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20255
** The Old Testament history closes with the book of Nehemiah,
wherein is recorded the workings of his heart, in the management
of public affairs; with many devout reflections.
* Nehemiah's distress for the misery of Jerusalem, His prayer.
- Nehemiah was the Persian king's cup-bearer. When God has work
to do, he will never want instruments to do it with. Nehemiah
lived at ease, and in honour, but does not forget that he is an
Israelite, and that his brethren are in distress. He was ready
to do them all the good offices he could; and that he might know
how best to do them a kindness, he makes inquiries about them.
We should inquire especially concerning the state of the church
and religion. Every Jerusalem on this side the heavenly one will
have some defect, which will require the help and services of
its friends. Nehemiah's first application was to God, that he
might have the fuller confidence in his application to the king.
Our best pleas in prayer are taken from the promise of God, the
word on which he has caused us to hope. Other means must be
used, but the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails
most. Communion with God will best prepare us for our dealings
with men. When we have intrusted our concerns to God, the mind
is set at liberty; it feels satisfaction and composure, and
difficulties vanish. We know that if the affair be hurtful, he
can easily hinder it; and if it be good for us, he can as easily
forward it.
20266
* Nehemiah's request to the king. (1-8) Nehemiah comes to
Jerusalem. (9-18) The opposition of the adversaries. (19,20)
#1-8 Our prayers must be seconded with serious endeavours, else
we mock God. We are not limited to certain moments in our
addresses to the King of kings, but have liberty to go to him at
all times; approaches to the throne of grace are never out of
season. But the sense of God's displeasure and the afflictions
of his people, are causes of sorrow to the children of God,
under which no earthly delights can comfort. The king encouraged
Nehemiah to tell his mind. This gave him boldness to speak; much
more may the invitation Christ has given us to pray, and the
promise that we shall speed, encourage us to come boldly to the
throne of grace. Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven, as
infinitely above even this mighty monarch. He lifted up his
heart to that God who understands the language of the heart. Nor
should we ever engage in any pursuit in which it would be wrong
for us thus to seek and expect the Divine direction, assistance,
and blessing. There was an immediate answer to his prayer; for
the seed of Jacob never sought the God of Jacob in vain.
20274
#9-18 When Nehemiah had considered the matter, he told the Jews
that God had put it into his heart to build the wall of
Jerusalem. He does not undertake to do it without them. By
stirring up ourselves and one another to that which is good, we
strengthen ourselves and one another for it. We are weak in our
duty, when we are cold and careless.
20284
#19,20 The enmity of the serpent's seed against the cause of
Christ is confined to no age or nation. The application to
ourselves is plain. The church of God asks for our help. Is it
not desolate, and exposed to assaults? Does the consideration of
its low estate cause you any grief? Let not business, pleasure,
or the support of a party so engage attention, as that Zion and
her welfare shall be nothing to you.
20286
* The rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
- The work was divided, so that every one might know what he had
to do, and mind it, with a desire to excel; yet without
contention, or separate interests. No strife appears among them,
but which should do most for the public good. Every Israelite
should lend a hand toward the building up of Jerusalem. Let not
nobles think any thing below them, by which they may advance the
good of their country. Even some females helped forward the
work. Some repaired over against their houses, and one repaired
over against his chamber. When a general good work is to be
done, each should apply himself to that part which is within his
reach. If every one will sweep before his own door, the street
will be clean; if every one will mend one, we shall all be
mended. Some that had first done helped their fellows. The walls
of Jerusalem, in heaps of rubbish, represent the desperate state
of the world around, while the number and malice of those who
hindered the building, give some faint idea of the enemies we
have to contend with, while executing the work of God. Every one
must begin at home; for it is by getting the work of God
advanced in our own souls that we shall best contribute to the
good of the church of Christ. May the Lord thus stir up the
hearts of his people, to lay aside their petty disputes, and to
disregard their worldly interests, compared with building the
walls of Jerusalem, and defending the cause of truth and
godliness against the assaults of avowed enemies.