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- Preaching the Living WORD through
the Written WORD - 2 Tim 4;:2 - |
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NEHEMIAH IS
APPOINTED TO GOVERNORSHIP (Neh 5:11‑19) 6/6/10
Grace Bible Church,
Gillette, Wyoming Pastor Daryl Hilbert I. NEHEMIAH LED THE PEOPLE
INTO AN OATH OF OBEDIENCE (11‑13) A. Nehemiah publicly reproved
the wealthy nobles in the presence of all the people. He brought up the fact
that they were disobeying God’s commands by charging their own Jewish people
interest on their loans. In addition to interest, the wealthy nobles were
charging exorbitant prices making it impossible for the people to reclaim
their homes, lands, and vineyards. All this was being done while the people
were making unparalleled sacrifices to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. B. Nehemiah demanded that the wealthy nobles
do what is right by their God and God’s people, and make restitution of all
that they had taken (11). C. Nehemiah’s motives and words were
impeccable and as a result, the wealthy nobles complied to give back
everything and require nothing from the people (12a). D. The role of the priests was that of
witnesses to the promises to keep God’s commandments and treat God’s people
justly (12b). E. Nehemiah swore an oath before all the
people that consisted of shaking out the front of his garment (13). 1. In some
ways, it was similar to Paul’s oath in Ac 18:6 and the shaking of the dust
off the feet in Mt 10:14 and Ac 13:51. 2. It symbolized how seriously they were all
to take fulfilling their promises to God and His people. If they were to
break those promises to God commandments, then the consensus of the people
would desire God’s discipline (i.e. shaken from their houses and possessions,
even as was previously done through their Babylonian exile) upon the
violator. 3. At the conclusion of Nehemiah’s oath, all
the people vowed to comply with an Amen (amen ‑ “let it be so,” “let
it be established,” or a confirmation of God’s truth). This was proof
that God was with Nehemiah and that Nehemiah had the respect of all the
people, including those who were mistreating their own people. II. NEHEMIAH WAS APPOINTED
GOVERNOR (14) A. The fact that Nehemiah was
appointed as governor of Judah was a testament to his favor from God,
integrity, and leadership. B. Nehemiah served as Judah’s governor from
Artaxerxes’ 20th year (444‑5 B.C., cp. Ne 1:1) to his 32nd year (432‑3
B.C.). Nehemiah did not return to his duty as the king’s cupbearer for 12
years (cp. 13:6). C. We also see Nehemiah’s wealth that
obviously was accumulated from his trusted position as the king’s cupbearer
(cp. 1:11). III. NEHEMIAH’S EXAMPLES FOR
LEADERS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS (14b‑19) A. He was Self‑Supporting
(14b) 1. A “fringe
benefit” of being a Persian governor, was a food allowance for himself, his
staff, and his guests. 2. Nehemiah did not partake of the
governor’s allowance because like all government provisions, they ultimately
came from the people by way of taxes (cp. 15). Nehemiah did not want to over‑burden
or take advantage of God’s people in any way. B. He did not Exact Financial
Burden (15) 1. There
were former governors who laid burdens on the people by exacting food, wine,
and shekels. 2. They and their own servants were
domineering (shalat ‑ exercise autocratic control over, have one’s
way) over the people of God. Nehemiah did not govern that way because his
the fear of God. C. He Participated in the
Work (16) 1. Nehemiah
records that he himself participated in the work on the wall. 2. This was not for a mere vain‑glorious
public recognition but because everyone needed to do their share in the
rebuilding of Jerusalem. 3. Note that Nehemiah had servants, which
once again may point to Nehemiah’s own wealth. D. He Provided for his Staff
(17‑18) 1. Nehemiah
not only was self‑supporting but he was staff‑supporting. The
regular number of his staff was approximately 150 officials. This did not
include dignitaries who would visit from other nations bringing their staff
with them as well. 2. Nehemiah provided for all of it and it
appeared to be a fine menu of selected ox, sheep, birds (tsippor ‑
fowl or wild birds, Fensham in loc), and wine. IV. NEHEMIAH’S THIRD PRAYER
(19) A. Nehemiah’s prayer at first
may appear to be an egotistical self‑praising prayer (19). But from the
prayer of a God‑fearing Jew and in conjunction with the injustices
revealed, Nehemiah humbly asks God to remember him for his kindnesses to
God’s own people. In other words, to love God’s people is to exhibit a love
for God Himself. B. Seven times in his prayers recorded in
this book Nehemiah asked God to “remember” (v. 19; 6:14 [twice]; 13:14, 22,
29, 31). It was not that God was forgetful, but that Nehemiah’s life and
prayers were based on trusting in God’s Word and promises. V. OBSERVATION AND
APPLICATIONS A. Leadership earns the
respect of others through just and wise leadership (5:12‑13; Pr 12:24;
22:29; 28:5; 29:4). B. Leadership understands the necessity of
spiritual rededication to God and His Word (5:12‑13; Ro 12:1‑2). C. Leadership does not seek self‑advantage
but God’s glory and the good of His people (5:15‑18; 1Co 10:31; Ph 2:3‑4). He was careful not to
abuse his position as governor in any way, thereby jeopardizing the people’s
respect for him. In fact he continued working right along with the people in
the construction project. He did not hesitate to ”get his hands dirty“ in
this important building program, and was never sidetracked by other interests.
His motives were pure, and he never lost sight of God’s calling in his life.
He was in Jerusalem to help the people, not exploit them. He was there to
exemplify God’s Law, not violate it. He was there to rebuild the wall, not a
personal empire. (Bible Knowledge
Commentary in loc.) |
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