Nehemiah Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

Transcription

1 Nehemiah Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.) POINT VM Ne 12:31 What could have been the effect of having two choirs? (it _1) Much of the group singing in Israel appears to have been antiphonal, either two half choruses alternating in singing parallel lines, or a soloist and an answering chorus alternating. In the Scriptures this apparently is referred to as responding. (Ex 15:21; 1Sa 18:6, 7) This type of singing is indicated by the very way some of the psalms are written, such as Psalm 136. The description of the two large thanksgiving choirs in Nehemiah s time and of their part in the inauguration of the wall of Jerusalem implies that they sang in this style. Ne 12:31, 38, 40-42; see SONG. Ne 13:31b What was Nehemiah asking Jehovah to do? (w11 2/1 14 _3-5) Nehemiah prays: Do remember me, O my God, for good. Is Nehemiah afraid that his good deeds have gone unnoticed by God or that God will forget about him? No. Nehemiah is no doubt aware of what earlier Bible writers have said about Jehovah s keen interest in his faithful worshippers and their good deeds. (Exodus 32:32, 33; Psalm 56:8) What, then, is he asking God to do? One reference work notes that the Hebrew term translated remember implies the affection of the mind and the action which accompanies recollection. With full faith in the power of prayer, Nehemiah is asking God to remember him with affection and to bless him. Nehemiah 2:4. Will Jehovah answer Nehemiah s prayer for remembrance? In one respect, he already has. The very fact that Jehovah saw fit to have a permanent record made of Nehemiah s prayer, making it part of the inspired Scriptures, assures us that he remembers Nehemiah with affection. But the Hearer of prayer will do more to answer Nehemiah s heartfelt request. Psalm 65:2. God will yet reward Nehemiah for all the good that he did for pure worship. (Hebrews 11:6) In the coming righteous new world that Jehovah has promised, he will bless Nehemiah by resurrecting him from the dead. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:3, 4) There, with the prospect of everlasting life on a paradise earth, Nehemiah will see that Jehovah has, indeed, remembered him for good.

2 What does this week s Bible reading teach me about Jehovah? *** w15 3/15 pp Marry Only in the Lord Still Realistic? *** Still, Jehovah has set out in his Word the direction to marry only in the Lord. Why? Because he knows what is good for his people. Not only does he want to safeguard his servants from the pain resulting from pursuing an unwise course but he also wants them to be happy. In Nehemiah s day when many Jews were marrying foreigners who did not worship Jehovah, Nehemiah referred to the bad example of Solomon. Although Solomon was loved by his God,... the foreign wives caused even him to sin. (Neh. 13:23-26) So for the good of his servants, God has directed us to marry only true worshippers. (Ps. 19:7-10; Isa. 48:17, 18) True Christians are grateful for God s loving care and rely on his direction. By thus submitting themselves to him as Ruler, they recognize him as the Universal Sovereign. Prov. 1:5. *** w98 7/15 p. 30 Do You Have an Obedient Heart? *** Even wise King Solomon, who had prayed for an obedient heart, did not continue to obey Jehovah. Contrary to the divine will, he married foreign women who caused him to sin against God. (Nehemiah 13:23, 26) Solomon lost divine favor because he did not continue to have an obedient heart. What a warning this is for us! This does not mean that Jehovah requires perfection from his human servants. He remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:14) All of us are sure to make mistakes at times, but God can see whether we really have a heartfelt desire to please him. (2 Chronicles 16:9) If we err because of human imperfection but are repentant, we can ask for forgiveness on the basis of Christ s ransom sacrifice, confident that Jehovah will forgive in a large way. (Isaiah 55:7; 1 John 2:1, 2) The help of loving Christian elders may also be needed so that we can recover spiritually and have a healthy faith and an obedient heart. Titus 2:2; James 5:13-15.

3 *** w93 7/15 p. 22 par. 17 How May We Supply Virtue to Our Faith? *** 17 If we supply virtue to our faith, we will strive to refrain from thinking, saying, and doing things that are unacceptable to God. However, displaying Christian virtue also requires that we practice active goodness. In fact, virtue has been defined as goodness. And goodness is a fruit of Jehovah s holy spirit, not the product of mere human effort. (Galatians 5:22, 23) As we manifest the spirit s fruit of goodness, we will be motivated to think well of others and to commend them for their good qualities despite their imperfections. Have they served Jehovah faithfully for years? Then we should show them respect and speak well of them and their service to God. Our heavenly Father takes note of the love they show for his name and their virtuous works of faith, and so should we. Nehemiah 13:31b; Hebrews 6:10. *** w92 9/15 pp par. 17 Jehovah Forgives in a Large Way *** 17 A repentant sinner can pray for forgiveness with confidence that Jehovah will not ignore his past record of faithful service. Nehemiah was not pleading for forgiveness for his sin, but he did say: Do remember me, O my God, for good. (Nehemiah 13:31) A repentant Christian can find comfort in the words: God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name. Hebrews 6:10. *** g75 9/22 p. 28 Does God Care Whom You Marry? *** He knows that a very important element in a happy marriage is unity as to fundamental beliefs and principles. He even included in the Bible a number of examples where persons disregarded such advice and consequently harmed themselves morally and spiritually, to say nothing of the unhappy effects on their offspring. (Ezra 9:13-15; 10:44; Neh. 13:26, 27) Yes, God knows that this is a serious matter. Accordingly, it is also a serious matter to all persons who realize that his care about whom we marry is for our good. The more you examine the Bible, the more you can see that, out of love, God does care whom you marry. So if you are considering marriage, study the Bible. Impress on your mind the qualities you should develop and the qualities to look for in a mate. Your following the Bible s counsel will mean happiness and peace for you.

4 What points from this week s Bible reading can I use in the field ministry? *** w15 4/15 p. 10 par. 4 How Elders Train Others to Become Qualified *** 4 In the initial phase of training, consider some Bible accounts that might help the learner to see the need to be willing, reliable, and humble. (1 Ki. 19:19-21; Neh. 7:2; 13:13; Acts 18:24-26) Such qualities are as essential to the learner as nutrients are to the soil. They quicken his spiritual growth. Says Jean-Claude, an elder from France: My main goal in training is to help a learner to become spiritually-minded. I look for occasions when we can read a specific scripture together to open the eyes of the learner to the wonderful things found in God s Word. (Ps. 119:18) What are some more ways to fortify a learner? *** w15 7/15 pp parr. 7-8 This Is Our Place of Worship *** 7 Our respect for the God who invites us to Christian meetings should be manifested in our decorum, dress, and grooming. Respect also requires that we avoid extremes. It has been observed that while some appear to be overly strict as to what is proper behavior while attending congregation meetings, others may be too casual at the Kingdom Hall. Of course, Jehovah wants his servants and other guests to feel comfortable there. At the same time, those in attendance would not want to detract from the meetings by being overly casual in their dress, by texting or talking during the meetings, by eating and drinking, and so on. Parents should train their children to understand that the Kingdom Hall is not the place for running or playing. Eccl. 3:1. 8 Filled with indignation, Jesus threw out of God s temple those who were introducing commercial activities. (John 2:13-17) Our Kingdom Halls too are places for pure worship and spiritual education. So any business activities that have nothing to do with spiritual pursuits ought to be taken care of elsewhere. Compare Nehemiah 13:7, 8.

5 *** w13 8/15 p. 4 pars. 5-8 You Have Been Sanctified *** 5 Read Nehemiah 13:4-9. We are surrounded by unclean influences, so it is not easy for us to remain holy. Consider Eliashib and Tobiah. Eliashib was the high priest, and Tobiah was an Ammonite and likely a petty official in the Persian administration of Judea. Tobiah and his associates had opposed Nehemiah s efforts to rebuild Jerusalem s walls. (Neh. 2:10) Ammonites were forbidden to come onto the temple grounds. (Deut. 23:3) So why would the high priest provide space in a temple dining hall for such a man as Tobiah? 6 Tobiah had become a close associate of Eliashib. Tobiah and his son Jehohanan had married Jewish women, and many Jews spoke highly of Tobiah. (Neh. 6:17-19) One of Eliashib s grandsons was married to the daughter of Sanballat, governor of Samaria, who was one of Tobiah s closest associates. (Neh. 13:28) These ties may explain why High Priest Eliashib allowed an unbeliever and opposer to influence him. But Nehemiah showed loyalty to Jehovah by throwing all of Tobiah s furniture outside the dining hall. 7 As a people dedicated to God, our first loyalty must always be to Jehovah. Unless we adhere to his righteous standards, we will not remain sanctified before him. We must not let family ties overshadow Bible principles. Christian elders are guided by Jehovah s thinking, not by their own opinions or feelings. (1 Tim. 5:21) The elders carefully avoid doing anything that might compromise their standing with God. 1 Tim. 2:8. 8 We do well to remember that bad associations spoil useful habits. (1 Cor. 15:33) Some of our relatives might not be a positive influence in our lives. Eliashib had set a good example for the people by fully supporting Nehemiah in the rebuilding of Jerusalem s walls. (Neh. 3:1) In time, however, the unwholesome influence of Tobiah and others apparently led Eliashib to do things that left him defiled before Jehovah. Good associates encourage us to engage in useful Christian pursuits, such as reading the Bible, attending Christian meetings, and sharing in the field service. Family members who influence us to do what is right are especially loved and appreciated. *** w13 8/15 pp. 4-5 pars You Have Been Sanctified *** 9 Read Nehemiah 13: It appears that contributions to the temple had all but stopped by the time Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem. Not having this support, the Levites were abandoning their assignments and going off to work in their fields. Nehemiah blamed the deputy rulers for the situation. Apparently, they were not caring for their duties. Either they were not collecting the people s tithes or they were not forwarding them to the temple, as they had been assigned to do. (Neh. 12:44) So Nehemiah took steps to have the tithes collected. He appointed trustworthy men to oversee the temple stores and future distributions. 10 Is there a lesson here for us? Yes, for we are reminded that we have the privilege of honoring Jehovah with our valuable things. (Prov. 3:9) When we make contributions to support his work, we are merely giving to Jehovah what already belongs to him. (1 Chron. 29:14-16) We may not think that we have much to give, but if the desire is there, all of us can have a share. 2 Cor. 8:12.

6 *** w13 8/15 pp. 5-6 pars You Have Been Sanctified *** 13 Read Nehemiah 13: If we allow ourselves to become preoccupied with material things, our spirituality can gradually be lost. According to Exodus 31:13, the weekly Sabbath was to remind the Israelites that they were a sanctified people. The Sabbath day was to be set aside for family worship, prayer, and meditation on God s Law. For some of Nehemiah s contemporaries, though, the Sabbath had become just another day business as usual. Worship was being pushed into the background. Seeing what was happening, Nehemiah had the city gates closed at dusk on the sixth day, chasing the foreign merchants away before the Sabbath began. 14 What can we learn from Nehemiah s example? One lesson is that we should limit our commercial interests. Otherwise, we might easily become distracted or even divided in our affections especially if we enjoy our secular work. Remember Jesus warning about slaving for two masters. (Read Matthew 6:24.) Nehemiah had financial resources, but how did he use his time in Jerusalem? (Neh. 5:14-18) Instead of pursuing business contacts with the Tyrians or others, he devoted himself to helping his brothers and doing things that contributed to the sanctification of Jehovah s name. Likewise today, Christian elders and ministerial servants focus on doing things for the benefit of the congregation, and their fellow believers love them for this spirit. As a result, there is love, peace, and security among God s people. Ezek. 34:25, 28. *** w13 8/15 pp. 6-7 pars You Have Been Sanctified *** 16 Read Nehemiah 13: In Nehemiah s day, Israelite men were marrying foreign women. During his first visit to Jerusalem, Nehemiah had all the older men sign a written agreement pledging that they would not marry pagans. (Neh. 9:38; 10:30) A few years later, however, he found that not only had Jewish men taken foreign wives but they were about to lose their very identity as God s sanctified people! The children of these foreign women could not read or speak Hebrew. When they got older, would they identify themselves as Israelites? Or would they rather think of themselves as Ashdodites, Ammonites, or Moabites? Without knowing the Hebrew language, was it likely that they would be able to understand God s Law? How could they get to know Jehovah and choose to serve him instead of the false gods their mothers worshipped? Swift and decisive action was needed, and Nehemiah took such action. Neh. 13: Today, we need to take positive action in order to help our children acquire a Christian identity. Parents, ask yourselves, How well do my children speak the pure language of Scriptural truth? (Zeph. 3:9) Does my children s conversation reflect the influence of God s spirit or that of the world? Do not quickly become discouraged if you see room for improvement. It takes time to learn a language, especially when we are surrounded by distractions. Your children are facing tremendous pressures to compromise. Therefore, patiently use your Family Worship sessions and other opportunities to help your children to develop a close relationship with Jehovah. (Deut. 6:6-9) Highlight the benefits of being different from Satan s world. (John 17:15-17) And work to reach the heart.

7 *** w11 9/15 p. 8 par. 7 Jehovah Is My Share *** 7 The Law did not include any penalty for an Israelite who failed to tithe. When the people became negligent as to tithing, the priests and Levites were affected. That happened in the days of Nehemiah. As a result, the Levites had to work in their fields, neglecting their ministry. (Read Nehemiah 13:10.) Clearly, the sustenance of the Levitical tribe hinged on the spirituality of the nation. Furthermore, the priests and Levites themselves needed faith in Jehovah and in his means of providing for them. *** w06 2/1 p. 11 pars. 7-9 Highlights From the Book of Nehemiah *** 12:31, 38, Singing is a fine way to praise Jehovah and express our gratitude to him. We should sing wholeheartedly at Christian gatherings. 13:4-31. We must be on guard against allowing materialism, corruption, and apostasy to make inroads into our lives. 13:22. Nehemiah was well-aware that he was accountable to God. We too need to be aware of our accountability to Jehovah. *** w02 2/15 p. 16 par. 15 They Coped With Thorns in Their Flesh *** Many Jews were violating the Sabbath and were failing to support the Levites and the temple. Also, some had married Ashdodite, Ammonite and Moabite wives. How this pained Nehemiah! But none of these thorns made him quit. Again and again he rose to the occasion as a zealous upholder of God s righteous laws. Like Nehemiah, may we refuse to allow the unfaithful conduct of others to dissuade us from loyal service to Jehovah. Nehemiah 13:10-13, *** w97 2/1 pp Music s Place in Modern Worship *** The ancient temple organization provided for complex arrangements of instrumentation and voices in temple worship. (2 Chronicles 29:27, 28) There were directors, experts, learners, and heads of the singers. (1 Chronicles 15:21; 25:7, 8; Nehemiah 12:46) Commenting on their advanced musical skills, historian Curt Sachs wrote: The choruses and orchestras connected with the Temple in Jerusalem suggest a high standard of musical education, skill, and knowledge.... Though we do not know how that ancient music sounded, we have sufficient evidence of its power, dignity, and mastership. (The Rise of Music in the Ancient World: East and West, 1943, pages 48, 101-2) The Song of Solomon is an example of the creativity and quality of Hebrew compositions. It is a story in song, similar to the libretto, or text, of an opera. The song is called in the Hebrew text Song of the Songs, that is, the most excellent song. For the ancient Hebrews, singing was an integral part of worship. And it allowed for positive emotional expression in their praise of Jehovah.

8 *** w96 9/15 p. 17 pars. 2-3 May Jehovah Credit Good to Your Account *** Nehemiah urged the Levites to purify themselves regularly, guard the gates, and sanctify the Sabbath day. He could therefore pray: This, also, do remember to my account, O my God, and do feel sorry for me according to the abundance of your loving-kindness. Appropriately, too, Nehemiah concluded his divinely inspired book with the plea: Do remember me, O my God, for good. Nehemiah 13:22, A person who does good is virtuous and performs upright deeds that benefit others. Nehemiah was such a man. He had a reverential fear of God and great zeal for true worship. Moreover, he was thankful for his privileges in God s service and rendered a fine account of himself to Jehovah. Reflecting on his course may well cause us to ask ourselves, How do I view my God-given privileges and responsibilities? What kind of account am I giving of myself to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ? *** w93 6/15 pp Do You Respect Your Place of Worship? *** Elders should not procrastinate when there is a need for repairs. (2 Chronicles 24:5, 13; 29:3; 34:8; Nehemiah 10:39; 13:11) In some congregations regular inspections of the Kingdom Hall are made in order to care promptly for any necessary repairs. Inventories are kept to make sure that necessary supplies are on hand and accessible. If there is a designated area for storing supplies, tools, and cleaning equipment, all elders and ministerial servants should display an interest in its condition, making sure that it is kept neat. Those who work at the literature and magazine counters can show their interest by promptly seeing that empty cartons do not litter the hall. By setting an example, elders and ministerial servants can help the rest of the congregation to manifest zeal for the Kingdom Hall. (Hebrews 13:7) All can show proper respect by having a part in the cleaning of the hall and by showing genuine interest in its overall appearance. *** w92 12/1 p. 10 par. 14 The Blessing of Jehovah Makes Rich *** 14 Encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah, the Israelites set their hearts upon their ways, and the temple was built. Some 60 years later, though, Nehemiah visited Jerusalem and found that Israel had again become neglectful of Jehovah s Law. He corrected this. But on a second visit, he found that things had again deteriorated. He reports: I got to find out that the very portions of the Levites had not been given them, so that the Levites and the singers doing the work went running off, each one to his own field. (Nehemiah 13:10) This problem was corrected, and all Judah, for their part, brought in the tenth of the grain and of the new wine and of the oil to the stores. Nehemiah 13:12. *** w89 6/1 pp par. 17 Perfecting Holiness in God s Fear *** As a member of Jehovah s separate and clean people, a Christian man or woman who wishes to marry will accept the apostolic restriction to do so only in the Lord, that is, by choosing someone who is a dedicated, baptized, and faithful servant of Jehovah. (1 Corinthians 7:39) As in the past, so today, it would certainly be unwise for dedicated ones among God s people to ignore this Scriptural counsel. (Compare Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; Nehemiah 13:23-27.) It would not be showing wholesome fear of our Grand Master, Jehovah. Malachi 1:6.

9 *** w89 11/1 pp par. 17 Do Not Yoke Yourselves With Unbelievers *** 17 What about situations in which a brother or a sister married an unbeliever, and now both of them are serving Jehovah? Still, Jehovah s principles were violated. Does the end justify the means? Illustrating God s view of those who ignore his counsel is the case of the Jews returning from Babylonian captivity. When some took pagan wives, Bible writers Ezra and Nehemiah pulled no punches in condemning their actions. Those Jews acted unfaithfully, committed a great badness, and incurred guiltiness. (Ezra 10:10-14; Nehemiah 13:27) Something else to consider: When we ignore God s counsel, we may wound ourselves spiritually, scarring our conscience. One sister whose unbelieving husband eventually became a believer said: I am still dealing with the emotional scars. I can t tell you how awful I feel when others point to us and say, But it worked for them. *** g05 8/22 p. 27 How Can I Avoid Getting Involved With the Wrong People? *** If you are of age and want to marry, have you given thought to how these same principles should affect your choice of a mate? Many factors can make you feel drawn to a prospective spouse, but none are as important as the person s spiritual condition. Thus, the Bible repeatedly warns against marriage to one who is not in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7:39; Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; Nehemiah 13:25) True, people who are not fellow believers may be responsible, decent, and caring. Yet, they do not have the motivation that you have to build on such qualities and to persevere in marriage as the years go by. On the other hand, one who is dedicated to Jehovah and loyal to him deliberately cultivates Christian qualities and safeguards them, come what may. He or she appreciates that the Bible links loving one s mate with having a good relationship with Jehovah. (Ephesians 5:28, 33; 1 Peter 3:7) Thus, when both mates love Jehovah, they have the strongest incentive to remain loyal to each other.