Nehemiah Chapter 3: Willing Servants

Nehemiah Chapter 3

(Quick note: this is SO much easier to understand in NASB)

The Verses

1)Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

2)And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

3)But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

4)And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baanah.

5)And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

6)Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

7)And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.

8)Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.

9)And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.

10)And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.

11)Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath–moab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

12)And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.

13)The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

14)But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Beth–haccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

15)But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Col–hozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

16)After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Beth–zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.

17)After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

18)After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.

19)And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

20)After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

21)After him repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.

22)And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.

23)After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.

24)After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.

25)Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.

26)Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

27)After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.

28)From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.

29)After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

30)After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

31)After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.

32)And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

Some Context

These verses are pretty straight forward. Mainly just a lot of names and measurements for the restoration of the walls and gates.

A Summary

(Keep in mind everything that has happened in Chapters 1 & 2. If you need to, re-read the posts.)

Nehemiah has prayed and prayed and prayed some more, and has gone before his king (oh whom he had a good relationship with, resulting in the king's willingness to grant Nehemiah's requests). Nehemiah has made the journey over to him homeland, and only when God told him did he reveal his purpose to those that were traveling with him of why he came. Now he and his companions begin to rebuild. They are rebuilding the walls and the gates of this once proud city. Everything was coming together. The burden that God had placed on Nehemiah's heart was finally becoming a reality.

Apply It

The amazing thing to me in this chapter is that all of these men began helping Nehemiah build. I mean people just started showing up and building! Nehemiah gave in to the calling that God had placed within him and things just start happening. It's almost as if God has things ready to fall into place for those that He burdens...... Oh wait..... Also, others are ready and willing to serve our Almighty and Powerful God! People of all types of occupations came to rebuild these city walls and gates. Fathers and Daughters, High Priests, Perfumers, and Goldsmiths, everyone came. It's very possible that God has something planned for you, and the moment that you give in someone will be there ready to work along side you, but if you are never willing, not only will God's desire not come true, but you could stunt someone else's calling and blessings. Will it always be easy peasy? NO! Remember that the governors of the surrounding cities aren't please with what Nehemiah is doing. Sometimes it's going to be difficult, and sometime's you'll have problems. But just remember: it isn't about YOU. It's about God. He wants us to lean on Him every step of the way. 

Nehemiah Chapter 2: The Powers That Be (And an Apology)

Nehemiah Chapter 2

Before I begin this Bible Study, I'd first like to make an apology and a request. I know that it's been 2 weeks since the last post. My Mother has had back problems for sometime now, and has just undergone surgery in my absence from the blog. She's in recovery, and it's been a battle. She does well most days, but will push herself too hard or have a fever on others. I took time to be with her during the surgery and afterwards to help her recover. That's the reason for the delay on my part. I apologize for not giving a notice, I truly am. I have made the decision to move this Bible Study Blog Posts to come out on Tuesday's also, because honestly it's more convenient with my schedule. If I've offended anyone or am taking anyone by surprise, I apologize. Please forgive me, and be in prayer for me, but my Mother more importantly.

The Verses

1)And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2)Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

3)And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

4)Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5)And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

6)And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

7)Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

8)And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

9)Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

10)When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

11)So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

12)And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

13)And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

14)Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.

15)Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.

16)And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

17)Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

18)Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

19)But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

20)Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Some Context

The Month of Nissan contains part of March and April. The river being referred to in verse 7 is the Euphrates River. The men mentioned in verse 10 all have ties and connection to bring harm to the Jews. They were the three chief governors of Persia beyond the Euphrates River. In verse 20, it's basically Nehemiah pointing out that these men weren't God's People.

A Summary

(Keep in mind everything that happened in Chapter 1. If you need to, reread it and/or read the post on Nehemiah Chapter 1 [http://dangerousalone.blogspot.com/2015/01/nehemiah-chapter-1-doing-something.html].)

This chapter starts out with Nehemiah (who is the cupbearer of King Artaxerxes) bring his King his wine (who is sitting next to his wife, the Queen). The king begins drinking, and notices that Nehemiah is depressed (which is unlike him). The King inquires as to why this is, and Nehemiah answers that he is upset because of the state his home city is in. The King asked what could he do? Nehemiah prays about it, and asks the kings permission to go and restore the city. The King asked how long would Nehemiah be gone, to which he replied with a certain amount of time (that wasn't given in this chapter). Nehemiah asked for safe passage from the King, asking for letters from him to the governors of the other cities. Nehemiah also asked for the materials needed for the mission, and the King supplied. Nehemiah was also sent with captains of his army and other horsemen. As Nehemiah came across the governors beyond the Euphrates River, it grieved the men. Nevertheless, Nehemiah reached Jerusalem and was there for three days. Nehemiah began inspecting every part of the city that was destroyed, but he did so at night with just a few men, and he didn't even tell them as to what his plan was. He finally pleaded with the men accompanying him that they needed to look at the state that the city is in, and that they should rebuild the city. Then, and only then, did he share with them the burden placed on him by God. The men agreed to help build. The governors mocked them, and accused them of rebelling against their King. Nehemiah responded by saying that God in Heaven will help them, and that they would have no part of the city. 

Apply It

I titled this post on Chapter 2 "The Powers That Be" because in this chapter, we see how Nehemiah acts around the authority figures that surround him. I think that too often we think that Christians that God is the only authority over us, and while he is the definitive authority (of course) He even says in his Word that we are to still abide by Man's Law until it interfere's/contradicts His Law (Matthew 22:15-22).  In this we see that above all else, Nehemiah is following what God has put on his heart to do, and is throughout the entire chapter going to Him in prayer. If we don't have that right in our lives, then nothing will be as it should, period. But not only is Nehemiah under the authority of God, but of his King. Nehemiah has a relationship with his King, so much so that when there was a difference in his personality, the King noticed. Nehemiah obviously had a very good relationship, because Nehemiah found favor in the eyes of the King, and was granted all of his requests. This should tell us two things: 1) that it matters how we act and react to the authorities in our lives. 2) that when we ask for things according to the will and furtherance of God's Kingdom, that he'll always provide. I know that we may not have our ideal president, but I hear SO MANY CHRISTIANS degrade him and tear him down. I honestly can't remember the last time I heard a Child of God mention their concern about his soul. Instead of being hateful, we need to PRAY for our PRESIDENT. Instead of talking bad about our government, we need to pray. Instead of arguing and fighting with those that make rules and decisions that effect us, we need to PRAY. We need to be compliant with the rulers of this world, and in all things go to the Ruler of the Universe in prayer. Acting like heathens will NEVER lead anyone to Christ. God has something very specific for all of our lives, and He may use the powers that be in this world to help us achieve our next goal that He has set for us. If Nehemiah hadn't found favor in the eyes of his King, then how would he have ever reached Jerusalem? Granted, he has enemies (the governors beyond the Euphrates River), but notice that he wasn't even disrespectful or rebellious to them. He just kept praying. That is something that we need to mirror in our own lives. 

Nehemiah Chapter 1: Doing Something

Nehemiah Chapter 1

The Verses

1)The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

2)That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

3)And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

4)And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

5)And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

6)Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

7)We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

8)Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

9)But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

10)Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

11)O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Some Context

This is the first Chapter of the Book of Nehemiah. Now Nehemiah is leading the Third and LAST return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian Exile. He is so burdened with concern over both Jerusalem and its inhabitants that He makes a bold move: rebuilding the wall. But more on that later. Nehemiah is a contemporary of Ezra, meaning that he was a prophet and was around the same time as Ezra, and he was also the cup-bearer to the king in the Persian Palace. 

A Summary

In this first chapter, Nehemiah realizes that the wall of Jerusalem has been destroyed (verses 1-3) and then the rest of the chapter is spent in prayer. (In the first verse, the month of Chisleu was their ninth month, and it contained part of November and December. When Nehemiah says brethren in verse 2, he means another Jew, like him. Province in verse 3 means in Judea. In verse 11, when it says fear thy name, it's meant in the sense of worshiping thy name.) Nehemiah is in the Shushan Palace, when Hanani and some other men come by. Nehemiah asks about the state of the Jews and Jerusalem itself, when he's told just how bad things really are: The people are in bad shape, and the walls and gates are dwindled down to rubble and cinders. This greatly upsets Nehemiah (he sat down and wept when he heard the news). He actually mourned for Days, and was fasting and constantly praying to God. He begins praying and asking forgiveness on behalf of his people. But before Nehemiah begins praying and asking for help, he FIRST gives God glory and praise (verse 5). THEN He tells God that they (his people) have brought corruption to God's name, not living by the rules that God had set forth for them to live by. He even brings up scripture from the book of Leviticus when God said to Moses that if God's people become unfaithful, there will be consequences, but if they return to me, then I will forgive you and bring you out of your turmoil (Leviticus 26:33). He finishes by asking God to hear him, Nehemiah, His Servant, who worships His Name, and to help give him Victory. Then in verse 11 it leads into Nehemiah interceding between his people and the King or Persia.

Apply It

Nehemiah heard about the needs of his people, and was tore up inside about it. It bothered him. So he began to pray about it, and he eventually did something about it! Isn't that crazy?! He actually DID something. He didn't just brush the need off, or stand around saying, "Man, somebody should REALLY do something about that!" and then continue on with his day. No! He DID something. All through out our lives, we hear about horrible things happening all the time. Turn on the news, look at your phone, get on Yahoo! to check your e-mail, etc., and you'll hear about some natural disaster or a school shooting or this or that. It's become a routine part of our lives. Think back: when was the last time that you as a Christian were affected by something like this. When was the last time you turned on the news, heard about a mass shooting, and wept because of it. When was the last time you cared for more than the few minutes you kept the TV on? I'm not trying to make anyone upset by reading this, I'm trying to make a point. Nehemiah heard about a city and a people in a horrible conditions, and he WEPT. It truly upset him. So he began to pray like nobody's business. He FIRST gave God the glory that God so rightly deserves, and then he prayed about the people and the city. He asked God for forgiveness, and he asked God for victory so that something could be done to change it. Live by Nehemiah's Example! Be concerned about the well-being (and more importantly the Spiritual-being) of those that are in need! Don't let this world harden your heart. Then Pray about the need (but first Give God the Glory He Deserves [The Bad that this world causes does NOT outweigh the Good the God blesses us with]). Finally, ask God to help you DO SOMETHING about the Need! That's why God gave us the Book of Nehemiah, to show us how we should be living.

This is what the posts will be like. Please pray that God will use this to change our lives and draw us closer to Him! Please share this with someone that needs it, and comment below your thoughts. Next week: Nehemiah 2. Until then, God Bless!