NEHEMIAH 7–8
The city of God. Every ministry and home needs gatekeepers and guards, for after a work is finished, it must be protected from the enemy (2 John 8). We also need leaders with courage and integrity. After all, there is a battle going on!
The people of God. The record of the original returnees helped Nehemiah determine who should become a citizen of Jerusalem, for he did not want any of the “mixed multitude” to come in and cause more trouble. One of the most difficult things in the Christian life is maintaining the purity of the faith and of the fellowship.
The Word of God. When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem in 444 b.c., Ezra was already there, instructing the people in God’s law. When the work of rebuilding was completed, Ezra held a great “Bible conference” during the Feast of Tabernacles. The emphasis in chapter 8 is on “the Book” (vv.