NEHEMIAH 13
After the big celebration, then what? The work of a spiritual leader is never finished, for the enemy never quits. How sad it is to read that during Nehemiah’s absence from the city, the Jews gradually stopped keeping the covenant they had made with God (10:28–39). By the time Nehemiah returned, the people were terribly backslidden.
Separation. The people had mixed with the pagans, the priest had let the enemy into the temple, and Jewish parents were allowing their children to marry pagan mates (vv. 23–27). The walls of the city were still strong, but the spiritual walls of separation were crumbling.
Stewardship. The people had promised to support the temple ministry but had not been faithful to bring the required tithes and offerings. Decreased giving is often a sign of diminished spiritual vitality.
Sacrifice. God gave them six days for work and business and asked for only one day for Himself, but some people robbed Him of that (vv. 15–22). They were actually robbing themselves of blessing and of the opportunity to witness to the pagans around them.
Nehemiah was resolute, and the secret of his courage was prayer (vv. 14,
A Worthy Role Model
Nehemiah was a layman who loved Jerusalem and the temple and wanted the city to glorify God. He is a good example for all of us to follow in his devotion to duty, his discipline in planning and doing his work, his dedication to the Word of God, and his dependence on prayer. He did not use his authority selfishly but humbly and sacrificially served God and the people. He did not run from difficulties or dangers but trusted God to help him face them honestly and solve them successfully.