Nehemiah, the central figure in the book, served as the cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I. The events described in the book take place during Nehemiah’s leadership in the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls, which occurred in the period following the Babylonian exile of the Jews. Most scholars date Nehemiah’s governorship and the events in the book to the 5th century BC, possibly around 445-433 BC. Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the walls and his reforms are significant aspects of these passages.
Nehemiah Chapter 10: Covenant Renewal: In this chapter, the people of Israel, led by their leaders, make a solemn covenant with God. They commit to follow the Law of Moses, including provisions related to marriage, Sabbath observance, and financial support for the temple. The law for the Jews was put in place by God to expose their need for a Savior. The people promise not to neglect the house of God and agree to contribute a portion of their resources to sustain the temple and its services.
Nehemiah Chapter 11: Inhabitants of Jerusalem: To repopulate Jerusalem, “lots are cast,” and one out of every ten people agree to move to the city. The chapter lists the names of those who willingly settled in Jerusalem, along with the leaders and officials of the city.
Nehemiah Chapter 12: Dedication of the Wall: This chapter details the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. The priests and Levites are organized into two choirs, which walk on the top of the walls in opposite directions until they meet at the temple. A great celebration ensues, accompanied by the singing of praises and the sounding of musical instruments.
Nehemiah Chapter 13: Reforms and Challenges: Nehemiah returns to Babylon for a period, and during his absence, some of the reforms instituted earlier begin to unravel. When Nehemiah comes back, he finds that Tobiah, an Ammonite official, has been given a room in the temple, and the Levites and singers have not been receiving their portions. Nehemiah cleanses the temple, reinstates proper Sabbath observance, and deals with those who have intermarried with foreigners. The book concludes with Nehemiah’s prayer for God’s remembrance of his faithfulness.
Overall, these chapters in the Book of Nehemiah highlight the commitment of the Jewish people to God’s covenant, the repopulation of Jerusalem, the dedication of the rebuilt walls, and Nehemiah’s efforts to address issues and maintain the reforms he had initiated. God prophecy for a Jewish state (country) of Israel go back to the 5th century BC.
As we watch the present-day war and battle for Israel, we are reminded that the Jewish people have possessed the land in this region and have operated as their own country/state by the prophecy of God. Many detractors of Israel weighing in on the present-day conflict of Hamas attacking Israel, advocate for the Palestian’s to have their own land and “state,” but it has never existed. “Palestine” has never been a nation or country. The term “Palestine” has ancient origins and is associated with the Philistines, an ancient people who lived in the region. The Philistines are mentioned in the Bible and were one of the tribes who settled along the eastern Mediterranean coast.
The conflict happening today is as “old as time,” and will not end until Christ comes again. The atrocities and horrific sadistic crimes committed by Hamas are the works of Satan and will not be resolved by man. God has a plan, and He will ultimately reveal His purpose. Until then, we pray for hope and peace. More importantly, we pray for the Jews and our world to understand that Jesus Christ is their Savior and He will bring rest and peace to those that believe is His glory.
