Read Nehemiah 7
What’s next? The construction project was done, and it was time for Nehemiah to move the people into their new, safer reality. However, the powers of evil had not been eliminated, and the threats and intimidation were still fresh. Nehemiah deemed it necessary to set up some unusual security precautions.
From what we’ve learned so far in Nehemiah, the walls and towers may have been constructed for protection, but it is really God’s protection that shines through. God is the only one we can truly count on to keep us safe.
Who did Nehemiah look for when assigning leadership for Jerusalem? The character traits he found important were faithfulness and fear of God. You’ve probably noticed it in groups you are part of that faithful people get the job done. And God-fearing people are always seeking for God’s will for the answers and guidance. How would our world look today if all individuals governing nations had these 2 character traits?
Nehemiah also discovers and shares some genealogical information. As you may know, it is vitally important for Jews to prove they are descendants of Abraham. This list of returnees is already familiar to us if we’ve read Ezra 2. What amazes me is how these historical records were preserved over the decades during all the construction periods. And, if comparing the two passages, you might have discovered there are some differences, likely scribal errors.
The repetition of these lists in the two locations has caused much debate between scholars over the years as you can imagine. Most agree these passages are not the most inviting for readers. They serve a purpose and identify the nature of the culture starting over in Jerusalem. The cast of characters who represent God’s people in this pivotal time are revealed.
Can you picture the size of Nehemiah’s gathering of people representing the families referred to on the list? What a crowd! Yet we see such unity displayed by the family leaders stepping up to share their gifts of gold and silver toward the project. It seems like at this moment, everyone is on the same page, are caring for each other.
How about you? What’s next for you on your journey of faith? Are you about to embark on a big project of your own? Are you in a period of expectancy, waiting on God to reveal your next mission? Growth of our faith can get stagnant if we’re not careful. Ask God today what he has in store for you and be prepared to move!
Let’s pray. Lord, it’s so good see your hand at work during Judah’s restoration project. Each person was accounted for and given an opportunity to start over and put you first. That’s what I want for my life, too. I want to always put you first. Show me what you have for me to do today. I look forward to each new adventure that draws me closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
