This chapter talks about Nehemiah dealing with oppression from verse 1 to 13.
There was an outcry from the people due to lack of food as a result of famine. Some people mortgage their land and other valuables but had no food or not enough food. They had resulted in putting their children through slavery just to feed, some had borrowed from the government taxes.
This got Nehemiah angry, he called the leaders inquired from them that after redeeming their Jewish brethren will they sell them back or subject them to usury? By speaking to these leaders they were able to reconsider and they promised under oath before God to restore what belonged to the people back.
From this scripture it confirms that when the wicked rules the people will suffer and except you have people with the fear of God who can inform them on how their leadership is harming the masses many will perish under the rulership of the wicked. The question is where do we find people like Nehemiah these days, and if we have them will they get the support of the masses?
Nehemiah 5:14-19
For twelve years under the rulership of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah was a governor and he was generous to the people compared to the previous governor before him who made life unbearable for the people. The people came in masses to show appreciation to him yet he didn't take the glory in this. Instead he sought God to remember him and his deeds.
This scriptures teaches us to use whatever authority we attain to the glory of God. There is always a room to improve, you can takeover from people who had made the situation worse but as a child of God you bring solutions to problem. It is important we don't get enticed by perishable things and for all our deeds here on earth we will give account to the almighty God.
Nehemiah 6:1-14
Sanballath and Tobiah the conspirator heard of the progress of Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls 🧱 even though it was not yet complete. They just detest the fact that they were rebuilding the walls and they sent for Nehemiah to have a discussion with him, but their motive was to harm him.
Nehemiah refused to go, they sent messages another five times but Nehemiah was able to discern their motive. They then resulted into concocting lies that the Israelites were building the wall so they could rebel against the nation and Nehemiah was planning to be their king when there was already a King in Judah which Nehemiah refuted.
Nehemiah sensing where this could lead to prayed to God. My question to you is, when you are oppressed, ganged up against, accused wrongly and misjudged do you rise and fight the battle without consulting God. I believe as a believer at every point in our lives we must be in constant communication with God through prayers whether we see opposition or not.
Nehemiah met with Shemaiah who happened to be a secret informer, he told Nehemiah the plans of Sanballath and Tobiah to kill him. Nehemiah sensed that Sanballath and Tobiah, sent Shemaiah to come and instil fear in him so he can flee but he refused to and handed them over to God and all their prophets and prophetess Noadiah. The word of God says I will fight for you and you shall hold your peace. This can only happen if you allow God to fight and you actually hold your peace by surrendering all to Him.
Nehemiah 6:15-19
The wall was completed in 52 days to the glory of God. The enemies still didn't back off. They still sent threats to Nehemiah. One thing you must be aware of is when the enemy can't get hold of you, he uses arsenal of threats and fears. But the scripture told us to be anxious for nothing, that the Lord is always with us. So shut down the noises of the enemy that constantly creates fear in you so you can focus on what God had completed.
Nehemiah 7:1-3
After the completion of the gates, Nehemiah handed over to Hanani his brother and Hananiah the leader of the citadel. He gave them instructions for when they should open the gates.
Nehemiah 7:4-73
On completion of the 🧱 wall and gates the people who were in captivity returned home. Those taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. The Lord laid it in the heart of Nehemiah to go by the lists of genealogy of the people and this list was documented in Nehemiah 7:7-63 it listed name of each household and the hundreds of people within that family that were in captivity. Some couldn't find their names in the genealogy list and were restricted from partaking in some activities that is strictly for the household of priest until further investigation. The children of Israel returned to their land by the seventh month.
From this story it is important to still have someone who is in tune with God and carries the burden for their people. You might not be building 🏢 physical walls but you can fortify your lineage, your community and nation through prayer and fasting. The truth is not all heros wear a cape as they say some heroes or heroines fight the battle for the nation, their family and lineage on their knees in prayer to God Almighty.
No comments:
Post a Comment