Nehemiah #3: Chapter 7-12
On December 3, 1973, Brother Stephen ministered on Nehemiah chapter 7, emphasizing the importance of both the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem. After the wall was completed in just 52 days, Nehemiah recognized that the life within the wall needed strengthening for the wall's testimony to endure. He appointed doorkeepers to ensure controlled communication and prevent corruption, highlighting the need for both separation and outreach. The people gathered to hear Ezra read the law, demonstrating their love for God's Word, which is essential for spiritual growth. They made voluntary ordinances to support the temple, reflecting their deep commitment to God. Nehemiah also encouraged the nobles and volunteers to move into the city, symbolizing a willingness to live in unity and bear the challenges together. Ultimately, the wall was dedicated to God, serving as a testimony of His glory. Stephen concluded with a prayer for restoration and unity among God's people, emphasizing that their collective life should reflect the glory of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Outline of Main Points
Introduction to Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts.
Importance of strengthening life within the wall.
Appointment of doorkeepers for controlled communication.
Gathering of people to hear the Word of God.
Voluntary ordinances for temple support.
Encouragement for nobles to move into the city.
Dedication of the wall to God's glory.
Conclusion with a prayer for unity and restoration.
1 Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. 3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.
1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. 2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;
39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
