WHAT HAPPENED TO THE EXILED JEWS IN BABYLON'?
THE RETURN TO JERUSALEM AND THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED.
HOW THE ECCLESIA FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE NEED OF THE TIMES.
THE REPORT THAT DEVELOPED A LEADER.
THE PRAYER THAT PRODUCED A POLICY.
THE WORK OF THE ELOHIM IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE NATIONS.
HOW TO RESPOND TO CIRCUMSTANCES.
Nehemiah ch. 1:1 to 2:6
VOLUME SEVENTEEN OCTOBER 1993 NUMBER FOUR
Registered by Australia Post Publication No SAR 0251
From the Editor...
October 1993 Dear Fellow-Student,
Having completed our extensive exposition of the Book of Romans in the Expositor series, we now set forth upon another exciting subject We have selected for mutual study the dramatic Book of Nehemiah — the personal diary of one man's experiences in reviving a nation and developing worthwhile ecclesial practices. In the course of this exposition we will be able to enter into the heart and emotion of this sincere and dedicated man of God, as he responds to the needs of the times. His Diary outlines some of his activities for the Truth, his prayers for the divine co-operation in those endeavors, his impressions of friend and foe, and the way he faced and overcame the subtle challenges to faith, perpetrated by cunning enemies. It is a book that can inspire us in an age of general apathy and indifference to the cause of the Truth. We will observe many parallels apparent between those and our times, and thus become better equipped in the present service to the Truth that we are called upon to give.
I am sure that every reader will enjoy this spiritual excursion to the city of Jerusalem about 2,500 years ago. It will take us along the pathway of service, and encourage us to co-operate with those of a godly disposition in the development of the Truth.
I look forward to hearing from readers as we traverse this remarkable book. Additional comments, questions and suggestions are always welcome.
Subscriptions for the 1994 volume are also invited. Any help in extending the circulation of Expositor will be deeply appreciated, as increasing costs put additional strain on our ability to maintain production.
Although we set forth upon this further volume with excitement, we hope that the greater Nehemiah will interrupt our labor "for good", and convey us in the city of "new Jerusalem", the focus of all our joy and hope.
Fraternally,
In the service of the Truth, t/hMX&u*/ r J1 Editor
The Book o/Nehemiah
HE example ofNehemiah is one to encourage, stimulate and direct. In studying, reading and meditating upon his record, preserved by divine providence, we are helped to bear our witness to the Truth bravely, to live our lives consistently, holily and blamelessly; to perform our work in the Truth diligently and in the spirit of total dedication. If we are opposed by enemies, or those who would discourage us from our commitment, let us not be dismayed, deterred, or even checked by the absence of man's appreciation. We can continue to walk firmly, with psalms of hope in our hearts and upon our lips, committed steadfastly along the path of spiritual duty and loyalty, because Yahweh our Saviour will "remember us for good", and will not "wipe out" our faithfulness (Neh. 13:14). Instead, He will, according to His mercy and favor, record our names in a Book of Remembrance (Mai. 3:16), which no hand may blot out or erase. Then, through His beloved Son, the greater Nehemiah, who has himself trodden the same path of service and sacrifice, Yahweh will reward us with an abundance of eternal joy in the coming day of glory. Let us with determination continue our walk of faith after the example of Nehemiah, until the coming of our Great King.
NEHEMIAH
The Book
of
Nehemiah
In one of the most dramatic of Biblical records we are introduced to a man who epitomises the qualities of faithful diligence coupled with earnest and consistent prayer He works in loyal co-operation with God as he appears in Jerusalem to strengthen the ecclesia, to educate the people, and to confirm the nation in its relationship with Yahweh. As he goes about his momentous task he reveals an attitude of complete dedication to the Truth; being essentially a man of prayer, communion with the Father in heaven becomes a continual exercise, independent of circumstances.
As we read and meditate upon the life and work of this outstanding man revealed in this remarkable and challenging book, we must be impressed with his unflinching loyalty in every situation he faces. No sacrifice is too great and no task too difficult for Nehemiah when he knows that it is in God's will Some may condemn as excessive religious zeal the sternness of some of his actions in the incidents narrated; some may criticize his refusal to compromise with those who sought feignedly to assist the work of the ecclesia; some may urge that he should have ignored the challenges of the enemy. We would be wise, however, to recognize his absolute commitment to the work in hand. This shows a willingness to take any necessary action which may be required to fulfil the divine will. There can be no compromise with God's purpose. Nehemiah reveals an example of uncompromising loyalty to Yahweh which should be emulated by all faithful believers. We need more of this kind of uncompromising loyalty in the work of the Truth today.
THE
CHRISTADELPHIAN
EXPOSITOR
A VERSE-BY-VERSE EXPOSITION OF THE SCRIPTURES
Edited by G. E. Mansfield
Printed by
Eureka Press Pty Ltd Kidman Park, South Australia
for
Logos Publications
632 Burbridge Road, West Beach, South Australia 5024 October 1993
Foreword
HE book of Nehemiah is certainly needful for these times. Recorded against a background of disgrace and apathy in the Brotherhood, when the Truth was in decline, and the affairs of ecclesial work were relegated to secondary importance by many, the experiences of this man of God can inspire and strengthen concerned brethren and sisters today. The appeal "Let us rise up and build" must again be expressed, and the encouraging exhortation that develops from the Book of Nehemiah is of great value to that end.
It is a book portraying intense activity. Without preliminaries, the reader is immediately involved in the drama of the times and impressed with the ardor of Nehemiah's love for Jerusalem.
We know little of his background. He introduces himself as "the king's cupbearer" (1:11), and beyond this we know nothing, except what may be inferred from the narrative. He was certainly a member of an important family of Judah which had been taken to Babylon into exile, and afterwards found their way to the city of Shushan in Persia. Apparently he was not a priest, nor of priestly ancestry, as was Ezra. However, in character he showed every mark of outstanding godliness and nobility, and doubtless for this reason, as well as for his obvious scrupulous honesty, loyalty and concern for the majesty of Persia, he was chosen for the important position of cupbearer to the Persian monarch.
When he finds himself moved to work as the Restorer of Jerusalem, under regal authority, he becomes not only an enthusiastic organiser and laborer with his people, but also a man of personal prayer. He puts time aside to appeal to his God; he calls upon Him in moments of great pressure and trial; he daily communes with Yahweh as he continues in his work. His prayers are always to the point, without hypocrisy, idle phraseology or vain repetition (cp. Mat. 6:7). Such prayers can help us become a community of praying laborers, as we closely examine the prayers of Nehemiah which are so interwoven with the record, that they appear as an intimate part of his character — which, of course, they are.
Nehemiah was not unaware of the vagaries of flesh, nor was he likely to be deceived by a feigned interest in the Truth of those who in reality were treacherously committed to its destruction. He could recognise the "mind of the flesh" and took steps to protect the ecclesia in Jerusalem from the influence of the enemy, even when, like wolves in sheep's clothing, they tried to infiltrate the walls of Jerusalem. In this he is revealed as a Protector of the Flock — a type of the Lord Jesus Christ who fulfils the role of the Greater Shepherd, Restorer and Man of Prayer. It is to the end that we might more fully appreciate these great examples of faithful diligence, and earnest conviction, that we set out upon the exposition of the Book of Nehemiah.
Analysis
The Book of Nehemiah is divided into three major sections, portraying the stages of his ministry to the Jews of the restoration as authorised by the great king of Persia, in accordance with the divine purpose. They typify the three stages of the work of Jesus Christ, according to the appointment of his Father, the Monarch of Heaven and Earth, as seen in his first advent when he came to perform "his Father's business" (Lk. 2:49); his mediatorial work that followed the foundation of the ecclesia of faith (Mat. 16:17-18); and his second coming as Judge and Redeemer of his people (2Thes. 1:7-10).
The name Nehemiah signifies The Consolation of Yah, and in his record Nehemiah becomes the vehicle by which the saving work of Yahweh for His distressed people is accomplished. Throughout the book there are allusions to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, who would come "in the spirit of Nehemiah" to ultimately fulfil that which Nehemiah accomplished in type.
NEHEMIAH: MAN OF PRAYER AND ACTION
Revealing
THE CONSOLATION OF YAHWEH In a Time of Distress and Difficulty
Rebuilding the Wall — Chapters 1-6
1 Jerusalem's Plight—Ch. 1.
a. Sad News from Jerusalem vv. 1-3
b. Nehemiah seeks Divine Guidance vv. 4-11
2. Preparing to Restore the City —Ch. 2.
a. His Request of the King vv. 1-8
b. Nehemiah Arrives at Jerusalem vv. 9-11
c. He Inspects the City by Night vv. 12-16
d. A Report to the Ecclesia in Distress vv. 17-18
e. Ridicule from the Adversaries vv. 19-20
3. The Work Commences —Ch. 3.
a. The Priests labor at the Sheep Gate vv. 1-2
b. Workers at the Fish Gate vv. 3-5
c. The Old Gate is Repaired vv. 6-7
d. The Ephraim Gate and the Broad Wall vv. 8-12
e. At the Valley Gate v. 13
f. At the Dung Gate v. 14
g. The Gate of the Fountain vv. 15-25
h. The Water Gate v. 26
i. The Horse Gate v. 28
j. The East Gate to the Prison Gate vv. 29-30
k. The Miphkad Gate Completes the First Stage of Rebuilding vv. 31-32
THE CHRISTADELPHIAN EXPOSITOR
4. The Adversaries Conspire to Prevent the Work Continuing —Ch. 4.
a. Ridicule from the Enemy vv. 1-3
b. The Ridicule is Answered by Prayer and Work vv. 4-6
c. The Adversary Uses Threats of Force vv. 7-8
d. Force is Answered by Prayer and Vigilance v. 9
e. Some Laborers become Weary vv. 10-12
f. Their Need is met by Organised Defence w. 13-18
g. Wise Defence with Faith brings the Fruits of Victory vv. 19-23
5. Nehemiah becomes Champion of the Downtrodden —Ch. 5.
a. The Common People express their Difficulties and Complaints vv. 1-5
b. Nehemiah Intercedes on their Behalf w. 6-13
c. The Governor's Personal Example w. 14-19
The Enemy Encamps Without —Ch. 6.
a. Sanballat Hypocritically seeks a Conference with Nehemiah vv. 1-2
b. Nehemiah's Answer: "I am doing a Good Work!" vv. 3-4
c. Sanballat's Insulting Lying Letter vv. 5-7
d. Nehemiah's Reply: "These Charges are False!" vv. 8-9
e. The Treachery of a Pretended Friend v. 10
f. Nehemiah's Response: "Should such a man as I Flee?" vv. 11-14
g. The Greatest Answer: The Wall is Finished w. 15-16
h. Base Treachery among the Ecclesia vv. 17-19
Rebuilding the Ecclesia — Chapters 7-12
1. Jerusalem's Peace is Secured — Ch. 7.
a. Regulations are Established for the Safety of the City vv. 1-4
b. The Population Problem Considered; a Register is Established vv. 5-69
c. Freewill Offerings are provided by the People w. 70-73
2. A Religious Revival Commences —Ch. 8.
a. The Law is Publicly Read to the Community vv. 1-8
b. Mourning People are Instructed to Rejoice vv. 9-12
c. A Second Day of Study is Undertaken vv. 13-15
d. The Feast of Tabernacles is Kept w. 16-18
3. A National Day of Humiliation and a Covenant to Keep the Law —Ch. 9.
a. The Ecclesia assembles in Sackcloth — Separation and Dedication vv. 1-3
b. A Communal Devotional Prayer w. 4-37
The Majesty and Holiness of Yahweh acknowledged — vv. 4-6
Remembering Yahweh's Covenant with Abraham — vv. 7-8
Abraham's Seed was Preserved and Sanctified — vv. 9-11
God Guided them in the Wilderness — v. 12
God Instructed them at Sinai — vv. 13-14
He gave them Parental Care and Love — v. 15
He continued to show Mercy despite Provocation — vv. 16-21
He brought them into the Promised Land — vv. 22-25
Israel's Base Ingratitude — v. 26
Yahweh Disciplines His People in Love — v. 27
THE CHRISTADELPHIAN EXPOSITOR
A Summary of Israel's Spiritual Condition — vv. 28-31
The Nation seeks for the Divine Mercy to Continue — vv. 32-37
The People covenant to Honor the Law — v. 38
4. The Covenant is Sealed by the People —Ch. 10.