Readings: Nehemiah 11, Nehemiah 12, Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah 13:22 – “Remember this also in my favor, my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your mercy.”

Chapter 11 begins with repopulating Jerusalem. Lots are cast in each town and 1 in 10 move into Jerusalem. Almost 3,000 move into David’s city. Chapter 12 begins with a list of the leaders of the priests and Levites who returned under Zerubbabel. Then all of Israel gathers to dedicate the wall. Priests, singers, and people from all over gather for the celebration. All are purified – including the people and the wall. Two groups March around the city in each direction, joining together at the temple. There were great sacrifices and joyous worship that day!

In chapter 13 Nehemiah returns to King Artaxerxes for a period. Eventually he returns to Jerusalem. He finds several things that need correcting. Old habits have returned. People are intermarrying again. Some of the children cannot speak the language of Judah – and therefore cannot participate in worship. This divisive practice is ended once again. The shares for the priests are being neglected, forcing some back to their fields. This too is corrected. People are working and buying and selling on the Sabbath. For many the day is no longer holy. Nehemiah puts a forceful stop to this too.

Several times today we read something along the lines of our key verse. Nehemiah is not universally beloved. Leading a people who are prone to sin and are easily influenced by the ways of those around them is hard. Many chafe at correction, rebuke, and being made to follow the rules. Yet Nehemiah was faithful to the call that God has placed upon his life. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be a people who remember your will and way. Lead us to resist temptations and empower us to stay true to you alone. Move us to respect and support those who seek to lead us to walk in faith, lifting them to you in prayer. Amen.