Neemia 6:15 - 8:18

Observații

1. Wall completed on 25th of Elul in 52 days; enemies heard, surrounding nations afraid and lost self-confidence, realized work done with help of God(vv. 6:15-16)
2. Nobles of Judah sending letters to Tobiah; many under oath to him through marriage alliances; Tobiah sent letters to intimidate Nehemiah(vv. 6:17-19)

Aplicații

• Where in my life do I need to trust that God will finish what He started, despite opposition?

Observații

1. Wall rebuilt, doors set; gatekeepers, musicians, Levites appointed; Hanani and Hananiah put in charge, Hananiah feared God more than most; gates not to open until sun hot; residents appointed as guards(vv. 7:1-3)
2. City large and spacious but few people; houses not rebuilt; God put it in Nehemiah's heart to assemble people for registration by families; found genealogical record(vv. 7:4-5)
3. List of exiles who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel, men of Israel by family and priests, with numbers(vv. 7:6-42)
4. Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon's servants listed with numbers(vv. 7:43-60)
5. Some could not prove Israelite descent; certain priests excluded from priesthood as unclean; governor ordered them not to eat sacred food until priest with Urim and Thummim(vv. 7:61-65)
6. Whole company numbered 42,360, besides servants, singers, and animals(vv. 7:66-69)
7. Heads of families and governor contributed gold, silver, bowls, and priestly garments; people settled in their towns; seventh month came(vv. 7:70-73)

Aplicații

• How can I better steward the resources and people God has placed under my care?

Observații

1. All people gathered as one at Water Gate; told Ezra to bring Book of the Law of Moses; Ezra read aloud from daybreak to noon; all listened attentively(vv. 8:1-3)
2. Ezra stood on high wooden platform; opened the book, people all stood up; Ezra praised the Lord; people lifted hands, responded "Amen! Amen!" bowed down and worshiped(vv. 8:4-6)
3. Levites instructed people in the Law; read from Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so people understood(vv. 8:7-8)
4. People wept hearing the Law; Nehemiah, Ezra, and Levites told them the day was holy and to rejoice, not mourn; people celebrated with great joy because they understood the words(vv. 8:9-12)

Aplicații

• What can I change in my daily routine to make more room for hearing and understanding God's Word?

Observații

1. Second day, family heads, priests, and Levites gathered with Ezra; found written in the Law: Israelites to live in temporary shelters during festival of seventh month(vv. 8:13-15)
2. People built shelters on roofs, courtyards, courts of house of God, and squares; had not celebrated like this from days of Joshua son of Nun; joy was very great(vv. 8:16-17)
3. Day after day, Ezra read from Book of the Law; celebrated festival seven days; eighth day, assembly as regulated(v. 8:18)

Aplicații

• What has God shown me in His Word that requires change, and what step can I take today to act on it?