23rd Sept. 2007

Nehemiah Chapter 7.

Introduction. Neh 6 : 15 – 19. The completion of the wall.
The effect on their enemies – loss of confidence. Recognition of God’s help.
However this did not make them give up!
Tobiah was part Jew and part Ammonite. Some wealthy Jews formed an anti-Nehemiah party centred on allegiance to Tobiah.
V 17. Letters between Tobiah and the nobles. Tobiah was on the outside but he was related by marriage to some on the inside. Family ties can bind in right and wrong ways.
V 18. They were under oath to him – under his control.
V 19. Good reports of Tobiah were continually made to Nehemiah by the relatives.
Tobiah swent letters to intimidate Nehemiah.
Intimidate= to make afraid, to force or deter with threats.

1. Neh 7 : 1-3. Appointment of Gatekeepers, Singers and Levites.
With the walls and gates completed Nehemiah now focused on worship by putting singers and temple servants in place.
V 2. Who to put in charge.
Nehemiah needed assistants. Who did he choose?
Hanani. His brother. See Ch 1 : 2-3. Known, trusted, sharing his heart.
Hananiah. A man of integrity = Honesty, soundness, wholeness.
He feared God more than most men do. How was this seen?
a. Faithfulness in the work God had called him to do.
b. A man of reverence. Seen in his life and his speech.
c. He feared God rather than man.
Important scriptures.
Proverbs 1 : 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge / wisdom.
Deuteronomy 31 : 12 -13.
Galatians 1 : 10. Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?
V 3. Controlling the gates of the city. Placing guards.
Gates and walls are only as good as the people who guard them.
We need to guard the gates of our lives – the entry and exit points.
a. Eyes. Ears. Wallets.
b. Mouth. Wallet. He who guards his lips guards his life. Proverbs 13 : 3.
Shut the doors and bar them!
2. Neh 7 : 4-6. Populating the city.
V 5. So my God put it into my heart to - -
How do you know if it is God? – You feel passionate and want to do something about it. It is a heart thing. It is a relational thing – My God.

Robert Duncan, 11/11/2007