ending. It becomes clear why Malachi (the next chronological book) is the last of the Old Testament.
posted by matthew at 12:00 PM
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