Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah

Ezra Teaches The Law Nehemiah Builds The Walls Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah A Renewed Remnant

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • The wall is re-dedicated 12:27-43 • It had taken 52 days to build 6:15 • Now it would be “re-dedicated” as the city was being re-populated • Hezekiah’s restoration activities were sort of a “pattern” 2 Chron 29:20-29

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • The wall is re-dedicated 12:27-43 • Possibly the highlight was the “walking of the walls” vv. 31-43 • They encircled the city on top of the walls • Ezra & Nehemiah led 2 groups vv. 36, 38 • The remnant offered musical praise…it caused much rejoicing v. 43

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Other “duties” 12:44-47 • Nehemiah instituted the procedures for gathering & storing all that was required for the priests & Levites • This also included provisions for singers & gatekeepers who served at the temple

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Other “duties” 12:44-47 • They were attentive to that which was “…required by the Law”v. 44b • They also observed the procedures “…established by David & Solomon”vv. 45b-46 2 Chron 29:25

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Foreigners excluded 13:1-3 • Once again, the Law was publicly read v. 1a 8:1-6 9:3 Deut 31:10-13 • It was learned the presence of Moabites and Ammonites was forbidden…they had been hostile toward Israel vv. 1b-2 Deut 2:29 23:3-5 Num 22-24

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • One Ammonite specifically 13:4-9 • Tobiah had been given a room within the temple storage area vv. 4-5 • This was done because of his marriage into one of the remnant’s leading families 6:17-19

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • One Ammonite specifically 13:4-9 • Tobiah’s temple residence existed mainly because of Nehemiah’s absence v. 6 • He had gone back to Persia 2:6 • When Nehemiah returned, Tobiah was “thrown out” & the rooms were cleansed vv. 7-9

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • One Ammonite specifically 13:4-9 • Is Neh 13:8b-9 & Mt 21:12-13 “similar?” • Nehemiah’s actions seem to match Jesus’ concerns re: defilement of God’s house • Righteous indignation exhibited • Both took proactive action to defend the holy house of God

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Tithes had not been given vv. 10-14 • The portions for the Levites & priests had not been gathered & collected • This caused the Levites to leave their temple work & return to the fields • This caused God’s house to be forsaken

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Tithes had not been given vv. 10-14 • The officials (leaders) had allowed this to happen…they were reprimanded • This was a violation of their previously signed pledge 10:37 • He restored order vv. 11-13

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Tithes had not been given vv. 10-14 • Nehemiah also prayed for courage and strength to do right cp. 1:5-11a 2:4 4:4-5, 9 5:19 6:9b, 14

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Profaning the Sabbath vv. 15-22 • Some were working on the Sabbath…a clear violation of the Law Ex 20:8-11 • Others were trading in commerce on the Sabbath with pagans…a violation of their previously signed pledge 10:31

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Profaning the Sabbath vv. 15-22 • Nehemiah rebuked them for engaging in deeds that were similar to what their fathers had done…actions that brought God’s punishment vv. 17-18

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Profaning the Sabbath vv. 15-22 • Nehemiah orders the gates closed before Sabbath…not opened until after • He also orders the pagans away from the city…warns them they will be removed by force if they did not leave

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Profaning the Sabbath vv. 15-22 • He tells the Levites to purify themselves and act as gatekeepers on the Sabbath • He again prays for success and compassion from God cp. 1:5-11a 2:4 4:4-5, 9 5:19 6:9b, 14 13:14

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Intermarriage with pagans vv. 23-29 • A problem that wouldn’t go away Ezra 9:1-2 Mal 2:10-16 • Another violation of their previously signed pledge 10:30

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Intermarriage with pagans vv. 23-29 • It also caused practical problems…the language of Judah was being lost v. 24 • Nehemiah showed his great disdain for this reoccurring sin v. 25

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Failures Nehemiah addressed 13:10-31 • Intermarriage with pagans vv. 23-29 • He also reminded them of Solomon’s failure vv. 26-27 1 Kings 11:1-10 • Especially painful was Eliashib’s actions v. 28 cp. 13:4-8 • One more time, Nehemiah prays v. 29

A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Nehemiah purified the priests from their foreign “defilements” 13:30-31a • He re-focused their attention on their duties to serve at the temple • Nehemiah’s story ends appropriately… he prays 13:31b

“The final chapter of Nehemiah underscores the impression already created by the earlier chapters about this man. He was fervent in zeal for Yahweh. He possessed a holy boldness which made him brutally blunt with both friend and foe. Nehemiah was a masterful organizer and motivator. He was also a man of action. Even more important, he was a man of the Scripture and a man of prayer. A man who approaches God on his knees will stand tall in any generation.” - James E. Smith Old Testament Survey Series, Vol. 2, pg. 755

Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah