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Explore the biblical lessons from Ezra and Nehemiah as they attempt to re-establish their identity as God's people. Under Nehemiah's leadership, they connect themselves back to their glorious history through various episodes, resolving population issues, re-populating Jerusalem, and re-establishing proper worship and service.
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Ezra Teaches The Law Nehemiah Builds The Walls Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah A Renewed Remnant
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Nehemiah’s story comes to a close by establishing “links to the past” • The remnant will attempt to re-establish their identity as God’s people • Under Nehemiah’s leadership, they try to connect themselves back to their glorious history through several episodes
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • The population issue resolved 11:1-2 • The city’s previous description 7:4 • The leaders came to live in Jerusalem • The rest of the population would be determined by lot…1 out of every 10 families would move into the city
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • The city’s residents 11:3-19 • Nehemiah records 3,044 who moved in • Not an exhaustive list…he only listed the tribes Judah, Benjamin, & Levi • Some descriptions… • “Able men” v. 6 • “Valiant warriors” v. 11
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • The city’s residents 11:3-19 • Jerusalem = the “holy city” vv. 1, 18 • The willingness of some to uproot their families and move them into the city indicates their desire to restore Jerusalem • Remember…it was the city God had chosen Himself Deut 12:10-11
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Those outside Jerusalem 11:20, 25-36 • Those not chosen by lot began to live (re-populate) ancestral homes based on their inheritance • This would “link” them back to when their fathers received the land Josh 10-21
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Provisions for worship 11:22-24 • Nehemiah records the royal permission for worship & service activities at the temple (priests, Levites, singers) • Originally given by Darius Ezra 6:8-10 • Continued by Artaxerxes Ezra 7:14-23
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Another “registry” 12:1-26 • Nehemiah records again the names of the priests & Levites who returned with Zerubbabel vv. 1-11 • He also lists those who apparently served after them vv. 12-21
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Another “registry” 12:1-26 • Nehemiah also records those who served during his & Ezra’s days vv. 1-11 • ThePointÙCONTINUITY • Roots of legitimate priests was in lineage • Israel had gotten away from true worship, which led to her captivity
A Link To The Past Neh 11-13 • Another “registry” 12:1-26 • Nehemiah also records those who served during his & Ezra’s days vv. 1-11 • ThePointÙCONTINUITY • It would be important to re-establish proper worship & service through legitimate priests in order to please God
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