Nehemiah 5,6,7 & 8

Neh 5
Ok... so 3 categories: [1] those who did not have enough to fulfill their needs, [2] those who, also did not have enough to fulfill their needs, but borrowed money to do so, [3] and those who borrowed money to pay the king's tax. In verse 5, I think Nehemiah's talking about other Jewish brothers when he says 'others.' I get that also from the fact that Nehemiah condemns the Jews for usury, or the adding of interest to borrowed money. Nehemiah called it for what it was, Jews selling Jews and every man who heard was condemned and became quiet (v8).

Thank the Lord that they all repented after hearing this from Nehemiah. They gave back to those who were in debt what they had previously owned and promised not to commit this sin again. A lesson for us all for sure, but Christ calls us even higher than this. He says "to give to whoever asks" (Luke 6:30). The early church understood this, giving all they had and making sure no one in the church is in need. How could I celebrate a new TV or car and my brother be in debt? How could I enjoy lavish dinners and new clothes and my brother have trouble providing for his family? To him who is given much, much will be required: I have been given the greatest gift of all, eternity with the God of heaven (Ephesians 2:1-9); how could I not freely give (Matthew 10:8).

Nehemiah understood this, giving over 150 Jews and officials food everyday (v17). In fact he set a bold example by not requiring the government's rations, but Nehemiah trusted in God to provide for him (yes I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes the bible's like that).

Neh 6
Israel's enemies were not excited, as you could imagine, about the completion of the wall at Jerusalem. They accused Israel of rebellion, but Nehemiah denied it and prayed to God that he would strengthen his hands (v9). Nehemiah's enemies even threatened to come kill him, but it did not deter Nehemiah nor the work on the wall. When the wall was completed, all of their enemies confessed that God was at work in the Jews and in Nehemiah.

Neh 7
Nehemiah placed a faithful and God-fearing man in charge of protecting Jerusalem. He then assembled many people to find out their place in the book of genealogy.

Neh 8
All the people gathered at the water gate to hear Ezra read the Law. Men and women and all who could understand were there. Two things stand out to me in this beginning paragraph: (1) they worshiped God face down, kneeling (v6), and (2) Ezra translated the word into plain words so that the people could understand (v8). I believe the true worship of God can only be face down when we realize who he is, a just, good, and faithful God, and who we are, sinners, filthy, and undeserving of the grace of Life. Isaiah knew this when given a vision of the Lord (Isaiah 6:5).

When the law was read, every man was condemned and they were weeping over their sin. Ezra and Nehemiah told them to celebrate with feasting. They then celebrated the festival of booths and read from the book of the law everyday.

Lord, I pray that you would help help me to meditate on your word all of the day.