Day 269, 25 September 2024
1) Nehemiah 11,12,13, Psalms 126
Nehemiah 11
The Residents of Jerusalem
1 Ch 9:1-17
1 (Ne 11:18; Isa 48:2) Now the rulers of the people lived at Jerusalem,
so the rest of the people cast lots in order to bring one out of ten
to stay in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine remained
in other cities.
2 (Jdg 5:9) The people blessed all the men who volunteered to dwell
in Jerusalem.
3 (Ezr 2:43; 2:1) Now these are the leaders of the provinces
who lived in Jerusalem (though in the cities of Judah
every one lived on his own property within their cities):
Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants,
and the descendants of Solomon's servants.
4 (Ge 38:29) Some of the sons of Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem.
Those from Judah were:
Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah,
the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel-the descendants of Perez,
5 and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Kol-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah,
the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah,
the son of Shelah.
6 All the descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were 486 valiant men.
7 These are the sons of Benjamin:
Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah,
the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel,
the son of Jeshaiah,
8 and after him Gabbai and Sallai, totaling 928.
9 Joel, the son of Zikri, was their overseer, and Judah the son of Hassenuah
was second to him over the city.
10 Of the priests there were: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib and Jakin;
11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok,
the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was a ruler of the house of God.
12 Their relatives performing the work of the house were 822 .
There was also Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah,
the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur,
the son of Malkijah,
13 plus his relatives who were chiefs of the fathers' houses were 242;
and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth,
the son of Immer,
14 and their brothers, mighty men of valor, were 128. Their overseer
was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim.
15 From the Levites there were:
Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah,
the son of Bunni;
16 plus Shabbethai and Jozabad, who as leaders of the Levites
had oversight of the outside work of the house of God.
17 (1Ch 9:15) Mattaniah the son of Mika, the son of Zabdi,
the son of Asaph, was the first to begin the thanksgiving at prayer,
Bakbukiah was the second out of his relatives, and then
Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
18 (Ne 11:1; Rev 21:2) All the Levites in the holy city were 284.
19 Moreover, the gatekeepers,
Akkub, Talmon, and their relatives who kept watch at the gates, were 172.
20 The rest of Israel, the priests, and the Levites were in
all the cities of Judah, every one tending to his own inheritance.
21 (Ne 3:26) But the temple servants lived in Ophel,
and Ziha and Gishpa were over them.
22 (Ne 12:42; 11:9) The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi
the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah,
the son of Mika. Some of the sons of Asaph were the singers
attending to the work of the house of God,
23(Ezr 6:8-9) for the king's regulation about them made their unity
a daily issue.
24 (Ge 38:30; 1Ch 18:17) Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the sons of Zerah
the son of Judah, was the king's assistant
[Lit. at the king's hand.] in all matters concerning the people.
Nehemiah 11
[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.
[2] And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to
dwell at Jerusalem.
[3] Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in
the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to
wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the
children of Solomon's servants.
[4] And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the
children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah,
the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of
Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;
[5] And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of
Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the
son of Shiloni.
[6] All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred
threescore and eight valiant men.
[7] And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son
of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the
son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.
[8] And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.
[9] And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of
Senuah was second over the city.
[10] Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.
[11] Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the
son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.
[12] And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred
twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son
of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,
[13] And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and
Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the
son of Immer,
[14] And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight:
and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.
[15] Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam,
the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
[16] And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the
oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
[17] And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was
the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second
among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son
of Jeduthun.
[18] All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.
[19] Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the
gates, were an hundred seventy and two.
[20] And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all
the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.
[21] But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the
Nethinims.
[22] The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani,
the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of
Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.
[23] For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain
portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
[24] And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son
of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.
The Residents Outside Jerusalem
25 (Jos 14:15) For the villages located by their fields,
some of the people of Judah lived at Kiriath Arba and its villages,
others at Dibon and its villages, or at Jekabzeel and its villages,
26 as well as at Jeshua, at Moladah, and at Beth Pelet,
27 and at Hazar Shual, and at Beersheba and its villages,
28 (1Sa 27:6) and at Ziklag, at Mekonah and its villages,
29 and at En Rimmon, at Zorah, at Jarmuth,
30 (Jos 10:3; 15:8) Zanoah, Adullam and their villages, at Lachish
and its fields, and at Azekah and its villages. So they lived
from Beersheba as far as the Valley of Hinnom.
31 Some of the Benjamites settled from Geba onward,
at Mikmash, Aija, and Bethel and their villages,
32 (Jos 21:18; 1Sa 21:1) at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,
33 (2Sa 4:3) Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,
34 (1Sa 13:18) Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
35 (1Ch 8:12) Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
36 From the Levites, some divisions in Judah belonged to Benjamin.
[25] And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah
dwelt at Kirjath-arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the
villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,
[26] And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beth-phelet,
[27] And at Hazar-shual, and at Beer-sheba, and in the villages thereof,
[28] And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,
[29] And at En-rimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,
[30] Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields
thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from
Beer-sheba unto the valley of Hinnom.
[31] The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija,
and Bethel, and in their villages,
[32] And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,
[33] Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,
[34] Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
[35] Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
[36] And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.
Nehemiah 12
The Priests and Levites
1 (Ezr 2:1-2; Ne 10:2-8) Now these are the priests and the Levites
who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua:
Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
2 Amariah, Malluk, Hattush,
3 Shekaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,
4 (Lk 1:5) Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah,
5 Mijamin, Moadiah, Bilgah,
6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,
7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah.
These were the leaders of the priests
and of their relatives in the days of Joshua.
8 (Ne 11:17; 12:24) Moreover the Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel,
Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who was over the thanksgiving songs,
in conjunction with his relatives.
9 There were also their relatives Bakbukiah and Unni,
positioned across from each other in the watches.
10 Joshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib,
Eliashib was the father of Joiada,
11 Joiada was the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan was the father of Jaddua.
12 Now in the days of Joiakim, the priests, these were the heads
of the fathers' houses:
of Seraiah, Meraiah;
of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
13 of Ezra, Meshullam;
of Amariah, Jehohanan;
14 of Malluk, Jonathan;
of Shebaniah, Joseph;
15 of Harim, Adna;
of Meraioth, Helkai;
16 of Iddo, Zechariah;
of Ginnethon, Meshullam;
17 of Abijah, Zikri;
of Miniamin and of Moadiah, Piltai;
18 of Bilgah, Shammua;
of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
19 of Joiarib, Mattenai;
of Jedaiah, Uzzi;
20 of Sallu, Kallai;
of Amok, Eber;
21 of Hilkiah, Hashabiah;
and of Jedaiah, Nethanel.
22 The Levites, as well as the priests, were recorded as the chiefs
of the fathers' houses in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan,
and Jaddua during the reign of Darius the Persian.
23 The descendants of Levi who served as the chiefs of the fathers' house
were recorded in the book of the chronicles until the days of Johanan
the son of Eliashib.
24 (1Ch 25:1-26) The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah,
and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers across from them,
to praise and to give thanks, section opposite section,
according to the commandment of David the man of God.
25 Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon,
and Akkub were gatekeepers maintaining the guard duty at the storehouse
of the gates.
26 (Ne 8:9) These leaders served during the days of Joiakim the son of Joshua,
the son of Jozadak, during the days of Nehemiah the governor,
and during the days of Ezra the priest, the scribe.
Nehemiah 12
[1] Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel
the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
[2] Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
[3] Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,
[4] Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,
[5] Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,
[6] Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jediah,
[7] Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chief of the priests and
of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.
[8] Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and
Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.
[9] Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the
watches.
[10] And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib
begat Joiada,
[11] And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.
[12] And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of
Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
[13] Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;
[14] Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;
[15] Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;
[16] Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;
[17] Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;
[18] Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
[19] And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;
[20] Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;
[21] Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.
[22] The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua,
were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius
the Persian.
[23] The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of
the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.
[24] And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son
of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give
thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over
against ward.
[25] Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were
porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.
[26] These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of
Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest,
the scribe.
Nehemiah Dedicates the City Wall
27 (1Ch 15:16; 15:28) At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem
they sought to bring the Levites from all their places to Jerusalem
to celebrate the dedication appropriately with thanksgiving songs
and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.
28 (1Ch 9:16; 2:54) The members of choirs had assembled
from the regions all around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites,
29 from Beth Gilgal, and from fields of Geba and Azmaveth,
because they had built villages for themselves all around Jerusalem.
30 (Ex 19:10; Job 1:5) Then the priests and the Levites purified themselves.
They also purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
31 (Ne 2:13; 12:38) Then I led the commanders of Judah up to the top
of the wall and appointed two great thanksgiving choirs.
The first choir proceeded to the right on the wall toward the Dung Gate.
32 Behind them followed Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,
33 with Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,
34 Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah,
35 and some of the priests with trumpets-Zechariah, the son of Jonathan,
the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah,
the son of Zakkur, the son of Asaph,
36 (Ne 12:24; 1Ch 23:5) in conjunction with his relatives-Shemaiah,
Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani,
being accompanied with the musical instruments of David the man of God.
Ezra the scribe went before them.
37 (Ne 2:14; 3:26) At the Fountain Gate, directly across from them,
they ascended the steps of the City of David, following that sloped
section of the wall up to the house of David, then eastward
to the Water Gate.
38 (Ne 3:8; 3:11) The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left
where I followed them with the other half of the people on top of the wall,
from the Tower of the Furnaces to the Broad Wall,
39 (Ne 3:1; 3:3; 3:6) then from above the Ephraim Gate past the Old Gate,
the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred,
as far as the Sheep Gate, but they stood still at the Gate of the Guard.
40 So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, as did I
and the half of the officials with me,
41 and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah,
Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets,
42 and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam,
and Ezer. The singers sang loudly. Jezrahiah was their director.
43 (Ps 92:4) On that day they offered great sacrifices
and rejoiced because God had given them great cause for rejoicing.
The wives and the children rejoiced, too.
From far away the joyful celebration of Jerusalem was heard.
[26] These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of
Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest,
the scribe.
[27] And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites
out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication
with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals,
psalteries, and with harps.
[28] And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of
the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of
Netophathi;
[29] Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and
Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.
[30] And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the
people, and the gates, and the wall.
[31] Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two
great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand
upon the wall toward the dung gate:
[32] And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,
[33] And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,
[34] Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,
[35] And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the
son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of
Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:
[36] And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai,
Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man
of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
[37] And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by
the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the
house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
[38] And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them,
and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the
tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
[39] And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above
the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto
the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.
[40] So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of
God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
[41] And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai,
Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
[42] And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and
Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah
their overseer.
[43] Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had
made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced:
so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
Temple Responsibilities
44 (Ne 13:12-13) At that time men were appointed to govern
over the chambers for the treasures, for the contributions,
for the first fruits, and for the tithes, so that they might
gather into them out of the fields of the cities the legal portions
belonging to the priests and Levites. This was because the celebration
of Judah survived on the basis of the priests and the Levites
45 (1Ch 25:1-26) who, accompanied by the singers
and the gatekeepers, attentively preserved the practices
of their God and the practices of purification, according
to the commandment of David and of his son Solomon.
46 (2Ch 29:30) For in the former days of David and Asaph
there were leaders for the singers, the songs of praise,
and thanksgivings to God.
47 All Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah
gave the singers and the gatekeepers their portions,
as specified daily. Likewise, they consecrated what was
due to the Levites, who then consecrated what was due
to the descendants of Aaron.
[44] And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the
treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to
gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for
the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the
Levites that waited.
[45] And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and
the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of
Solomon his son.
[46] For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the
singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
[47] And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah,
gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and
they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified
them unto the children of Aaron.
What is worship?
A) Includes celebration, thanksgiving and dedication
Nehemiah 12:27
B) Requires Holiness
Nehemiah 12:30
C) Covers the past and the present
Nememiah 12:36,45-46
D) Witneses to others
Nehemiah 12:31,38-39,43
E) Involves our finances
Nehemiah 12:44,47
Nehemiah 13
The Reforms of Nehemiah
1 (Dt 23:3-5; Ne 9:3) On that day they read aloud
from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people.
In it there was found written that no Ammonite
or Moabite should ever enter the congregation of God,
2 (Dt 23:5) because they did not meet the children of Israel
with bread and water, but hired Balaam to curse them.
However, our God turned the curse into a blessing.
3 (Ne 9:2; Ex 12:38) When they heard the Law, they separated
from Israel all the racially mixed.
4 (Ne 12:44; 2:10) Before this, Eliashib the priest,
who had been appointed to govern the chambers of the house
of our God, was related to Tobiah.
5 So, he had prepared a great chamber hall for him, where previously
they had stored the contributions, the frankincense, the vessels,
and the tithes of grain, new wine, and fresh oil, as required,
for the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the contribution
for the priests.
6 (Ne 5:14) But during this time I was not in Jerusalem,
since in the 32nd year of King Artaxerxes of Babylon
I had gone to the king. At the conclusion of those days
I requested a leave of the king.
7 (Ne 13:5) When I came to Jerusalem and understood the evil
that Eliashib did for Tobiah by preparing him a chamber in the courts
of the house of God,
8 I was very grieved. So, from the chamber I threw all of the household
belongings of Tobiah outside.
9 (2Ch 29:5) Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers
so that I could return there the vessels of the house of God,
the contributions for the offerings, and the frankincense.
10 (Ne 10:37; Mal 3:8) When I perceived that the supplies
for the Levites had not been given and that the Levites
and the singers doing the work had fled, everyone to his own field,
11 (Ne 10:39; 13:17) I confronted the officials and asked, "Why is
the house of God forsaken?" So I gathered them and stationed
them at their posts.
12 (Ne 10:37-39; 12:44) Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain,
the new wine, and the fresh oil to the storehouses.
13 (Ne 7:2; 12:44) Overseeing the replenishing of the storehouse,
I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe,
and Pedaiah from the Levites, and to assist them Hanan the son of Zakkur,
the son of Mattaniah, for they were considered reliable,
and their task was to distribute to their relatives.
14 (Ne 5:19; 13:22) Remember me, O my God, concerning this. Do not blot out
my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and its workings.
15 (Ne 10:31; Ex 34:21) In those days I saw in Judah some treading
winepresses on the Sabbath or hauling loads of grain or loading donkeys
with wine, grapes, figs, and all manner of burdens in order to bring
them to Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So, during the day
while they were selling the food goods, I warned them.
16 Men of Tyre also stayed there, having hauled in fish
and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them on the Sabbath
to the people of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
17 (Ne 13:11; 13:25) Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and asked them,
"What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?
18 (Jer 17:21-23) Did not your fathers do likewise?
Did not our God bring all this evil against us and against this city?
Will you yet bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath?"
19 (Lev 23:32) As the gates of Jerusalem began to cast the evening shadow
before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut,
and charged that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath.
Some of my servants I stationed at the gates so that there would be
no loads brought in on the Sabbath day.
20 Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kind of merchandise
lodged outside Jerusalem.
21 So I warned them and said to them, "Why do you spend the night next
to the wall? If you do so again, I will send you away by force."
From that time on they stopped coming on the Sabbath.
22 (Ne 12:30; 13:14) Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves
so that they could come and, as guardians of the gates,
sanctify the Sabbath day.
Remember me, O my God, concerning this also,
and spare me according to Your abundant mercy.
23 (Ne 10:30; Ezr 9:1-2) Moreover, in those days I also saw Jews
who had married the women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
24 Half of their children spoke in the language of Ashdod,
yet none of them could recognize the language of the Jews.
This was true language by language.
25 (Ezr 10:5; Ne 10:29-30) So I confronted them and cursed them.
Some of the men I beat. Others, I plucked out their hair.
Also, I made them swear an oath by God and said to them,
"You shall neither give your daughters to their sons,
nor marry their daughters to your sons or to yourselves.
26 (1Ki 3:13; 2Ch 1:12) Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things?
Yet among many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God,
who made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women caused
even him to sin.
27 (Ezr 10:2) Should we then listen to you, the ones doing
all this great evil, who are behaving unfaithfully against our God
by bedding foreign women?"
28 (Ne 2:19; 2:10) Also, one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib
the high priest, was a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite, so I drove
him away from me.
29 (Ne 6:14) Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood
and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.
30 (Ne 10:30) Thus I purified them from everything foreign
and appointed work crews for the priests and the Levites, each to his task,
31 (Ne 10:34; 13:14) and I provided the wood offering, at the appointed times,
and the first fruits.
Remember me, O my God, for good.
Nehemiah 13
[1] On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the
people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite
should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
[2] Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water,
but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God
turned the curse into a blessing.
[3] Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated
from Israel all the mixed multitude.
[4] And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the
chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:
[5] And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid
the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the
corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the
Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
[6] But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and
thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after
certain days obtained I leave of the king:
[7] And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did
for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.
[8] And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff
of Tobiah out of the chamber.
[9] Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I
again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the
frankincense.
[10] And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given
them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every
one to his field.
[11] Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God
forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
[12] Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the
oil unto the treasuries.
[13] And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and
Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan
the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and
their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
[14] Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds
that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
[15] In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath,
and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs,
and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath
day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
[16] There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all
manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in
Jerusalem.
[17] Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What
evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
[18] Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon
us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the
sabbath.
[19] And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark
before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged
that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my
servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on
the sabbath day.
[20] So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without
Jerusalem once or twice.
[21] Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about
the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth
came they no more on the sabbath.
[22] And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and
that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day.
Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the
greatness of thy mercy.
[23] In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of
Ammon, and of Moab:
[24] And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not
speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.
[25] And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them,
and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not
give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your
sons, or for yourselves.
[26] Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many
nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made
him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause
to sin.
[27] Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress
against our God in marrying strange wives?
[28] And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was
son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.
[29] Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and
the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
[30] Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the
priests and the Levites, every one in his business;
[31] And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits.
Remember me, O my God, for good.
The role of Obedience Nehemiah 13:1-3
A) Obedience is all about a soft heart
B) Obedience leans on separation
C) Best not to be like Balaam
D) Obedience avoids consequences
The Role of Owning our faith Nememiah 13:6-7
Spiritual slide happens when we ...
A) Cultivate wrong relationships Nehemiah 13:4,23-28
Lord, in Jesus name, I repent for allowing
__________ in my life,
for they have influenced me away from You.
Repent ... cultivate godly relationships.
B) Sear our conscience to the seriousness of sin. Nehemiah 13:4-9
Lord, in Jesus' name, I repent of
_________________ and by so doing, searing
my conscience to the seriousness of sin.
Repent ... live obedient to God's Word no matter what.
C) Stop giving generously in community Lord, in Jesus' name,
I repent of
_________________ and by so doing, searing
my conscience to the seriousness of sin.
Repent ... live obedient to God's Word no matter what.
C) Stop giving generously in community Nehemiah 13:10-14
Repent ... give generously, consistently and with a cheerful heart.
Nehemiah 13:30-31
D) Disregard a Sabbath rest Nehemiah 13:15-22 Repent .. take a day of rest
Psalms 126
A Song of Ascents.
1When the Lord restored the captives of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
"The Lord has done great things for them."
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Restore our captives, O Lord,
as the streams in the Negev.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Those who sow in tears
shall reap in joy.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) He who goes forth and weeps,
bearing precious seed to sow,
shall come home again with rejoicing,
bringing his grain sheaves with him.
Psalm 126
A Song of degrees.
[1] When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,
We were like them that dream.
[2] Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing:
Then said they among the heathen,
The LORD hath done great things for them.
[3] The LORD hath done great things for us;
Whereof we are glad.
[4] Turn again our captivity, O LORD,
As the streams in the south.
[5] They that sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
[6] He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 September 2024 titled
Mind-Blowing Teaching
Proverbs 3:1-12
The Rewards of Wisdom
1 (Pr 4:5; Dt 8:1) My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 (Pr 4:10; Ps 91:16) for length of days and long life
and peace will they add to you.
3 (Pr 7:3; 6:21; 2Co 3:3) Do not let mercy and truth forsake you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 (Ps 111:10; 1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:52) so you will find favor and good understanding
in the sight of God and man.
5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will direct your paths.
7 (Job 1:1; Ro 12:16) Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 (Job 21:24; Pr 4:22) It will be health to your body,
and strength to your bones.
9 (Ex 23:19; 22:29) Honor the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 (Dt 28:8) so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
11 (Job 5:17) My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
nor be weary of His correction;
12 (Dt 8:5) for whom the Lord loves He corrects,
even as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3
1 My son, forget not my law;
But let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life,
And peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee:
Bind them about thy neck;
Write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
And lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:
Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel,
And marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;
Neither be weary of his correction:
12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;
Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Sophia Roberts witnessed open heart surgery for the first time when she was
around eleven years old. While that might seem a bit young for a child to view
such a medical procedure, you need to know that her dad,
Dr. Harold Roberts Jr., is a heart surgeon. In 2022, Sophia-now thirty years
old and a surgery resident physician-teamed up with her dad to perform a
successful aortic valve replacement. Harold said, "What can be better? I
taught this kid how to ride a bicycle. . . . Now, to get to teach her how to
operate on a human heart is pretty mind-blowing."
While few of us will teach surgery skills to a child, Solomon describes the
importance of instructing something else to the next generation-to honour God
and His ways. The wise king passionately shared with his child what he'd
learned in his relationship with God: "My son, . . . trust in the Lord
with all your heart" (Proverbs 3:1, 5), "fear the Lord" (v. 7), "honour the
Lord" (v. 9), and "do not despise the Lord's discipline" (v. 11). Solomon knew
that God "loves" and "delights in" His children who willingly receive His
correction and guidance (v. 12).
Let's teach the next generation what it means to trust, revere, honour, and be
humbly molded by our awesome, amazing God. To partner with Him in doing so
is a vital privilege and, well, pretty mind-blowing!
By: Tom Felten
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital for you to share what you've learned about God
with the next generation? What will you pass on today?
Dear God, please help me to share Your loving
ways with both young and old today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness
Luke 17:3 - 4
3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."
"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,
forgive him.
4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,
'I repent,' you must forgive him."
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;
and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;
thou shalt forgive him.
The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'
disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through
Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,
21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,
"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?
Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)
The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to
develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be
forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if
he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!
But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,
forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"
And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They
were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the
outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.
We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far
- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're
forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".
He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance
for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.
That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our
checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.
Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God
and been forgiven, we are to forgive.
Application
a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I
have forgiven ? Why?
b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as
Jesus calls me to?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Saddened by Loss
John 14:1 - 7
1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, you may be also.
4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know
where You are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 25 of the Month
a) Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
(Acts 2: 41,47b
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized,
and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
)
b) Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
( Prov 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.
)
Pray to the Lord and pray that worship is worthy and pray not to backslide.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to share Your loving
ways with both young and old today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to forgive withour scorecards.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither lender nor borrower.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He prepares place for you in Heaven.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
Pray that Christian workers in Kazakhstan will find creative ways to
spread the Gospel message despite many restrictions.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.