‘Thoughts'
NEHEMIAH
The book of Nehemiah is closely aligned with the book of Ezra (It was attached to it in the old Jewish standard). It sets forth the reforms of Nehemiah the governor.
Outline:
1. Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem , 1:1-2:20 .2. Rebuilding in the face of opposition, 3:1-7:4 .3. Genealogies of the first group to return from exile, 7:5-73 .4. The restoration and sealing of the covenant, 8:1-10:39 .5. Call for the people to dwell in Jerusalem , 11:1-12:26 .6. Dedication of the walls, 12:27-47 .7. Final reforms (social and religious), 13:1-31 .
Theme:
The primary image within the book of Nehemiah is that of starting over. This new start takes several forms:
- Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem .
- Renewing the covenant.
- Re-instituting life in Jerusalem .
- Re-instituting temple worship.
This coupled with the excitement of starting life again as God's people in their homeland, is one of the most attractive features of the book.
There also seems to be a penchant with the writer for lists of names, note:
• List of those who worked on the walls.
• List of those who returned from exile.
• List of those who signed the covenant.
• List of those who lived in Jerusalem .
• List of the priests and Levites.
• List of the two great companies who gave thanks and went in procession at the dedication of the city walls.
This combined with the first theme gives a picture of order and renewal.
Important Lessons:
• Ridicule to be overcome with confidence in God, 2:19 -20 .
• Wrath and contempt overcome by prayer and hard work, 4:3-6 .
• Conspiracy overcome by watchfulness and prayer, 4:7-9 .
• Discouragement from friends overcome by steadfast courage, 4:10-14 .
• Selfish greed overcome by self sacrificing example, 5:1-17 .
• Work is completed; enemies confounded by persistent endeavor, 6:1-15 .
Good Reading !