Explore the Bible Lesson Preview Jan. 28, 2007 "Keeping Commitments" Background: Nehemiah 11:1-13:31 Lesson: Nehemiah 13:1, 4-5, 8-12, 15-18

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1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview Jan. 28, 2007 "Keeping Commitments" Background: Nehemiah 11:1-13:31 Lesson: Nehemiah 13:1, 4-5, 8-12, Motivation: During the covenant ceremony (10:28-39), the people of God pledged themselves to certain standards of moral and ethical conduct. However, in this passage we see many of those same commitments broken. It's been well said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. God does not just want promises made; He wants promises kept. Examination: I. Israel's Resettlement (11:1-19) A. Building the Population (1) Leadership - "the leaders of the people dwell in Jerusalem" 1. Leaders set the example - Moving is the pits! We tend to get comfortable where we are; change is often seen as negative. Living in Jerusalem had a downside in terms of the unknown; unknown neighbors, unknown services and unknown problems. It is no accident that the "leaders of the people" set the example in repopulating the holy city. 2. Leaders are at the forefront - Jerusalem was going to be central in worship, central in government and probably central in potential problems. A true leader does not shy away from the forefront of action even though it may be filled with problems. Leaders become leaders because they are willing to take responsibility. 3. Leaders need to interact - The gathering of leaders together in one city was practical as well as symbolic. Proverbs 27:17 refers to the sharpening effects we can have on one another. Gathered in Jerusalem, the leaders could determine policy, resolve differences and plan together. Much the same thing can happen at our planning meetings! (Ps. 133:1) B. Blessing the Obedient (2) "The people blessed all the men who 1 / 5

2 willingly offered themselves..." God certainly blesses the obedient. Implied in this blessing is appreciation for the willingness to sacrifice and to change for the good of the nation. Verses 3-19 are an honor roll of obedience. II. Jerusalem's Restoration (12:1-47) A. Inheritance of the Priests & Levites (ll:20-12:26) This passage continues the listing with those dwelling outside Jerusalem. Special mention is made of the servants of the temple, including the "singers" (23). B. Dedication of the City Wall (12:27-43) 1. The Wall's Symbolism - The reason for all the joy and worship was the completion of the rebuilt wall surrounding Jerusalem. Why was this structure so important? a. The wall symbolized God's protection - The people depended on God as their defender and shield. They also realized that He expected them to take normal precautions of safety. b. The wall symbolized the rebirth of their nation - Ezra & Zerubbabel oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple which allowed formal worship to resume. Nehemiah's wall allowed the resumption of semi-autonomous government in Jerusalem. c. The wall symbolized the return of God's blessing - Freedom from captivity, the exodus from Persia and the rebuilding of their homeland all were statements of God's renewed blessing. The completion of the wall was an exclamation point at the end of the paragraph. Completed as it was amid intense opposition, in record time, the wall was a confirmation of God's desire to reestablish His people in their land of Promise. 2. The Worship Service - This is one great event of worship and praise among many recorded in scripture. The order of elements listed below is not as important as their presence. a. Preparation "they sought out the Levites" (27-29) Corporate worship seldom happens without adequate preparation. As the "Levites" are making preparation during the week (preparing sermons or lessons, training singers, gathering instruments, printing bulletins, etc.), so each individual worshipper should prepare his/her heart to receive God's blessing. b. Purification (30) 1 John 1:9-10 has often been called the "Christian's bar of soap." All worshippers should be purified by the confession of sins and renewal of the Holy Spirit. c. Processional (31-42) Nehemiah organized two great antiphonal choirs who marched atop the walls leading in praise. This great spectacle brings to mind all the 2 / 5

3 preparation that goes into a Christmas Presentation. Few observers can go away without appreciation for the message delivered. d. Praise (43) The "great sacrifices" were offered as thanksgiving and praise to God. Some form of joy is mentioned five times in this verse. The joy was triggered by the occasion, but was expanded by the well-designed worship service. Parents and grandparents could use this passage as a model for releasing joy and praise in their family gatherings. C. Institution of the Temple Practices (12:44-13:3) 1. Storehouse tithing - (44) 2. Scriptural teaching - (13:1-2) 3. Separated tribes - (13:3) III. Nehemiah's Reforms (13:4-31) "But during all this, I was not in Jerusalem..." (6) Believer's Study Bible, p. 668: 13:6 "The phrase all this' refers to the activities of Tobiah and Eliashib (vv. 4, 5), which occurred sometime after 433 B.C. Tobiah's room' (v. 5) probably served as a base of operations. When Nehemiah returned as governor after certain days,' he took decisive action. During this period Nehemiah also had to deal with unfaithfulness in the tithe (vv ), desecration of the Sabbath (vv ), and intermarriage (vv ). Ironically, the people had pledged themselves to obedience in each of these specific areas during the covenant ceremony (10:28-39). Note that Nehemiah offered a prayer after each action." "In those days I also saw Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab." (23) Believer's Study Bible, p. 668: 13:25-29 "The severity of Nehemiah's actions is explained by Israel's continuing to intermarry with the pagan nations, even after their covenant to remain a separate people (cf. ch. 10). Nehemiah actually dictated the words of the oath, having them repeat the penalty that if they intermarried with the heathen, the curse of God would fall upon them. He thus emphasized the disastrous results of such unions (v. 26). Nehemiah acted with particular severity toward one of the sons of Joiada' because this marriage defiled the priesthood' (v. 29) and violated the covenant between God and the Levites (cf. Mal. 2:4)." "Thus I cleansed them of everything pagan..." (30) Believer's 3 / 5

4 Study Bible, p. 670: 13:30 "The book ends with a brief summary of Nehemiah's ministry in the community of Israel: (1) the purification of the people from heathen practices, and (2) the restoration of regular worship. His final words are a prayer indicating once more his constant reliance upon God for all things in all times (1:4-11; 2:4, 20; 4:4,9,20; 5:15, 19; 6:9, 14; 13:14, 22, 29)." Application 1. Leadership involves a responsibility to set the example. 2. Worship should involve preparation, purification, and praise. 3. God's people are expected to support God's work financially. Teaching Packet: Item 15: Poster: Lesson Outline; Item 16: Handout: Keeping my Commitments to God. Biblical Illustrator: p. 76, "Postexilic Hebrew Worship Practices" Notes/Dates: 1/4-3/22 - Men's Life, Thurs. 6-7:30 am, Jan Walk in the Word with Dr. James McDonald, Jan Lifeway Luncheon FSC, Jan UBA Conf., Jan Share Your Faith Training, 1/23-4/10 - Living Proof with Beth, Jan HCDE Conf., Feb. 1 & 8 - Women's Event, Feb. 5 - KHCB "Radio Rally", Feb. 9 & 18 - Planned Giving Seminars, 2/19-3/12 - Bible Study with Anita, Feb / 5

5 - Women's Event, Feb HFBC CAR, Mar Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conf., Mar Ruth Graham and Friends Conf., Mar Spring Loaded, 3/ Sing. Women's 40+ Retreat, Apr HAAEYC Conf., Apr Reg. Preschool Conf. w/lifeway, May 1 - FBI Memorial Service, May 11 - Celebrating Women, May 12 - LeTourneau Univ. Grad., May 19 - HBU Graduation, 5/24 - FBA 8 th grade Graduation, 5/24 - First Kids Pre-K Grad., 5/31 - HCHS Graduation. 5 / 5