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Aug. 29, 2008
Nehemiah 3
Posted in Study: Nehemiah
As we begin to look at the third chapter of Nehemiah, I think it would be wise to pray. It might be very easy to skim this chapter with its names and locations drifting through the mind into obscurity.
Abba, Father, I come to you now, knowing that it is my desire to sit and meditate upon Your Word...to hear what You have to say to me through it...to treasure it up in my heart and walk in the truth of it daily. Heavenly Father, speak to me (and those reading along) in this chapter. Let me never be the same as a result of what I learn from You in this study.
So, here we begin to see the rebuilding of Jerusalem. If you remember, Nehemiah has become acquainted with the condition of the walls through his late-night inspections. He has called the people to begin to rebuild the city walls, and he has called them to expunge the disgrace of God's people as they rebuild together in earnest. "So they began this good work" (Neh. 2:18c). Even as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem taunt the workers and Nehemiah, they continue in their good work.
The third chapter is more detail about the rebuilding process. I find it intriguing that the process of rebuilding is cataloged here in this chapter (and others). Notice how personal this becomes? Do you see that each section of wall is rebuilt by a specifically named group of people? Their assignment and success is documented for all to read. I don't know if this was encouraging to them in their day, but how wonderful to see all that was accomplished in such a short time with mention of the people who accomplished it by name!
Can we sit in this realization for a few minutes? Our very good and loving God inspired and preserved this record of the tasks, accomplishments, and names. I love that each group is noticed and given recognition for their hard work and success. We might be tempted to think of this as the "fifteen minutes of fame" or some traded fame for heavenly riches. I'm not so sure. What if the mention of the names and groups is an intentional celebration of faithfulness? It just might be. In any case, I love that our God used the author of this book to celebrate the rebuilding in this way with great care over each detail. While it might not make for the easiest reading, there is significance in what has been written.
There are some things to notice in this passage of Scripture:
- The men of Tekoa were faithful in the rebuilding. The nobles did not help. (See 3:27.) My handy Walvoord and Zuck commentary says Tekoa was located 12 miles south of Jerusalem. They were not locals, but the men helped in the rebuilding. I love that!
- This whole listing seems to begin at the Sheep Gate and end at the same place, the same way Nehemiah began and ended his rounds during his inspection of the wall.
- There is mention of some men in this chapter who have alliances with the enemies as we will later see more clearly. Men who are faithful to Nehemiah's leadership and men who are allied with enemies receive the same mention. I find that interesting as well.
I suppose one could spent a lot of time deconstructing and reconstructing this chapter, but I'm inclined to leave it as it is, a record of the men working on the wall, each with an assignment to complete. It shows that the entire project is being taken on as a whole in order to achieve the greatest result.
Personally, I love that our God preserved this record. I like to think it may give me a glimpse into His heart.
So, what do you think? What did you notice about this passage?
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