The Old Testament history closes with the book of Nehemiah, wherein is recorded the workings of his heart, in the management of public affairs; with many devout reflections.
Nehemiah's distress for the misery of Jerusalem, His prayer.
- Nehemiah was the Persian king's cup-bearer. When God has work
to do, he will never want instruments to do it with. Nehemiah
lived at ease, and in honour, but does not forget that he is an
Israelite, and that his brethren are in distress. He was ready
to do them all the good offices he could; and that he might know
how best to do them a kindness, he makes inquiries about them.
We should inquire especially concerning the state of the church
and religion. Every Jerusalem on this side the heavenly one will
have some defect, which will require the help and services of
its friends. Nehemiah's first application was to God, that he
might have the fuller confidence in his application to the king.
Our best pleas in prayer are taken from the promise of God, the
word on which he has caused us to hope. Other means must be
used, but the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails
most. Communion with God will best prepare us for our dealings
with men. When we have intrusted our concerns to God, the mind
is set at liberty; it feels satisfaction and composure, and
difficulties vanish. We know that if the affair be hurtful, he
can easily hinder it; and if it be good for us, he can as easily
forward it.
Nehemiah's request to the king. (1-8) Nehemiah comes to
Jerusalem. (9-18) The opposition of the adversaries. (19,20)
@Verses 1-8
Our prayers must be seconded with serious endeavours, else
we mock God. We are not limited to certain moments in our
addresses to the King of kings, but have liberty to go to him at
all times; approaches to the throne of grace are never out of
season. But the sense of God's displeasure and the afflictions
of his people, are causes of sorrow to the children of God,
under which no earthly delights can comfort. The king encouraged
Nehemiah to tell his mind. This gave him boldness to speak; much
more may the invitation Christ has given us to pray, and the
promise that we shall speed, encourage us to come boldly to the
throne of grace. Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven, as
infinitely above even this mighty monarch. He lifted up his
heart to that God who understands the language of the heart. Nor
should we ever engage in any pursuit in which it would be wrong
for us thus to seek and expect the Divine direction, assistance,
and blessing. There was an immediate answer to his prayer; for
the seed of Jacob never sought the God of Jacob in vain.
@Verses 9-18
When Nehemiah had considered the matter, he told the Jews
that God had put it into his heart to build the wall of
Jerusalem. He does not undertake to do it without them. By
stirring up ourselves and one another to that which is good, we
strengthen ourselves and one another for it. We are weak in our
duty, when we are cold and careless.
@Verses 19-20
The enmity of the serpent's seed against the cause of
Christ is confined to no age or nation. The application to
ourselves is plain. The church of God asks for our help. Is it
not desolate, and exposed to assaults? Does the consideration of
its low estate cause you any grief? Let not business, pleasure,
or the support of a party so engage attention, as that Zion and
her welfare shall be nothing to you.
The rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
- The work was divided, so that every one might know what he had
to do, and mind it, with a desire to excel; yet without
contention, or separate interests. No strife appears among them,
but which should do most for the public good. Every Israelite
should lend a hand toward the building up of Jerusalem. Let not
nobles think any thing below them, by which they may advance the
good of their country. Even some females helped forward the
work. Some repaired over against their houses, and one repaired
over against his chamber. When a general good work is to be
done, each should apply himself to that part which is within his
reach. If every one will sweep before his own door, the street
will be clean; if every one will mend one, we shall all be
mended. Some that had first done helped their fellows. The walls
of Jerusalem, in heaps of rubbish, represent the desperate state
of the world around, while the number and malice of those who
hindered the building, give some faint idea of the enemies we
have to contend with, while executing the work of God. Every one
must begin at home; for it is by getting the work of God
advanced in our own souls that we shall best contribute to the
good of the church of Christ. May the Lord thus stir up the
hearts of his people, to lay aside their petty disputes, and to
disregard their worldly interests, compared with building the
walls of Jerusalem, and defending the cause of truth and
godliness against the assaults of avowed enemies.
Opposition of Sanballat and others. (1-6) The designs of the
adversaries. (7-15) Nehemiah's precautions. (16-23)
@Verses 1-6
Many a good work has been looked upon with contempt by
proud and haughty scorners. Those who disagree in almost every
thing, will unite in persecution. Nehemiah did not answer these
fools according to their folly, but looked up to God by prayer.
God's people have often been a despised people, but he hears all
the slights that are put upon them, and it is their comfort that
he does so. Nehemiah had reason to think that the hearts of
those sinners were desperately hardened, else he would not have
prayed that their sins might never be blotted out. Good work
goes on well, when people have a mind to it. The reproaches of
enemies should quicken us to our duty, not drive us from it.
@Verses 7-15
The hindering good work is what bad men aim at, and
promise themselves success in; but good work is God's work, and
it shall prosper. God has many ways of bringing to light, and so
of bringing to nought, the devices and designs of his church's
enemies. If our enemies cannot frighten us from duty, or deceive
us into sin, they cannot hurt us. Nehemiah put himself and his
cause under the Divine protection. It was the way of this good
man, and should be our way. All his cares, all his griefs, all
his fears, he spread before God. Before he used any means, he
made his prayer to God. Having prayed, he set a watch against
the enemy. If we think to secure ourselves by prayer, without
watchfulness, we are slothful, and tempt God; if by
watchfulness, without prayer, we are proud, and slight God:
either way, we forfeit his protection. God's care of our safety,
should engage and encourage us to go on with vigour in our duty.
As soon as a danger is over, let us return to our work, and
trust God another time.
@Verses 16-23
We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not
expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The
word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have
always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our
labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true
Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one
hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on
with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of
it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if
attacked, the Lord fights for him. Thus must we wait to the
close of life, never putting off our armour till our work and
warfare are ended; then we shall be welcomed to the rest and joy
of our Lord.
The Jews complain of grievances. (1-5) Nehemiah redresses the
grievances. (6-13) Nehemiah's forbearance. (14-19)
@Verses 1-5
Men prey upon their fellow-creatures: by despising the poor
they reproach their Maker. Such conduct is a disgrace to any,
but who can sufficiently abhor it when adopted by professing
Christians? With compassion for the oppressed, we should lament
the hardships which many in the world are groaning under;
putting our souls into their souls' stead, and remembering in
our prayers and succours those who are burdened. But let those
who show no mercy, expect judgment without mercy.
@Verses 6-13
Nehemiah knew that, if he built Jerusalem's walls ever so
high, so thick, or so strong, the city could not be safe while
there were abuses. The right way to reform men's lives, is to
convince their consciences. If you walk in the fear of God, you
will not be either covetous of worldly gain, or cruel toward
your brethren. Nothing exposes religion more to reproach, than
the worldliness and hard-heartedness of the professors of it.
Those that rigorously insist upon their right, with a very ill
grace try to persuade others to give up theirs. In reasoning
with selfish people, it is good to contrast their conduct with
that of others who are liberal; but it is best to point to His
example, who though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor,
@2 corinthians
according to promise. Good promises are good things, but good
performances are better.
@Verses 14-19
Those who truly fear God, will not dare to do any thing
cruel or unjust. Let all who are in public places remember that
they are so placed to do good, not to enrich themselves.
Nehemiah mentions it to God in prayer, not as if he had merited
any favour from God, but to show that he depended upon God only,
to make up to him what he had lost and laid out for his honour.
Nehemiah evidently spake and acted as one that knew himself to
be a sinner. He did not mean to claim a reward as of debt, but
in the manner that the Lord rewards a cup of cold water given to
a disciple for his sake. The fear and love of God in the heart,
and true love of the brethren, will lead to every good work.
These are proper evidences of justifying faith; and our
reconciled God will look upon persons of this character for
good, according to all they have done for his people.
Sanballat's plot to hinder Nehemiah. (1-9) False prophets try
to frighten Nehemiah. (10-14) The wall finished, Treachery of
some among the Jews. (15-19)
@Verses 1-9
Let those who are tempted to idle merry meetings by vain
companions, thus answer the temptation, We have work to do, and
must not neglect it. We must never suffer ourselves to be
overcome, by repeated urgency, to do anything sinful or
imprudent; but when attacked with the same temptation, must
resist it with the same reason and resolution. It is common for
that which is desired only by the malicious, to be falsely
represented by them as desired by the many. But Nehemiah knew at
what they aimed, he not only denied that such things were true,
but that they were reported; he was better known than to be thus
suspected. We must never omit any known duty for fear it should
be misconstrued; but, while we keep a good conscience, let us
trust God with our good name. God's people, though loaded with
reproach, are not really fallen so low in reputation as some
would have them thought to be. Nehemiah lifted up his heart to
Heaven in a short prayer. When, in our Christian work and
warfare, we enter upon any service or conflict, this is a good
prayer, I have such a duty to do, such a temptation to grapple
with; now, therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Every
temptation to draw us from duty, should quicken us the more to
duty.
@Verses 10-14
The greatest mischief our enemies can do us, is, to
frighten us from our duty, and to lead us to do what is sinful.
Let us never decline a good work, never do a bad one. We ought
to try all advice, and to reject what is contrary to the word of
God. Every man should study to be consistent. Should I, a
professed Christian, called to be a saint, a child of God, a
member of Christ, a temple of the Holy Ghost, should I be
covetous, sensual, proud, or envious? Should I yield to
impatience, discontent, or anger? Should I be slothful,
unbelieving, or unmerciful? What effects will such conduct have
upon others? All that God has done for us, or by us, or given to
us, should lead us to watchfulness, self-denial, and diligence.
Next to the sinfulness of sin, we should dread the scandal.
@Verses 15-19
The wall was begun and finished in fifty-two days, though
they rested on the sabbaths. A great deal of work may be done in
a little time, if we set about it in earnest, and keep close to
it. See the mischief of marrying with strangers. When men once
became akin to Tobiah, they soon became sworn to him. A sinful
love leads to a sinful league. The enemy of souls employs many
instruments, and forms many projects, to bring reproach on the
active servants of God, or to take them from their work. But we
should follow the example of Him who laid down his life for the
sheep. Those that simply cleave to the Lord and his work will be
supported.
The city committed to Hananiah. (1-4) Register of those that
first returned. (5-73)
@Verses 1-4
Nehemiah, having finished the wall, returned to the Persian
court, and came to Jerusalem again with a new commission. The
public safety depends on every one's care to guard himself and
his family against sin.
@Verses 5-73
Nehemiah knew that the safety of a city, under God,
depends more upon the inhabitants than upon its walls. Every
good gift and every good work are from above. God gives
knowledge, he gives grace; all is of him, and therefore all must
be to him. What is done by human prudence, must be ascribed to
the direction of Divine Providence. But woe to those who turn
back from the Lord, loving this present world! and happy those
who dedicate themselves, and their substance, to his service and
glory!
The reading and expounding the law. (1-8) The people called
upon to be joyful. (9-12) The feast of tabernacles, The joy of
the people. (13-18)
@Verses 1-8
Sacrifices were to be offered only at the door of the
temple; but praying and preaching were, and are, services of
religion, as acceptably performed in one place as in another.
Masters of families should bring their families with them to the
public worship of God. Women and children have souls to save,
and are therefore to acquaint themselves with the word of God,
and to attend on the means of grace. Little ones, as they come
to reason, must be trained up in religion. Ministers when they
go to the pulpit, should take their Bibles with them; Ezra did
so. Thence they must fetch their knowledge; according to that
rule they must speak, and must show that they do so. Reading the
Scriptures in religious assemblies is an ordinance of God,
whereby he is honoured, and his church edified. Those who hear
the word, should understand it, else it is to them but an empty
sound of words. It is therefore required of teachers that they
explain the word, and give the sense of it. Reading is good, and
preaching is good, but expounding makes reading the better
understood, and preaching the more convincing. It has pleased
God in almost every age of the church to raise up, not only
those who have preached the gospel, but also those who have
given their views of Divine truth in writing; and though many
who have attempted to explain Scripture, have darkened counsel
by words without knowledge, yet the labours of others are of
excellent use. All that we hear must, however, be brought to the
test of Scripture. They heard readily, and minded every word.
The word of God demands attention. If through carelessness we
let much slip in hearing, there is danger that through
forgetfulness we shall let all slip after hearing.
@Verses 9-12
It was a good sign that their hearts were tender, when
they heard the words of the law. The people were to send
portions to those for whom nothing was prepared. It is the duty
of a religious feast, as well as of a religious fast, to draw
out the soul to the hungry; God's bounty should make us
bountiful. We must not only give to those that offer themselves,
but send to those out of sight. Their strength consisted in joy
in the Lord. The better we understand God's word, the more
comfort we find in it; the darkness of trouble arises from the
darkness of ignorance.
@Verses 13-18
They found written in the law about the feast of
tabernacles. Those who diligently search the Scriptures, find
things written there which they have forgotten. This feast of
tabernacles was a representation of the believer's tabernacle
state in this world, and a type of the holy joy of the gospel
church. The conversion of the nations to the faith of Christ, is
foretold under the figure of this feast,
@zechariah 14:16
. True
religion will render us strangers and pilgrims upon earth. We
read and hear the word acceptably and profitably, when we do
according to what is written therein; when what appears to be
our duty is revived, after it has been neglected. They minded
the substance; else the ceremony had been of no use. They did
it, rejoicing in God and his goodness. These are the means which
the Spirit of God crowns with success, in bringing the hearts of
sinners to tremble and to become humbled before God. But those
are enemies to their own growth in holiness, who always indulge
sorrow, even for sin, and put away from them the consolations
tendered by the word and Spirit of God.
A solemn fast. (1-3) Prayer and confession of sin. (4-38)
@Verses 1-3
The word will direct and quicken prayer, for by it the
Spirit helps our infirmities in prayer. The careful study of
God's word will more and more discover to us our own sinfulness,
and the plenteousness of his salvation; thus it calls us to
mourn for sin, and to rejoice in him. Every discovery of the
truth of God, should render us more unwearied in attendance on
his sacred word, and on his worship.
@Verses 4-38
The summary of their prayers we have here upon record.
Much more, no doubt, was said. Whatever ability we have to do
any thing in the way of duty, we are to serve and glorify God
according to the utmost of it. When confessing our sins, it is
good to notice the mercies of God, that we may be the more
humbled and ashamed. The dealings of the Lord showed his
goodness and long-suffering, and the hardness of their hearts.
The testimony of the prophets was the testimony of the Spirit in
the prophets, and it was the Spirit of Christ in them. They
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and what they said
is to be received accordingly. The result was, wonder at the
Lord's mercies, and the feeling that sin had brought them to
their present state, from which nothing but unmerited love could
rescue them. And is not their conduct a specimen of human
nature? Let us study the history of our land, and our own
history. Let us recollect our advantages from childhood, and ask
what were our first returns? Let us frequently do so, that we
may be kept humble, thankful, and watchful. Let all remember
that pride and obstinacy are sins which ruin the soul. But it is
often as hard to persuade the broken-hearted to hope, as
formerly it was to bring them to fear. Is this thy case? Behold
this sweet promise, A God ready to pardon! Instead of keeping
away from God under a sense of unworthiness, let us come boldly
to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace
to help in time of need. He is a God ready to pardon.
The covenant, Those who signed it. (1-31) Their engagement to
sacred rites. (32-39)
@Verses 1-31
Conversion is separating from the course and custom of
this world, devoting ourselves to the conduct directed by the
word of God. When we bind ourselves to do the commandments of
God, it is to do all his commandments, and to look to him as the
Lord, and our Lord.
@Verses 32-39
Having covenanted against the sins of which they had been
guilty, they obliged themselves to observe the duties they had
neglected. We must not only cease to do evil, but learn to do
well. Let not any people expect the blessing of God, unless they
keep up public worship. It is likely to go well with our houses,
when care is taken that the work of God's house goes on well.
When every one helps, and every one gives, though but little,
toward a good work, the whole will come to be a large sum. We
must do what we can in works of piety and charity; and whatever
state we are placed in, cheerfully perform our duty to God,
which will be the surest way to ease and liberty. As the
ordinances of God are the appointed means of support to our
souls, the believer will not grudge the expense; yet most people
leave their souls to starve.
The distribution of the people.
- In all ages, men have preferred their own ease and advantage
to the public good. Even the professors of religion too commonly
seek their own, and not the things of Christ. Few have had such
attachment to holy things and holy places, as to renounce
pleasure for their sake. Yet surely, our souls should delight to
dwell where holy persons and opportunities of spiritual
improvement most abound. If we have not this love to the city of
our God, and to every thing that assists our communion with the
Saviour, how shall we be willing to depart hence; to be absent
from the body, that we may be present with the Lord? To the
carnal-minded, the perfect holiness of the New Jerusalem would
be still harder to bear than the holiness of God's church on
earth. Let us seek first the favour of God, and his glory; let
us study to be patient, contented, and useful in our several
stations, and wait, with cheerful hope, for admission into the
holy city of God.
The priests and Levites that returned. (1-26) The dedication
of the wall. (27-43) The officers of the temple settled. (44-47)
@Verses 1-26
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our
guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to
know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we
should be.
@Verses 27-43
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the
Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing
which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to
cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God
is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to
sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves
apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their
creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people
greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to
join in public thanksgivings.
@Verses 44-47
When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such
impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful
and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to
the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be
purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the
Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.
Nehemiah turns out the mixed multitude. (1-9) Nehemiah's
reform in the house of God. (10-14) Sabbath-breaking restrained.
(15-22) The dismissal of strange wives. (23-31)
@Verses 1-9
Israel was a peculiar people, and not to mingle with the
nations. See the benefit of publicly reading the word of God;
when it is duly attended to, it discovers to us sin and duty,
good and evil, and shows wherein we have erred. We profit, when
we are thus wrought upon to separate from evil. Those that would
drive sin out of their hearts, the living temples, must throw
out its household stuff, and all the provision made for it; and
take away all the things that are the food and fuel of lust;
this is really to mortify it. When sin is cast out of the heart
by repentance, let the blood of Christ be applied to it by
faith, then let it be furnished with the graces of God's Spirit,
for every good work.
@Verses 10-14
If a sacred character will not keep men from setting an
evil example, it must not shelter any one from deserved blame
and punishment. The Levites had been wronged; their portions had
not been given them. They were gone to get livelihoods for
themselves and their families, for their profession would not
maintain them. A maintenance not sufficient, makes a poor
ministry. The work is neglected, because the workmen are.
Nehemiah laid the fault upon the rulers. Both ministers and
people, who forsake religion and the services of it, and
magistrates, who do not what they can to keep them to it, will
have much to answer for. He delayed not to bring the Levites to
their places again, and that just payment should be made.
Nehemiah on every occasion looked up to God, and committed
himself and all his affairs to Him. It pleased him to think that
he had been of use to revive and support religion in his
country. He here refers to God, not in pride, but with a humble
appeal concerning his honest intention in what he had done. He
prays, "Remember me;" not, Reward me. "Wipe not out my good
deeds;" not, Publish them, or record them. Yet he was rewarded,
and his good deeds recorded. God does more than we are able to
ask.
@Verses 15-22
The keeping holy the Lord's day forms an important object
for their attention who would promote true godliness. Religion
never prospers while sabbaths are trodden under foot. No wonder
there was a general decay of religion, and corruption of manners
among the Jews, when they forsook the sanctuary and profaned the
sabbath. Those little consider what an evil they do, who profane
the sabbath. We must answer for the sins others are led to
commit by our example. Nehemiah charges it on them as an evil
thing, for so it is, proceeding from contempt of God and our own
souls. He shows that sabbath-breaking was one of the sins for
which God had brought judgments upon them; and if they did not
take warning, but returned to the same sins again, they had to
expect further judgments. The courage, zeal, and prudence of
Nehemiah in this matter, are recorded for us to do likewise; and
we have reason to think, that the cure he wrought was lasting.
He felt and confessed himself a sinner, who could demand nothing
from God as justice, when he thus cried unto him for mercy.
@Verses 23-31
If either parent be ungodly, corrupt nature will incline
the children to take after that one; which is a strong reason
why Christians should not be unequally yoked. In the education
of children, great care should be taken about the government of
their tongues; that they learn not the language of Ashdod, no
impious or impure talk, no corrupt communication. Nehemiah
showed the evil of these marriages. Some, more obstinate than
the rest, he smote, that is, ordered them to be beaten by the
officers according to the law,
@deuteronomy 25:2,3
. Here are Nehemiah's
prayers on this occasion He prays, "Remember them, O my God."
Lord, convince and convert them; put them in mind of what they
should be and do. The best services to the public have been
forgotten by those for whom they were done, therefore Nehemiah
refers himself to God, to recompense him. This may well be the
summary of our petitions; we need no more to make us happy than
this; Remember me, O my God, for good. We may humbly hope that
the Lord will remember us and our services, although, after
lives of unwearied activity and usefulness, we shall still see
cause to abhor ourselves and repent in dust and ashes, and to
cry out with Nehemiah, Spare me, O my God, according to the
greatness of they mercy.
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
This document (last modified July 17, 1997) from Believerscafe.com
Sister Projects: Wikichristian | WikiMD
BelieversCafe is a large collection of christian articles with over 40,000 pages
Our sponsors: