An historical book, supervised by divine providence and
intended for the instruction and edification of God's people.
This book is sometimes recognized as the second book of
Ezra, because its narrative is the sequel to the book of Ezra.
Undoubtedly, however, Nehemiah was the writer of the major
portion of it. Portions of the book are apparently copied from
the state archives and written in the third person, while
Nehemiah evidently was the writer of the portion presented in
the first person. R2524:3
Though strictly historical, the book of Nehemiah
admirably tells the story of the soul's renewal. Chapter 1
represents conviction and confession of sin; 2, determination
to rebuild with God's grace; 3, actual rebuilding the soul's
defense in sanctification; 4, attacks upon the soul from
without; 5, assaults from within; 6, temptations of the
Adversary, disguised; 7, successful accomplishment of
spiritual work in the soul; 8, study of the Word; 9, confession
of weaknesses; 10, covenant relationship emphasized; 11,
systematizing the efforts of the godly life; 12,
acknowledgment of God in everything; 13, a sad exhibition of
the Christian's fall and renewed influence of the Spirit.
R2524:3*
Nehemiah was an Israelite of the tribe of Judah. He was
of one of those families which had not returned to Palestine
under Cyrus' decree of about ninety years previous. R1495:3
Nehemiah occupied a confidential position with Artaxerxes,
the Persian king, somewhat similar to the office held by
Mordecai under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) the father of
Artaxerxes. His official title does not give the proper
conception of the dignity of his position. In those days, kings
needed to be continually guarded against poisons, which
could be easily mingled without detection with their liquid
refreshments. Consequently, the cupbearer was one whose
loyalty was esteemed irreproachable. They became
confidants of royalty and court advisors, really occupying the
position of Minister of State. R3662:2
Thirteen years after Ezra's company returned to Jerusalem,
Nehemiah went thither. The Jews, now considerable in
number, were despised by their neighbors, who wished to
drive them out of the land. R4912:3
The seventy years had not been years of prosperity, but of adversity
to the Israelites, both in Jerusalem and in Babylon. Their enemies, taking
advantage of the weaknesses of Ahasuerus, who reigned
during the interim, had attacked the partially rebuilt walls and
gates of the city of Jerusalem and had wrecked the former and
burned the latter . . . and at Babylon, as we learn from the
book of Esther, a plot for the complete extermination of the
Israelites had almost succeeded but had been prevented by
divine interposition. R1496:1
The year 1391 AD corresponds with the year 454 BC,
when Nehemiah received his commission to rebuild the walls
of Jerusalem. It was in 1391 that John Huss might be said to
have received his commission to rebuild the walls of spiritual
Jerusalem, for it was in that year that he became acquainted
with the works of Wycliffe. R3575:6*
Words of Nehemiah -- A young man of the tribe of Judah; of
one of the prominent families of the Babylonian captivity. R1495:3, R3662:2
Sometimes recognized as the second book of Ezra because its
narrative is the sequel to the book of Ezra. R2524:3
Shushan the palace -- Josephus says that Nehemiah, wealthy
and favored of the king of Persia, resided in the king's palace at
Shushan. R4912:6
Hanani -- Nehemiah's brother, who had been amongst those
who went up to Jerusalem with Ezra. Having returned, Nehemiah
gained information respecting the deplorable condition of affairs at
Jerusalem. R3662:3, R2525:1, R4913:1
In great affliction -- God used this trouble to raise up wealthy
and friendly brethren yet in Babylon to come to their relief.
R2525:4
Just so with spiritual Israelites. Trials and difficulties are often the
very means God employs to bring needed relief. R2525:4
Is broken down -- In spiteful retaliation by Israel's enemies for
the sending back to their homes of all foreign wives under Ezra.
R3662:3
Sat down and wept -- The news made him heartsick. He had
an intensity of love for the land of promise. R3662:6
All Christians who are spiritual Israelites should have the same
spirit of love and sympathy for their brethren, and look for the
prosperity of spiritual Zion and her ultimate deliverance. R2525:3
Mourned certain days -- Not that the Lord needed urging on
the subject, but because the subject was growing on Nehemiah's
mind and heart. R1496:4
Fasted, and prayed -- For the Lord's blessing, that the promises
respecting the holy city and land might be fulfilled. This prayer is a
general outline of the sentiments he expressed for four months
without ceasing. R3662:6, R4912:1
Self-denial, fasting and prayer should be associated. It is the
fervent, earnest prayer that is effectual and that prayer is not to be
entered into with a view to changing the divine will, but rather to
bringing our hearts and minds and conduct into conformity to the
divine will. R3664:6, R1496:1
O LORD God of heaven -- Acknowledgment of the divine
greatness and the relative littleness of the petitioner. R2525:5
The great -- Reminding one of the Lord's prayer,
"Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." (Matt.
6:9) R2525:5
That keepeth covenant -- Acknowledged that the Lord's ways
and dealings with Israel had been just and true, having before the
mind the testimonies of God's Word. R3663:3
God's dealings were in exact fulfilment of his covenant (Lev.
26:33, etc.; Deut. 4:25, etc.; Deut. 28:64). R1496:4
For them that love him -- He expressed confidence that the
Lord would keep his covenant and have mercy upon his people.
R3663:3
Day and night -- He prayed after this manner for four months
before he began to have an answer. R3662:6
Of course, during all this time he attended to his duties. But this
prayer was always in his heart. R3662:6
"Men ought always to pray and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). The
things which lie close to our hearts should become our continual
prayer ... making sure they are the right things. R3662:6, R4913:1
We have sinned -- No proper prayer can be offered to the great
Creator which does not in some manner acknowledge the comer's
imperfections. Our boldness is not that of self-confidence.
R3663:3
Against thee -- Nehemiah was very open in his confession,
which is proper for all who approach the Lord; but sins and
weaknesses may be reasonably screened from the eyes of others
while we are doing our best to walk after the Spirit. R3663:4
We have dealt -- He confesses the justice of the Lord's
chastisement and properly includes himself with the others of his
nation. R1496:4, R2525:5
If ye turn unto me -- This turning to the Lord's promises for
forgiveness and mercy and reconciliation is proper for all--Jew or
Gentile. R3663:5
To all Israelites indeed who are in trouble for past unfaithfulness the
Lord says, "Draw nigh unto me and I will draw nigh unto you."
(Jas. 4:8) R2525:6
Will I gather them -- Claiming the promises of returned favor
(Deut 30:4, Deut. 9:29; Isa. 11:12). R1496:4
Nehemiah's prayer has not yet been fully answered, but we do see
that the Lord is ready to do this as soon as he shall have gathered
the spiritual seed to heavenly conditions. R2526:1, R3663:6
The gathering of natural Israel will not include all Jews, but such as
maintain their Abrahamic faith in the divine promises. R2526:1
Whom thou hast redeemed -- Israelites indeed who transgress
can plead the Lord's promise to be merciful based upon the great
redemption sacrifice. R3663:5
I beseech thee -- All who would engage in divine service require
not only zeal, but wisdom; and only those who seek it prayerfully
can be helpful as reformers amongst their brethren. R2530:3
Thine ear be attentive -- The Lord did respond to Nehemiah's
prayer by granting privileges possible at the time; but it was not
God's due time for fulfilling all the gracious promises that he had
made to that nation. His prayer will be much more than fulfilled in
accordance with the Lord's plan in due time. R3663:5, R3664:1
The prayer of thy servant -- All true Israelites. R3664:2
Prosper, I pray thee -- He resolved that he would not only pray
to the Lord, but would consecrate himself, his wealth and his
favored relationship with the king to the answering of his own
prayers. R2525:2
Gradually he was made earnest and strong enough to take an
important part in the answering of his own prayer. R1496:1
Sight of this man -- Artaxerxes, an absolute monarch, whose ill
will might be easily aroused by imagined disloyalty, the result being
Nehemiah's execution. R3664:3
Nehemiah's prayer to the Lord to grant mercy in the sight of
Artaxerxes shows he had faith in the divine power. R3664:3
The Lord's people have similar privileges in prayer at the present
time and should remember that, as in the case of Nehemiah, God
has full power to open ways and means and to shape all our earthly
affairs for us. R3664:3
The king's cupbearer -- Minister of State, confidential advisor.
R3662:3, R1495:6, R2524:6
In presenting wine to the king it was the custom for this officer to
pour out a sample for himself. From this probably originated the
title, Cup-bearer. R2524:6
That it was not impossible for Hebrews to occupy confidential and
high positions in the Persian empire is shown by such other cases as
Daniel, Esther and Mordecai. R2525:1
The Lord chooses as noble, great and learned as he can find who
have the right condition of heart. R3676:5
The month Nisan -- A delay of four months (Neh. 1:1) waiting
for a favorable opportunity to approach the king. R2525:2
The four-month delay was doubtless used by the Lord to prepare
the king to cooperate with Nehemiah's request; and so, while we
pray, the Lord not only prepares us but also the circumstances and
conditions to bring us the opportunities in the best form. R3664:6
In the twentieth year -- 454 BC, troublous times. R3574:6*,
R3578:2*
The beginning of the 70 weeks of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27); dated by
Rollins as 454 BC. R3575:4*
A parallel date to 1391 AD when Huss carried Wycliffe's teachings
into effect. R3578:5*
Artaxerxes -- An arbitrary, self-willed, passionate king who, a
few years before, had issued an edict against Jerusalem and put a
stop to the building of its walls (Ezra 4:8-24). R2526:2*
Very sore afraid -- And with good reason, because his life was
in danger. Monarchs demand smiling countenances on all
occasions. R2526:2*
Thou wouldest send -- Prayers not accompanied by earnest
efforts brand themselves as insincere. R4913:1
Wall of the city -- "From the going forth of the commandment
to restore and to build Jerusalem unto Messiah shall be 69 weeks"
(Dan. 9:25). Sixty-nine symbolic weeks would be 483 symbolic
days, or 483 literal years. B67
And the king -- In the year 454 BC, according to Dr. Hale and
also according to Dr. Priestlie. B67
1845 years (the length of the Jewish "double") prior to 1391 AD
when Huss, the reformer, became acquainted with the works of
Wycliffe and continued the Reformation. R3575:6*
King had sent captains -- Nehemiah did not permit any spirit of
bravado to hinder his acceptance of the escort. Similarly, spiritual
Israelites are in no case to refuse reasonable safeguards, when
under the Lord's providence they are furnished. R2526:3
Horsemen with me -- It was perfectly proper for Nehemiah to
make use of this protection, just as today a Christian, while fully
trusting in God, may properly carry fire insurance. R3674:3
So I came -- The preparations for the journey occupied nearly a
month, the journey itself about three months, bringing Nehemiah to
Jerusalem about July. R2526:2
Three days -- Nehemiah was a man of action. He had come to
Jerusalem for a purpose and wasted no time. R3675:2
Some few men -- Some of his trusted servants. R3675:2
Neither told I any man -- Had he told of his plan, enemies
would have taken steps to interfere. R3674:6
Many of the Lord's people need to learn this lesson of
secretiveness: to be wise as serpents while harmless as doves, swift
to hear and slow to speak. R3675:1
An evil mind can put an evil construction upon the noblest words
and deeds. R3675:1
Went out by night -- He wasted no time, but made a thorough
inspection of the walls and then promulgated his plan for speedy
work. R3675:2
Inspection properly precedes intelligent and profitable reformation
of any kind; no less the walls of spiritual Zion. We should first take
a full survey of our weaknesses and deficiencies in order to build up
ourselves. R2526:5
Then said I unto them -- He did not begin his work by chiding
or boasting. R2526:5
Coworkers with God should work guided by the spirit of love
which is not unkind, slighting or boastful. R2526:6
See the distress -- Distress is from the Hebrew word "ra" also
rendered "evil" and "calamity." R1351:2*
Calamities or evils sent as chastisements. A125
Build up the wall -- For the security of the people, to arouse
their national spirit, to revive their hopes in the promised kingdom
of God, to afford a practical demonstration of God's favor, thus
leading to trust in other promises. R3676:2
Illustrating both the walls of spiritual Zion, the Church of the living
God, and the walls of our characters. R2526:5
The hand of my God -- The proper course is to begin work
afresh with confidence, not in ourselves, but in him who called us.
R2526:6
Let us rise up and build -- The entire wall was reared in 52
days. R3675:2
Their hearts were in the work. R3675:2
We his servants -- They were all to be associates and partners
in whatever blessing and honor might accrue from this service.
R2527:1
Arise and build -- Nehemiah not only prayed and labored, but
he planned that each should undertake the building of the wall
nearest his own residence. We, too, should begin our reform work
of character building at home--within ourselves. R3675:2,
R2527:1
With his brethren -- Each person of prominence and capability
should have a certain share in the work and responsibility. R2527:1
Against his house -- So he would not only get credit for rapid
and good workmanship, but because he would be anxious that the
wall would be strong in the vicinity of his own house. R2527:1
So the Lord gave "to every man his work" (Mark 13:34)
represented by his talents. R2627:1
A practical illustration of such distribution of labor is the varied
work of colporteurs, pilgrims, tract distribution in the general
co-laboring with the Lord. R3675:3
When -- The Christian finds the gates and fortresses of his
nature weak and broken down. The moment he starts to repair and
build he finds enemies within and without to hinder. R1498:5
Sanballat -- The Christian's opposition today is chiefly from the
Sanballat followers of nominal Christianity--the "mixed peoples"
who have a form of godliness without its power. R3675:4
Was wroth -- For four reasons: (1) the exclusiveness of the
Jews; (2) racial and religious differences; (3) Israelites, under divine
favor, prospered beyond themselves; and (4) the wall would
interfere with their plundering of the Jews. R2527:2
Mocked the Jews -- Opposition first took the form of sarcasm
and ridicule. Those who today are building upon the wall of Zion
must be prepared for similar sarcasm. R3675:4
Revive the stones -- Precious truths. R2527:4
Gold, silver and precious stones for the erection of Zion. R2527:3
Heaps of the rubbish -- Sectarianism. R2527:4
Human tradition. R2527:3
If a fox go up -- Sarcasm is one of the most successful of our
Adversary's weapons. R2527:4
Ridicule, saying that the wall was not scientifically done and would
not stand the test of "Higher Criticism." R3675:4
So built we the wall -- It would be well for all the Lord's people
charged with the building of the wall of righteousness to encourage
and stimulate one another in the work all have at heart. R3675:2
The harvest work is the rebuilding of the walls of Zion, the
replacing of the doctrines of righteousness and truth overthrown by
the Adversary during the Dark Ages. R3675:4
Had a mind to work -- The people entered into the matter
spiritedly. So, in this harvest of the Gospel age, there is an
abundance of labor for all who have a mind to work. R3675:2
Sanballat -- Governor of the Samaritans, a people of mixed
Jewish and heathen blood. R3675:3
Tobiah -- Governor of the Ammonites, across Jordan. R3675:3
Arabians and the Ammonites -- Illustrating how the lust of the
flesh and the eye and the pride of life conspire against the New
Creature once he begins building the wall of righteousness in his
life. R2527:3
Ashdodites -- Ashdod was a Philistine city in the South.
R3675:3
Were made up -- It is only from the time that it begins to build
that Zion is opposed by the forces of Babylon. R2527:3
They were very wroth -- Being opposed because the
fortification meant an increase of Jewish power and because the
success of the Jews in Jerusalem meant the triumph of the God of
the Jews. R3675:3
They feared that scattered Jews would become amalgamated with
those in Jerusalem if the capital were again a stronghold. R3675:4
As these enemies were wroth, so those who are engaged in the
harvest work find opposition, not only from the world, the flesh and
the devil, but also from the followers of nominal Christianity.
R3675:4
Conspired -- Conspiracies of the great deceiver and his hosts
are not because injury has been done to them, but because the
progress of the truth is of itself a rebuke to all who are not of the
truth. R2527:3
Opposing influences are ready to combine to hinder the re-establishment
of the truths and principles which properly separate
the Lord's consecrated people from all others. R3675:4
To fight against -- The city would be rebuilt under unfavorable
circumstances, in troublous times (Dan. 9:25). B65
When sarcasm availed nothing, they secretly took counsel to make
an attack. R3675:5
To hinder it -- So it is with individuals who resolve to build
themselves up. They immediately find themselves beset with
enemies bent on hindering their work. R2527:2
Prayer... watch -- Each of us must do as this band did--put on
the armor and watch and pray and build. R1498:5, R2527:6
Judah -- Apparently the less zealous of the Israelites residing in
favorable localities nearer the Samaritans. R2527:3
Much rubbish -- Illustrating the present rubbish pile of human
tradition and falsity. R2527:3
Not able to build -- Fighting without and foes within tended to
hinder and discourage the workers. R3676:1
How many spiritual Israelites who began with great courage and
zeal have become disheartened by suggestions respecting the
difficulties and impossibilities of the work they are undertaking.
R3676:2, R2527:4
Fight for your brethren -- "We ought also to lay down our
lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16) R2528:1
When our enemies -- The preparation for the conflict itself
hindered it; so those of the Lord's people who most carefully
prepare themselves with the armor of God are much less frequently
attacked than are those who neglect it. R2528:1
Half of my servants -- The special guard, divided into two
parts, relieved each other at labor and at military service. R3675:5
Held a weapon -- The hod-carriers were armed. Those who did
the mason work had swords at their sides. Similarly, all who labor
in the harvest work need to be armed; not, however, with carnal
weapons. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty
through God to the pulling down of strongholds." (2 Cor. 10:4)
R3675:5
For the builders -- Typifying the reformers of the great
Reformation. R1484:4
Had his sword -- Typifying the Word of God. R1484:4
All those laboring today upon the walls of Zion need to be equipped
with the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the
sandals of patient endurance, the shield of faith and the sword of
the spirit. R3675:5
So must Christians maintain their armor and keep watch against the
Adversary while building themselves up in the most holy faith.
R2528:4
Sound of the trumpet -- The sound of the trumpet was used to
summon the workers. The same is true today. The seventh
trumpet sounding is gathering together his saints unto him.
R3676:5
So we laboured -- The work progressed under serious
difficulties which demonstrated that zeal and love were behind the
movement. R3675:5
So must the Christian maintain his defensive armor while seeking to
build up himself and others. R2528:4
A great cry -- The poor Jews had been giving all their time to
the repairing of the walls and had thus cut off their income from
other sources, and they went into debt. R4921:2
Some of those who labored on the wall were made to suffer for
their faithfulness by wealthy Jews who took advantage of their
destitution. R3676:2
We have mortgaged -- Their richer brethren had made hard
contracts with them, taking away their possessions when they were
unable to pay because engaged in the Lord's service. R3676:4
I was very angry -- Nehemiah was righteously indignant with
this condition. R3676:4
I rebuked the nobles -- Shaking out the flowing folds of his
outer garment he declared that thus the Lord would shake out any
who had such a selfish spirit. R3676:4
Amongst the Lord's people we find not only a general tendency to
avoid asking the poor brethren to contribute, but a willingness to
assist the needy ones. R3676:4
Restore, I pray you -- The Law required brotherly obligations--
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Lev. 19:18) R4921:3
Said, Amen -- In contrast with Ezra, Nehemiah kindly and
moderately remonstrated against the wrong course and was
successful in correcting it without antagonizing the wrongdoers.
R2531:1
At my table -- It may be inferred from these verses that
Nehemiah inherited great wealth. R2525:1
For this people -- Examples of justice are powerful in
opposition to wrong. Christians should not only take the proper
stand, but let it be known to others as reproofs of unrighteousness.
R4921:3
Pray, pleading our righteousness. R5381:2*
Let us meet together -- Finding that the Jews could not be
taken unawares, their enemies invited Nehemiah away to a
conference relative to his authority. R3675:6, R4921:3
Doubtless our opponents now would like to divert our attention
from the work we have to do. R3675:6, R4921:3
In the plain of Ono -- Twenty miles from Jerusalem on neutral
ground. R4921:6
I cannot come down -- Nehemiah refused four times to confer
with them, sending them word that his work was great and urgent.
R3675:6
Similarly we have the Lord's work to do and no time to discuss
social reform, etc. R3675:6
We should always have time to discuss God's Word and his love
with the brethren and to give the reason for the hope that is in us,
but we have no time for discussing outside questions. R4921:5
Prophets to preach -- To publicly expound the Law of the
Lord. A55
Let us take counsel -- Nehemiah perceived that during his
absence they might overpower the garrison of Israel and destroy the
work accomplished or do him violence at the conference. R4921:6
Thou feignest them -- A false rumor to alarm the Jews to thus
discourage the completion of their work. How cruel are the
multitudinous methods of slander. R4922:1
God had not sent him -- The next step of the Adversary was to
threaten Nehemiah, but he could not be frightened. May it be so
with us. May our confidence in the Lord be such that the fear of
man will not be a snare to us. R3675:6
By genealogy -- He reorganized the people socially according to
the heads of their families, especially the priests and Levites.
R2531:1
The Tirshatha -- Nehemiah was the Tirshatha (Persian for
provincial governor). R2531:1
Gave unto the work -- Total about $400,000--one-third
contributed by those who remained in Babylonia; one-third by the
few wealthy of the returned Israelites; one-third by the mass of the
people--about $3 each. R2511.2
The Tirshatha gave -- Nehemiah himself setting an example of
liberality with his large gifts. R2531:2
All Israel -- The breach between the two tribes and the ten
tribes was already healed. R2084:6
Into the street -- The Plaza. R2531:2
First day -- The "Feast of Trumpets" on the first day was a time
for general gathering, the beginning of their civil year, announced
by trumpet blowing. R2531:2
Nehemiah not only chose a pleasant season, but an accustomed
occasion, for gathering the people. R2531:1
Arrangements are already made for the antitypical "Feast of
Trumpets" and the beginning of a new civil year, or Millennial era
for mankind. R2531:4
He read therein -- The public reading of the Scriptures was the
only means of keeping them before the people. R1145:4
Morning -- Daybreak. The service began early in the morning.
R2531:3
The people were attentive -- Gave close attention, to hear and
to understand every word. R2531:3
It was not only necessary that they should desire to know and they
should be in the attitude of heart to implore divine blessing and
assistance, but it was also necessary that they should be attentive.
R2531:3
Ezra the scribe -- In recognizing Ezra to be more suitable than
himself for this work, Nehemiah manifested his humility. R3676:6
While God has all power, he nevertheless uses human
instrumentalities. R2532:1
Stood upon a pulpit -- Raised above the people, on a higher
plane of being, will be Christ, the great Priest, and his associates,
spiritual Israel, to declare the law of righteousness. R2531:4
On the plaza of the Temple. R3676:6
Beside him stood -- On Ezra's right were seven prominent men
and on his left six more, and the reading of the Law was done by
course, probably by all fourteen. R3676:6
Mattithiah, and Shema and -- Chiefs of the people,
representing the various tribes. R2531:2
Ezra opened the book -- Ezra's chief place of importance was
the ceremony of reading the Law and introducing it to the attention
of the people. R3676:6
Stood up -- Out of respect, while the Law was being read; then
sat on the ground while it was being discussed. R4922:3,
R3678:6, R2531:4
Ezra blessed the LORD -- Apparently the convention was
opened with prayer. No one can be taught and blessed by the
Lord's Word unless he be in the attitude of heart which appreciates
the greatness of God and the unworthiness of self. R2531:2
Jeshua -- Shortened form of Jehoshua or Joshua. Jehoshua
signifies "Jehovah's salvation." R5335:3
The Levites -- Is it not time to strive as Levites and spiritual
Israelites to turn afresh to the Bible and instruct the people
respecting its teachings? R4923:4
To understand -- Having been scattered so long, they needed
these teachers for two reasons: (1) to explain the classical Hebrew
which they probably didn't understand, and (2) to give a particular
explanation of the sentiment or meaning. R3677:1
Teachers expounded the Law, explaining the meaning of words,
how the Law applied to daily life, and what it signified. R2531:3
So they read -- God chose human instrumentalities to make his
will known to the people. R2532:1
Evidently this was the first presentation of the Law since their
return from captivity. Ezra had given his attention to the
rearranging of the Law and the instruction of the priests and
Levites, but had not as yet caused it to be promulgated amongst the
people. R3677:3
As the returned Israelites were blessed by the reading and
understanding of Moses' Law, much more those returning to the
Lord, out of bondage to "Babylon the Great," are being blessed by
an appreciation of the divine law, love, granted to the house of
sons. R1498:3
It will not do to attempt to tell the Lord's plan but ignore the Lord's
Word. R3677:3
Book In the law -- Nehemiah's method was to make general a
knowledge of the divine Law, appealing to the awakened
consciences of the people to act for themselves heartily, unto the
Lord. R2531:1
Distinctly -- Typifying the time when the declaration of the
Gospel message will come to the people and they will get the
"sense" and "understanding" of it. R2531:5
In the Millennium it will no longer be a din, a Babylon of confused
noises. R2531:5
Gave the sense -- The real essence of preaching, "Preach the
word." (2 Tim. 4:2) R3677:1
Caused them to understand -- It was not sufficient that the
priests and the Levites be learned in the Law, but that the people
themselves should be made to understand the divine message. The
same is true today. R3677:3, R4923:1
And Nehemiah -- The man of opportunity. R3676:6
Representing the Lord Jesus at his second advent. Our great and
wise governor is instructing the Royal Priesthood and thus
preparing for the great work of the future. R2531:5
The Tirshatha -- Provincial Governor. R2531:2
And Ezra -- Nehemiah recognized Ezra as more suitable than
himself to take a prominent part in educating the people, thus
manifesting his humility. R3676:6
Levites that taught -- The unconsecrated cannot be recognized
as religious teachers in any sense. R2531:4
This day is holy -- In the Lord's providence the work was
accomplished in time to celebrate the civil new year, which
symbolized to them a fresh start in the ways of the Lord. R3676:3,
R3677:5
Mourn not, nor weep -- With repentance and the forgiveness of
sins, the time for mourning is past. R3677.3
Because the great sacrifice for sins has already been offered. In
consequence, the Millennial day is not a day of mourning, but of
rejoicing. R2531:5
For through Christ there is a full propitiation, not only for the sins
that are past, but also for the inherited weaknesses of the present
and future. R2531:6
All the people wept -- When the Law was read and expounded
they saw that they had been under chastisement because they had
neglected divine institutions. R3677:3, R4922:6
The first hearing of the divine law brings remorse and tears as we
realize our shortcomings. R2531:6
And drink the sweet -- The exceeding great and precious
promises given to us, and to drink of the sweets of his favor, and to
send portions of this blessing to others who have not yet seen and
heard and tasted of the riches of divine grace. R2532:1
And send portions -- Representing the sending forth of the
knowledge of the Lord to fill the whole earth. R2531:5
For this day -- Typifying the Millennial day. R2531:5
Joy of the LORD -- The joy of realizing that the Lord is our
fortress, that no ill can betide us without his knowledge, that all
things work together for good. R3677:5
Is your strength -- So that all the trials and difficulties of the
way would seem as nothing. R3677:5
Stilled all the people -- The message that the leaders set forth
was repeated to the people by the Levites and the tears were dry.
R3677:5
Make great mirth -- They rejoiced in the opening of a new
year, which symbolized to them a fresh start in the way of the Lord
and in his favor. R3677:5
The chief of the fathers -- The reading of the Law on the
second day was to heads of families, emphasizing their
responsibilities amongst the Lord's people. R3677:5
They found written -- During this reading they discovered that
the "Feast of Tabernacles" feature of the Law had been overlooked. R3677:6
Dwell In booths -- For a week, to remind them how once they
had been a people without a home from Egypt to Canaan; a special
festival of thanksgiving. R3677:6
Our present sojourn is toward the kingdom and everything of the
present should be considered as a temporal or tabernacle condition.
R3678:1
Olive branches -- Symbols of peace. D651
Sat under the booths -- The Jews rejoiced and had a feast of
good fellowship. The whole people for a time were on a common
level studying the Word. R3678:1
This corresponds well with our conventions, in temporal
tabernacles away from our usual home. R3678:2
Jeshua -- Shortened form of Jehoshua or Joshua. Jehoshua
signifies "Jehovah's salvation." R5335:3
Read in the book -- It was a time for Bible study. R3678:1
Feast seven days -- Our conventions are after this Feast of
Tabernacles pattern, only on a higher spiritual plane. We exhort all
to have in mind the spending of one week in each year separate and
apart from ordinary business and work. R3677:6
Seed of Israel -- There was then no division in Israel (between
the ten tribes and the two). R2124:5
Separated themselves -- Israel was thus separated because
God's covenant was with them and not with others. R4963:6
In Egypt -- Type of the kingdom of darkness. F458
By the Red sea -- Representing Second Death. F459
Upon Pharoah -- Representing Satan. F458
And gavest them -- The Ten Commandments were given only
to Israel after the flesh. R971:5, R1726:5
The holy sabbath -- Type of the Millennial age. B40
Hardened their necks -- A figure drawn from the stiffness of
neck of an unruly yoke of bullocks. R3464:1
A God -- A God who appeals to our hearts. How much
Christians and the world have lost through misconceptions of God's
character. R5299:4
Ready to pardon -- To such as renounce sin and desire to
return to the Lord, God proffers mercy, forgiveness, through the
merit of Christ's sacrifice. R4811:6
God has not yet forgiven the world's sins. He has only made proper
provision for their cancellation, in due time, through the death of
his Son. R5299:5
Of great kindness -- Abundant in loving-kindness; not intent
upon torturing his creatures. R5299:4
Thy manna -- It represented the living bread supplied to the
world by God through Christ. T122
Thou hadst promised -- Pray, trusting God's faithfulness.
R5380:4*
When they cried -- Such a cry to the Lord implies that the sins
and weaknesses of the flesh are contrary to the transgressor's will.
R5646:3
Thou heardest them -- When the spiritual Israelite cries for
deliverance from his own weaknesses, his prayer is heard and
deliverance provided with the assurance that the Lord's grace is
sufficient. R5646:3
Gavest them saviours -- With spiritual Israel, God also raises
up, from time to time, special counselors, deliverers, ministers.
R5645:3
They did evil again -- The book of Judges gives a discouraging
picture; but was in many respects a favorable time. R5645:6
Again unto thy law -- The Lord's corrections in righteousness
are evidences of special protection, care and relationship. R5646:2
One of ten -- Regardless of the original tribe to which they
belonged. B206
Residue of Israel -- Of all the tribes who had respect to the
promises. B206
No more a divided nation; but as at first, one people, known by the
original name, Israel. B206
All Israel -- The twelve tribes, not just Judah. R2084:6
But hired Balaam -- Illustrating those forsaking righteousness
for earthly gain. F166
Eliashib -- The High Priest. R2534:1
Allied unto Tobiah -- An Ammonite; became related to the
High Priest by marriage. R2534:1
Came I unto the king -- Nehemiah remained with his people for
12 years, when he was recalled to the palace by Artaxerxes.
R2534:1
Obtained I leave -- He returned to Jerusalem by the king's
permission, probably five years afterward. R2534:1
The evil -- In Nehemiah's absence the Israelites had prospered in
temporal matters, but suffered morally and religiously through
desire to be on friendly terms with the Gentiles. R2534:1
See comments on Nehemiah 13:16.
Cleansed the chambers -- Nehemiah at once ordered the
cleansing of the Temple with the restoration of its service. R2534:3
On the sabbath -- The conciliation of foreigners and relaxing of
interest in the Lord and his commandments resulted in the
disregarding of sabbath observance. R2534:2
The spiritual Israelite, although not under the Law, has his sabbath
day--a grander and more perfect rest--resting in faith in Christ.
R2534:4
The antitype is not a rest of one day out of seven, but a continual
rest every day. The fact that it was the seventh day is further
typical that the fulness of the antitype will not be realized until 6000
years of evil end and the seventh or Millennial day begins. R1499:4
"Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest (sabbath,) lest any
man fall after the same example of unbelief (of fleshly Israel)."
(Heb. 4:11) R2534:5
Although not a substitute for the Jewish sabbath, Sunday is a great
blessing to the spiritual Israelite, giving opportunity to glorify the
Lord, bless the brethren and do good unto all men. R2535:1
The general observance of the first day of the week gives spiritual
Israel opportunities to assemble for the study of the Word, for
praise, for prayer, for spiritual fellowship--building one another up.
R2535:2
Sunday should be carefully observed by Truth people as a God-given
privilege: lest it fall into disuse or disrespect: lest it lead
others to a violation of a less enlightened conscience: and to
maintain a proper religious influence with neighbors. R2535:4
Dwelt men of Tyre -- As heathen people surrounding Israel
exercised a continual pressure upon them, so worldly influences
surrounding spiritual Israelites continually press them with the spirit
of worldliness which must be repelled. Let us be on guard against
the influences of the world, the flesh and the devil. R2534:2
Contended with the nobles -- Remonstrated against such a
violation of the divine command, the fourth in Israel's Decalogue.
R2534:3
Did not your fathers -- He reminded them that sabbath
desecration had much to do with their Babylonish captivity.
R2534:3
Profaning the sabbath -- Doubtless had Israel properly
observed their sabbath days they would also have properly observed
their sabbath years and jubilees. R2534:3
Gates should be shut -- We must all commend Nehemiah's
devotion to the divine Law. R2534:4
Lodged without Jerusalem -- Foreign tradesmen were
disappointed and obliged to camp outside the city. R2534:4
Once or twice -- In expectation that the reformation would be
short-lived, they came in like manner the next sabbath. R2534:4
Testified against them -- Nehemiah warned them that to come
again for sabbath trade would subject them to arrest as disturbers of
the Law and peace of the city. R2534:4
Remember me, O my God -- Nehemiah asks the Lord's
blessing upon himself in view of the work which he has done in the
name of the Lord. R2535:4
Spare me -- He was fighting valiantly for God's cause, making
many enemies; hence it was very proper that he should think of the
Lord's faithfulness toward all faithful to him. R2535:5
Married wives of -- A lesson for spiritual Israel who are
commanded to be separate from the world, to seek fellowship with
their own people, and not be unequally yoked in marriage, or even
business partnership. R2534:2
One of the sons of Jolada -- The High Priest's grandson,
Manasseh, married the daughter of Sanballat, once a prominent
enemy of the Jews. R2534:1
Remember me, O my God -- See comments under Nehemiah 13:22.
For good -- To be amongst the Worthies of the past, mentioned
in Hebrews 11--those who wrought righteousness and were valiant
on the side of God and his Law. R2535:5, R2526:4