Day 259 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 16 September 2022 reflections
Day 259, 16 September 2022
1) Nehemiah 3 - 7:3
Nehemiah 3
Rebuilding the Wall
1 (Ne 12:39; Jer 31:38; Ne 13:28) Then Eliashib the high priest rose up
with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate.
They sanctified it and erected its doors. From the Tower of the Hundred
to the Tower of Hananel, they sanctified the wall.
2 (Ne 7:36; Ezr 2:34) Next to him the men of Jericho built,
and next to them Zakkur the son of Imri built.
3 (Ne 12:39; 2Ch 33:14) The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate,
constructing its beams, erecting its doors, and installing locks
and bars for it.
4 (Ezr 8:33; Ne 3:21) Next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah,
the son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam the son of Berekiah,
the son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to him Zadok the son of Baana
made repairs.
5 (2Sa 14:2; Ne 3:27) Next to them the Tekoites made repairs,
but their noblemen would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.
6 (Ne 12:39) Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah
repaired the Old Gate. They constructed its beams, erected its doors,
and installed locks and bars for it.
7 Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite
and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah,
places under the authority of the governor of the province Beyond the River.
8 (Ne 12:38; 3:31-32) Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah,
one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah,
the son of one of the apothecaries, made repairs, and they repaired Jerusalem
as far as the Broad Wall.
9 (Ne 3:12; 3:17) Next to him Rephaiah the son of Hur, commander of half
of the Jerusalem district, made repairs.
10 Next to him Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house.
Next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.
11 (Ne 12:38) Malkijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-Moab
repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Furnaces.
12 (Ne 3:9) Next to them Shallum the son of Hallohesh,
commander of the other half of the Jerusalem district, made repairs
along with his daughters.
13 (Ne 2:13; Jos 15:34) Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired
the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it, erected its doors, and installed locks
and bars for it, plus repaired one thousand cubits
[About 1,500 feet, or about 450 meters.] along on the wall to the Dung Gate.
14 (Jer 6:1; Ne 2:13) But the Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah the son
of Rekab, commander of the Beth Hakkerem district. He rebuilt it,
and erected its doors, and installed the locks and bars for it.
15 (Ne 12:37; Jn 9:7) Moreover, Shallun the son of Kol-Hozeh,
commander of the Mizpah district, made repairs to the Fountain Gate.
He rebuilt it, covered it, erected its doors, and installed the locks
and bars for it. He also repaired the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king's
garden as far as the steps going down from the City of David.
16 (2Ki 20:20; Ac 2:29) After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, commander of half
of the Beth Zur district, made repairs as far as the area across from the Tomb
of David plus to the constructed pool and to the house of the mighty.
17 (Jos 15:44) After him the Levites, under Rehum the son of Bani,
made repairs. Next to them Hashabiah, commander of half of the Keilah
district, made repairs in his area.
18 After him their brothers, under Binnui the son of Henadad,
commander of the other half of the Keilah district, made repairs.
19 (2Ch 26:9) Next to them Ezer the son of Jeshua, commander of Mizpah,
made repairs to another section across from the ascent to the armory
at the corner.
20 (Ne 3:1) After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired
another section, from the corner to the door of the house of Eliashib
the high priest.
21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired
another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of it.
22 (Ne 12:28) After him the priests,
the men of the surrounding plain, made repairs.
23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs across from their house.
After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah made repairs
beside his house.
24 (Ne 3:19) After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section
from the house of Azariah as far as the corner plus the corner tower.
25 (Jer 32:2; 37:21) Palal the son of Uzai made repairs across from the corner
and to the tower protruding out of the king's upper house next
to the courtyard of the guards.
After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs.
26 (Ne 8:1; 11:21) The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs
from opposite the Water Gate eastward to the protruding tower.
27 (Ne 3:5) After them the Tekoites repaired another section across
from the great protruding tower as far as the wall of Ophel.
28 (2Ch 23:15; 2Ki 11:16) Up to the Horse Gate the priests made repairs
-each one across from his house.
29 After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired across from his house.
After him Shemaiah the son of Shekaniah, who was keeper of the East Gate,
made repairs.
30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph
repaired another section. After them Meshullam the son of Berekiah made
repairs across from his chamber.
31 (Ne 3:8; 3:32) After him Malkijah the goldsmith's son made repairs
as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants.
This was across from the Mustering Gate extending as far as the upper room
of the corner tower.
32 (Ne 3:1; 12:39) Between the upper room of the corner tower
and the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.
Nehemiah 3
[1] Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and
they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it;
even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
[2] And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them
builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
[3] But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the
beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the
bars thereof.
[4] And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz.
And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of
Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
[5] And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not
their necks to the work of their Lord.
[6] Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam
the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors
thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
[7] And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the
Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the
governor on this side the river.
[8] Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths.
Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries,
and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.
[9] And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the
half part of Jerusalem.
[10] And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over
against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of
Hashabniah.
[11] Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired
the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.
[12] And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler
of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
[13] The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they
built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars
thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.
[14] But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of
part of Beth-haccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks
thereof, and the bars thereof.
[15] But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Col-hozeh,
the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the
doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the
pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from
the city of David.
[16] After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half
part of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David,
and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.
[17] After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him
repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.
[18] After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler
of the half part of Keilah.
[19] And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah,
another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of
the wall.
[20] After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece,
from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the
high priest.
[21] After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another
piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house
of Eliashib.
[22] And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.
[23] After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After
him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.
[24] After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the
house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.
[25] Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the
tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of
the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.
[26] Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the
water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
[27] After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great
tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.
[28] From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against
his house.
[29] After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house.
After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the
east gate.
[30] After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth
son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of
Berechiah over against his chamber.
[31] After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the
Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the
going up of the corner.
[32] And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the
goldsmiths and the merchants.
Nehemiah 4
Opposition to the Rebuilding
1 (Ne 2:10; 2:19) When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall,
he became angry and was greatly irritated, and he mocked the Jews.
2 (Ezr 4:9-10; Ne 4:10) He spoke before his relatives and the army of Samaria
and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they fortifying themselves?
Will they make sacrifices? Can they complete this in a day?
Can they revive the burned-up stones out of the rubbish heaps?"
3 (Ne 2:10) Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said,
"Even what they are rebuilding, if even a fox climbed it,
that would break down their stone wall."
4 (Ps 79:12; 123:3-4) Hear, O our God, that we are despised. Turn
their reproach back upon their own head, and give them as spoil in a land
of captivity:
5 (Jer 18:23; Ps 109:14) No longer cover their iniquity nor blot out
their sin, which is before You since they have made insults
against the builders.
6 So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was solidified
up to half its height. The people had a passion for the work.
7 (Ne 2:10; 4:1) When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites,
and the Ashdodites heard how the restoration of Jerusalem's walls
was progressing and how the breaches had begun to be sealed,
it made them extremely furious.
8 (Ps 83:3-11) So they all conspired together to fight against Jerusalem
in order to cause it chaos.
9 (Ne 4:11) Nevertheless we prayed to our God, and, because of them,
we set up a watch for them day and night.
10 Judah had said, "The strength of the burden bearers is failing though
there is much rubble. And we ourselves are unable to rebuild the wall."
11 Our adversaries said, "They will neither know nor see until we have
entered in among them and slain them. Indeed, we will stop the work!"
12 When the Jews living near them came, they told us ten times,
"From every place where you turn, they will be against us."
13 (Ne 4:17-18) Therefore I set guards at the lowest positions
along the wall and just inside the wall at the unrepaired areas.
I also stationed the people by families providing them individually
their own swords, spears, and bows.
14 (Nu 14:9; 2Sa 10:12) After I looked around, I stood up
and said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people,
"Stop being terrified because of them! Remember instead that the Lord
is great and awesome. So fight for each other-and for your sons,
your daughters, your wives, and your houses."
15 (2Sa 17:14) Now when our enemies heard that this had become known to us
and that God had brought their counsel to nothing, then we all returned
to the wall, everyone to his work.
16 After that day, half of my servants did the work while the other half
handled the spears, shields, bows, and body armor. Commanders were appointed
to support every house of Judah.
17 Those rebuilding the wall and those hauling the loads were working
with one hand doing the task, but with the other hand holding the weapon.
18 For the builders, everyone had his sword bound to his side,
even while rebuilding. The trumpet blower worked beside me.
19 I said to the nobles, the rulers, and to the rest of the people,
"The work is vast and over a large area. Since we are spread along the wall
far from each other,
20 (Ex 14:14; Dt 1:30) assemble to us there at the place where you hear
the trumpet sounded. Our God shall fight for us."
21 So we labored in the work with half of them holding spears
from sunrise to the rising of the stars.
22 Likewise at the same time I said to the people,
"Every man and his servant must lodge within Jerusalem.
By night, they may be a guard to us; by day, a laborer for the work."
23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard
who followed me took off our clothes.
Each carried his weapon, even when washing.
[1] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall,
he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
[2] And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What
do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice?
will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps
of the rubbish which are burned?
[3] Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they
build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
[4] Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their
own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
[5] And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from
before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
[6] So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half
thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
[7] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians,
and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem
were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very
wroth,
[8] And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against
Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
[9] Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against
them day and night, because of them.
[10] And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and
there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.
[11] And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we
come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
[12] And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they
said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they
will be upon you.
[13] Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher
places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their
spears, and their bows.
[14] And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers,
and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord,
which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and
your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
[15] And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us,
and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to
the wall, every one unto his work.
[16] And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants
wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the
shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all
the house of Judah.
[17] They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those
that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with
the other hand held a weapon.
[18] For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so
builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
[19] And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the
people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one
far from another.
[20] In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye
thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.
[21] So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the
rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
[22] Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with
his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to
us, and labour on the day.
[23] So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the
guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every
one put them off for washing.
Nehemiah 5
Nehemiah Stops Oppression
1 (Isa 5:7) Now there was a great outcry of the people
and their wives against their fellow Jews.
2 Some were saying, "We and our sons and our daughters are many.
Therefore, let us acquire grain so that we may eat and live."
3 Others were saying, "We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards,
and houses so that we might acquire grain because of hunger."
4 (Ezr 4:13; 4:20) Still others were saying, "We have borrowed money
for the king's tribute against the value of our fields and vineyards.
5 (2Ki 4:1; Ge 37:27) Now our flesh is the same as the flesh of
our countrymen. Our children are like their children, but we are
subjugating our sons and our daughters as servants. Indeed,
some of our daughters are in bondage already, and we are powerless to do
anything because our fields and vineyards belong to others."
6 (Ex 11:8) I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words.
7 (Ex 22:25; Lev 25:36) So I contemplated about this for myself and,
as a result, I rebuked the nobles and officials and said to them,
"Based on the claim of each against his brother, you are exacting usury."
Then I convened a great assembly against them,
8 (Lev 25:47-49) and I said to them, "By whatever means we had,
we purchased our Jewish countrymen who were being sold to the nations.
So, will you once more sell your countrymen so that they might again be
sold to us?" Then they kept silent, because they found nothing to answer.
9 (Lev 25:36; 2Sa 12:14) Also I said, "What you are doing is not good!
Should not you walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach
of the nations, our enemies?
10 Moreover, I, my relatives, and my servants are loaning them money
and grain. So, I urge you, cease from this practice of usury.
11 (Isa 58:6) Please restore to them, even this day, their fields,
their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses,
along with a hundredth part of the money, the grain, the wine,
and the oil that you had exacted from them."
12 (Ezr 10:5) Then they said, "We will restore it and will require
nothing of them. We will do what you have said."
Then I called the priests and made them swear an oath to keep this promise.
13 (Ac 18:6; 1Ch 16:36) Also I shook out the front of my garment and said,
"Like this, may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor
who does not carry out this promise. Exactly like this, may he be shaken out
and emptied."
And all the congregation said, "Amen," and praised the Lord.
And the people did according to this promise.
Nehemiah's Generosity
14 (Ne 13:6; 2:1) Moreover from the time that I was appointed
to be their governor in the land of Judah
(from the twentieth year even until the 32nd year of King Artaxerxes)
twelve years had passed. And my companions and I had not eaten
the governor's food allotment.
15 (Ne 5:9; Job 31:23) The former governors preceding me had extracted
a heavy burden on the people, because they took from them food and wine,
besides forty shekels
[About 1 pound, or 460 grams.] of silver. Moreover, even their servants
domineered over the people. But I myself never did so, because of the fear
of God.
16 Furthermore, I stayed determined in the work on this wall.
We bought no field, and all my servants were gathered there for the sake
of the work.
17 (1Ki 18:19; 2Sa 9:7) Moreover there were regularly at my table 150 Jews
and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.
18 (1Ki 4:22-23) Daily there were one ox and six choice sheep prepared for me.
Fowls were also prepared for me. Once in ten days all sorts of wine were
supplied in abundance. Yet for all this, I never required the governor's
food allotment because it was a heavy burden on this people.
19 (Ne 13:14; 13:22) Remember me, O my God, for good, according to all
that I have done for this people.
[1] And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their
brethren the Jews.
[2] For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many:
therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
[3] Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards,
and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
[4] There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's
tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
[5] Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their
children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be
servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already:
neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and
vineyards.
[6] And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
[7] Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers,
and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a
great assembly against them.
[8] And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren
the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your
brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and
found nothing to answer.
[9] Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear
of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
[10] I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money
and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
[11] Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their
vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the the hundredth part
of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
[12] Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them;
so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of
them, that they should do according to this promise.
[13] Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his
house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be
he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised
the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.
[14] Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the
land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year
of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not
eaten the bread of the governor.
[15] But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto
the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of
silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not
I, because of the fear of God.
[16] Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any
land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
[17] Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and
rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about
us.
[18] Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice
sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all
sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor,
because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
[19] Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for
this people.
Nehemiah 6
Nehemiah's Enemies
1 (Ne 2:10; 2:19) When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian,
and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall
and that there was not a gap in it (though at that time I had
not erected the doors on the gates),
2 (1Ch 8:12; Ps 37:12) Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying,
"Come, that we might meet together in one of the villages
in the plain of Ono." But they planned to do evil to me.
3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work,
so I am not able to come down.
Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?”
4 Four more times they sent for me like this, but I answered them
the same way.
5 Sanballat sent the same request a fifth time by his servant,
but the letter was open in his hand.
6 (Ne 2:19) In it was written,
"It is reported among the nations, and Geshem confirms it,
that you and the Jews are planning to rebel;
consequently you are rebuilding the wall.
According to these words, you are their king.
7 You have also appointed prophets to preach on your behalf
in Jerusalem, saying, 'There is a king in Judah!' According to these words,
it will now be reported to the king. So come now and let us consult together."
8 (Job 13:4; Ps 52:2) I sent him this response, saying, "Nothing like these
reports that you are saying has occurred. From your own mind,
you are inventing them."
9 (Ps 138:3) Because they all wanted to frighten us, they thought,
"They will pull their hands back from the work." But that would
never be done. So now, O God, strengthen my hands.
10 (Jer 36:5) When I came to the house of Shemaiah the crippled
son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, he said, "Let us meet together
at the house of God, inside the temple, and then we can shut
the temple doors. They are coming to kill you! Even tonight,
they could come to kill you!"
11 (Pr 28:1) But I said, "Should a man like me flee? Who is there like me
who would go into the temple to save his life? I would never go!"
12 (Eze 13:22) Then I perceived and saw that God had not sent him,
but that he pronounced the prophecy against me, because Tobiah
and Sanballat had hired him.
13 (Ne 6:6; Jer 20:10) He was hired for this reason: that I might
become fearful, act accordingly, and sin. Then they would have
an evil report by which they could reproach me.
14 (Ne 13:29) Remember, O my God, concerning Tobiah and Sanballat these
deeds of theirs, as well as the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the
prophets who were trying to frighten me.
The Wall Completed
15 (Ne 4:1-2) The wall was finished on the 25th day of the month Elul,
in 52 days.
16 (Ne 2:10; 4:1) When all our enemies heard it and all the surrounding
nations saw it, they were tremendously humbled. They perceived that,
because of our God, this work had been accomplished.
17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah produced numerous letters
in transit to Tobiah. Likewise, the letters of Tobiah came to them,
18 (Ezr 2:5) because so many in Judah were bound by oath to him since
he was the son-in-law of Shekaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan
had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berekiah.
19 Also they reported his good deeds in front of me and reported my words
to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.
[1] Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian,
and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that
there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the
doors upon the gates;)
[2] That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet
together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought
to do me mischief.
[3] And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so
that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and
come down to you?
[4] Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them
after the same manner.
[5] Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time
with an open letter in his hand;
[6] Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith
it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the
wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
[7] And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem,
saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king
according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel
together.
[8] Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou
sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
[9] For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from
the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
[10] Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son
of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the
house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple:
for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay
thee.
[11] And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being
as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
[12] And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced
this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
[13] Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin,
and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach
me.
[14] My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their
works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that
would have put me in fear.
[15] So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul,
in fifty and two days.
[16] And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all
the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in
their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
[17] Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto
Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
[18] For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in
law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the
daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.
[19] Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to
him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
Nehemiah 7
1 (Ne 6:1; 6:15) Once the wall was rebuilt and I had erected the doors,
the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites were appointed.
2 (Ne 1:2; 2:8) Over Jerusalem, I put in charge both my brother Hanani
and Hananiah, the palace commander, because each was a faithful man
and feared God more than many.
3 I said to them, "The gates of Jerusalem should not be opened
until the sun is hot. Until guards are posted, the doors should be closed
and bolted. Likewise, appoint guards from Jerusalemss inhabitants-
each at his post, across from his own house."
[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.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/16/hallelujah-3
Entitled "Hallelujah!"
Revelation 11:15-18
The Seventh Trumpet
15 (Rev 12:10; Da 7:14; 7:27) The seventh angel sounded,
and there were loud voices in heaven, saying:
"The kingdoms of the world have become
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ,
and He shall reign forever and ever.”
16 (Rev 4:4; 4:10) And the twenty-four elders, who sat before God on
their thrones, fell on their faces and worshipped God,
17 (Rev 1:8; 19:6; 1:4) saying:
"We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
who is and was and who is to come,
because You have taken Your great power
and begun to reign.
18 (Rev 19:5; 20:12) The nations were angry,
and Your wrath has come,
and the time has come for the dead to be judged,
and to reward Your servants the prophets
and the saints and those who fear Your name,
small and great,
and to destroy those who destroy the earth."
[15] And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven,
saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and
of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
[16] And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats,
fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
[17] Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast,
and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast
reigned.
[18] And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the
dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto
thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name,
small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Astonishingly, it took Handel only twenty-four days to write the orchestral
music for the Messiah oratorio-today perhaps the world's most famous musical
composition, one performed thousands of times every year around the world. The
magnificent work reaches its climax nearly two hours after it begins with the
most famous part of the oratorio, the "Hallelujah Chorus."
As the trumpets and timpani announce the beginning of the chorus, voices layer
on top of each other as the choir sings the words of Revelation 11:15: "And he
shall reign for ever and ever." It's a triumphant declaration of the hope of
eternity in heaven with Jesus.
Many of the words in Messiah come from the book of Revelation, the apostle
John's account of a vision he had near the end of his life describing events
culminating with the return of Christ. In Revelation, John returned again and
again to the theme of the return of the resurrected Jesus to earth—when there
would be great rejoicing with the sound of choirs (19:1-8). The world will
rejoice because Jesus will have defeated the powers of darkness and death and
established a kingdom of peace.
One day, all the people of heaven will sing together in a magnificent choir
proclaiming the majesty of Jesus and the blessing of His forever reign (7:9).
Until then, we live, work, pray, and wait in hope.
By: Lisa M. Samra
Reflect & Pray
How does the return of Jesus to reign over the earth provide you with hope
now? What songs encourage you with reminders of the majesty of Jesus?
Come quickly, Jesus, to establish Your reign over the earth.
Learn more about understanding the book of Revelation.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative
Isaiah 1:18
18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "
says the Lord.
Though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life
that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them
of some order in the world."
Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations
have been asking themselves the same question.
God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue
head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.
Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,
faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.
God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".
"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it. You are not even able to be
true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power
or effort. But I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"
We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.
Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect
supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.
In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing
or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.
The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes
clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,
or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.
Application
a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a
'Rational choice'?
b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?
c) What other aspects of God's word
and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by 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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His favour in your rebuilding.
Pray to the Lord: "Come quickly, Jesus, to establish Your reign over
the earth."
Pray to the Lord and confess your sins to Lord and give our your sins to Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be faithful stewards in all you do.
Pray to the Lord and pray that The Word will dwell in you richly.
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 God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Pray for the strengthening of churches in Lebanon as they provide
ministry amid economic and civil disorder.
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.
1) Nehemiah 3 - 7:3
Nehemiah 3
Rebuilding the Wall
1 (Ne 12:39; Jer 31:38; Ne 13:28) Then Eliashib the high priest rose up
with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate.
They sanctified it and erected its doors. From the Tower of the Hundred
to the Tower of Hananel, they sanctified the wall.
2 (Ne 7:36; Ezr 2:34) Next to him the men of Jericho built,
and next to them Zakkur the son of Imri built.
3 (Ne 12:39; 2Ch 33:14) The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate,
constructing its beams, erecting its doors, and installing locks
and bars for it.
4 (Ezr 8:33; Ne 3:21) Next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah,
the son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam the son of Berekiah,
the son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to him Zadok the son of Baana
made repairs.
5 (2Sa 14:2; Ne 3:27) Next to them the Tekoites made repairs,
but their noblemen would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.
6 (Ne 12:39) Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah
repaired the Old Gate. They constructed its beams, erected its doors,
and installed locks and bars for it.
7 Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite
and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah,
places under the authority of the governor of the province Beyond the River.
8 (Ne 12:38; 3:31-32) Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah,
one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah,
the son of one of the apothecaries, made repairs, and they repaired Jerusalem
as far as the Broad Wall.
9 (Ne 3:12; 3:17) Next to him Rephaiah the son of Hur, commander of half
of the Jerusalem district, made repairs.
10 Next to him Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house.
Next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.
11 (Ne 12:38) Malkijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-Moab
repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Furnaces.
12 (Ne 3:9) Next to them Shallum the son of Hallohesh,
commander of the other half of the Jerusalem district, made repairs
along with his daughters.
13 (Ne 2:13; Jos 15:34) Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired
the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it, erected its doors, and installed locks
and bars for it, plus repaired one thousand cubits
[About 1,500 feet, or about 450 meters.] along on the wall to the Dung Gate.
14 (Jer 6:1; Ne 2:13) But the Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah the son
of Rekab, commander of the Beth Hakkerem district. He rebuilt it,
and erected its doors, and installed the locks and bars for it.
15 (Ne 12:37; Jn 9:7) Moreover, Shallun the son of Kol-Hozeh,
commander of the Mizpah district, made repairs to the Fountain Gate.
He rebuilt it, covered it, erected its doors, and installed the locks
and bars for it. He also repaired the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king's
garden as far as the steps going down from the City of David.
16 (2Ki 20:20; Ac 2:29) After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, commander of half
of the Beth Zur district, made repairs as far as the area across from the Tomb
of David plus to the constructed pool and to the house of the mighty.
17 (Jos 15:44) After him the Levites, under Rehum the son of Bani,
made repairs. Next to them Hashabiah, commander of half of the Keilah
district, made repairs in his area.
18 After him their brothers, under Binnui the son of Henadad,
commander of the other half of the Keilah district, made repairs.
19 (2Ch 26:9) Next to them Ezer the son of Jeshua, commander of Mizpah,
made repairs to another section across from the ascent to the armory
at the corner.
20 (Ne 3:1) After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired
another section, from the corner to the door of the house of Eliashib
the high priest.
21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired
another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of it.
22 (Ne 12:28) After him the priests,
the men of the surrounding plain, made repairs.
23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs across from their house.
After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah made repairs
beside his house.
24 (Ne 3:19) After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section
from the house of Azariah as far as the corner plus the corner tower.
25 (Jer 32:2; 37:21) Palal the son of Uzai made repairs across from the corner
and to the tower protruding out of the king's upper house next
to the courtyard of the guards.
After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs.
26 (Ne 8:1; 11:21) The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs
from opposite the Water Gate eastward to the protruding tower.
27 (Ne 3:5) After them the Tekoites repaired another section across
from the great protruding tower as far as the wall of Ophel.
28 (2Ch 23:15; 2Ki 11:16) Up to the Horse Gate the priests made repairs
-each one across from his house.
29 After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired across from his house.
After him Shemaiah the son of Shekaniah, who was keeper of the East Gate,
made repairs.
30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph
repaired another section. After them Meshullam the son of Berekiah made
repairs across from his chamber.
31 (Ne 3:8; 3:32) After him Malkijah the goldsmith's son made repairs
as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants.
This was across from the Mustering Gate extending as far as the upper room
of the corner tower.
32 (Ne 3:1; 12:39) Between the upper room of the corner tower
and the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.
Nehemiah 3
[1] Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and
they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it;
even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
[2] And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them
builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
[3] But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the
beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the
bars thereof.
[4] And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz.
And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of
Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
[5] And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not
their necks to the work of their Lord.
[6] Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam
the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors
thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
[7] And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the
Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the
governor on this side the river.
[8] Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths.
Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries,
and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.
[9] And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the
half part of Jerusalem.
[10] And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over
against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of
Hashabniah.
[11] Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired
the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.
[12] And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler
of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
[13] The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they
built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars
thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.
[14] But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of
part of Beth-haccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks
thereof, and the bars thereof.
[15] But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Col-hozeh,
the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the
doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the
pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from
the city of David.
[16] After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half
part of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David,
and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.
[17] After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him
repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.
[18] After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler
of the half part of Keilah.
[19] And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah,
another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of
the wall.
[20] After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece,
from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the
high priest.
[21] After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another
piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house
of Eliashib.
[22] And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.
[23] After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After
him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.
[24] After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the
house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.
[25] Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the
tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of
the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.
[26] Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the
water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
[27] After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great
tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.
[28] From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against
his house.
[29] After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house.
After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the
east gate.
[30] After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth
son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of
Berechiah over against his chamber.
[31] After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the
Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the
going up of the corner.
[32] And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the
goldsmiths and the merchants.
Nehemiah 4
Opposition to the Rebuilding
1 (Ne 2:10; 2:19) When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall,
he became angry and was greatly irritated, and he mocked the Jews.
2 (Ezr 4:9-10; Ne 4:10) He spoke before his relatives and the army of Samaria
and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they fortifying themselves?
Will they make sacrifices? Can they complete this in a day?
Can they revive the burned-up stones out of the rubbish heaps?"
3 (Ne 2:10) Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said,
"Even what they are rebuilding, if even a fox climbed it,
that would break down their stone wall."
4 (Ps 79:12; 123:3-4) Hear, O our God, that we are despised. Turn
their reproach back upon their own head, and give them as spoil in a land
of captivity:
5 (Jer 18:23; Ps 109:14) No longer cover their iniquity nor blot out
their sin, which is before You since they have made insults
against the builders.
6 So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was solidified
up to half its height. The people had a passion for the work.
7 (Ne 2:10; 4:1) When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites,
and the Ashdodites heard how the restoration of Jerusalem's walls
was progressing and how the breaches had begun to be sealed,
it made them extremely furious.
8 (Ps 83:3-11) So they all conspired together to fight against Jerusalem
in order to cause it chaos.
9 (Ne 4:11) Nevertheless we prayed to our God, and, because of them,
we set up a watch for them day and night.
10 Judah had said, "The strength of the burden bearers is failing though
there is much rubble. And we ourselves are unable to rebuild the wall."
11 Our adversaries said, "They will neither know nor see until we have
entered in among them and slain them. Indeed, we will stop the work!"
12 When the Jews living near them came, they told us ten times,
"From every place where you turn, they will be against us."
13 (Ne 4:17-18) Therefore I set guards at the lowest positions
along the wall and just inside the wall at the unrepaired areas.
I also stationed the people by families providing them individually
their own swords, spears, and bows.
14 (Nu 14:9; 2Sa 10:12) After I looked around, I stood up
and said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people,
"Stop being terrified because of them! Remember instead that the Lord
is great and awesome. So fight for each other-and for your sons,
your daughters, your wives, and your houses."
15 (2Sa 17:14) Now when our enemies heard that this had become known to us
and that God had brought their counsel to nothing, then we all returned
to the wall, everyone to his work.
16 After that day, half of my servants did the work while the other half
handled the spears, shields, bows, and body armor. Commanders were appointed
to support every house of Judah.
17 Those rebuilding the wall and those hauling the loads were working
with one hand doing the task, but with the other hand holding the weapon.
18 For the builders, everyone had his sword bound to his side,
even while rebuilding. The trumpet blower worked beside me.
19 I said to the nobles, the rulers, and to the rest of the people,
"The work is vast and over a large area. Since we are spread along the wall
far from each other,
20 (Ex 14:14; Dt 1:30) assemble to us there at the place where you hear
the trumpet sounded. Our God shall fight for us."
21 So we labored in the work with half of them holding spears
from sunrise to the rising of the stars.
22 Likewise at the same time I said to the people,
"Every man and his servant must lodge within Jerusalem.
By night, they may be a guard to us; by day, a laborer for the work."
23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard
who followed me took off our clothes.
Each carried his weapon, even when washing.
[1] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall,
he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
[2] And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What
do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice?
will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps
of the rubbish which are burned?
[3] Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they
build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
[4] Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their
own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
[5] And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from
before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
[6] So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half
thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
[7] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians,
and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem
were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very
wroth,
[8] And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against
Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
[9] Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against
them day and night, because of them.
[10] And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and
there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.
[11] And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we
come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
[12] And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they
said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they
will be upon you.
[13] Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher
places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their
spears, and their bows.
[14] And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers,
and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord,
which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and
your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
[15] And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us,
and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to
the wall, every one unto his work.
[16] And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants
wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the
shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all
the house of Judah.
[17] They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those
that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with
the other hand held a weapon.
[18] For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so
builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
[19] And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the
people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one
far from another.
[20] In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye
thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.
[21] So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the
rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
[22] Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with
his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to
us, and labour on the day.
[23] So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the
guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every
one put them off for washing.
Nehemiah 5
Nehemiah Stops Oppression
1 (Isa 5:7) Now there was a great outcry of the people
and their wives against their fellow Jews.
2 Some were saying, "We and our sons and our daughters are many.
Therefore, let us acquire grain so that we may eat and live."
3 Others were saying, "We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards,
and houses so that we might acquire grain because of hunger."
4 (Ezr 4:13; 4:20) Still others were saying, "We have borrowed money
for the king's tribute against the value of our fields and vineyards.
5 (2Ki 4:1; Ge 37:27) Now our flesh is the same as the flesh of
our countrymen. Our children are like their children, but we are
subjugating our sons and our daughters as servants. Indeed,
some of our daughters are in bondage already, and we are powerless to do
anything because our fields and vineyards belong to others."
6 (Ex 11:8) I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words.
7 (Ex 22:25; Lev 25:36) So I contemplated about this for myself and,
as a result, I rebuked the nobles and officials and said to them,
"Based on the claim of each against his brother, you are exacting usury."
Then I convened a great assembly against them,
8 (Lev 25:47-49) and I said to them, "By whatever means we had,
we purchased our Jewish countrymen who were being sold to the nations.
So, will you once more sell your countrymen so that they might again be
sold to us?" Then they kept silent, because they found nothing to answer.
9 (Lev 25:36; 2Sa 12:14) Also I said, "What you are doing is not good!
Should not you walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach
of the nations, our enemies?
10 Moreover, I, my relatives, and my servants are loaning them money
and grain. So, I urge you, cease from this practice of usury.
11 (Isa 58:6) Please restore to them, even this day, their fields,
their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses,
along with a hundredth part of the money, the grain, the wine,
and the oil that you had exacted from them."
12 (Ezr 10:5) Then they said, "We will restore it and will require
nothing of them. We will do what you have said."
Then I called the priests and made them swear an oath to keep this promise.
13 (Ac 18:6; 1Ch 16:36) Also I shook out the front of my garment and said,
"Like this, may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor
who does not carry out this promise. Exactly like this, may he be shaken out
and emptied."
And all the congregation said, "Amen," and praised the Lord.
And the people did according to this promise.
Nehemiah's Generosity
14 (Ne 13:6; 2:1) Moreover from the time that I was appointed
to be their governor in the land of Judah
(from the twentieth year even until the 32nd year of King Artaxerxes)
twelve years had passed. And my companions and I had not eaten
the governor's food allotment.
15 (Ne 5:9; Job 31:23) The former governors preceding me had extracted
a heavy burden on the people, because they took from them food and wine,
besides forty shekels
[About 1 pound, or 460 grams.] of silver. Moreover, even their servants
domineered over the people. But I myself never did so, because of the fear
of God.
16 Furthermore, I stayed determined in the work on this wall.
We bought no field, and all my servants were gathered there for the sake
of the work.
17 (1Ki 18:19; 2Sa 9:7) Moreover there were regularly at my table 150 Jews
and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.
18 (1Ki 4:22-23) Daily there were one ox and six choice sheep prepared for me.
Fowls were also prepared for me. Once in ten days all sorts of wine were
supplied in abundance. Yet for all this, I never required the governor's
food allotment because it was a heavy burden on this people.
19 (Ne 13:14; 13:22) Remember me, O my God, for good, according to all
that I have done for this people.
[1] And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their
brethren the Jews.
[2] For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many:
therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
[3] Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards,
and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
[4] There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's
tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
[5] Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their
children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be
servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already:
neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and
vineyards.
[6] And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
[7] Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers,
and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a
great assembly against them.
[8] And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren
the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your
brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and
found nothing to answer.
[9] Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear
of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
[10] I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money
and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
[11] Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their
vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the the hundredth part
of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
[12] Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them;
so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of
them, that they should do according to this promise.
[13] Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his
house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be
he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised
the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.
[14] Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the
land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year
of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not
eaten the bread of the governor.
[15] But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto
the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of
silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not
I, because of the fear of God.
[16] Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any
land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
[17] Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and
rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about
us.
[18] Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice
sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all
sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor,
because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
[19] Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for
this people.
Nehemiah 6
Nehemiah's Enemies
1 (Ne 2:10; 2:19) When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian,
and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall
and that there was not a gap in it (though at that time I had
not erected the doors on the gates),
2 (1Ch 8:12; Ps 37:12) Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying,
"Come, that we might meet together in one of the villages
in the plain of Ono." But they planned to do evil to me.
3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work,
so I am not able to come down.
Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?”
4 Four more times they sent for me like this, but I answered them
the same way.
5 Sanballat sent the same request a fifth time by his servant,
but the letter was open in his hand.
6 (Ne 2:19) In it was written,
"It is reported among the nations, and Geshem confirms it,
that you and the Jews are planning to rebel;
consequently you are rebuilding the wall.
According to these words, you are their king.
7 You have also appointed prophets to preach on your behalf
in Jerusalem, saying, 'There is a king in Judah!' According to these words,
it will now be reported to the king. So come now and let us consult together."
8 (Job 13:4; Ps 52:2) I sent him this response, saying, "Nothing like these
reports that you are saying has occurred. From your own mind,
you are inventing them."
9 (Ps 138:3) Because they all wanted to frighten us, they thought,
"They will pull their hands back from the work." But that would
never be done. So now, O God, strengthen my hands.
10 (Jer 36:5) When I came to the house of Shemaiah the crippled
son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, he said, "Let us meet together
at the house of God, inside the temple, and then we can shut
the temple doors. They are coming to kill you! Even tonight,
they could come to kill you!"
11 (Pr 28:1) But I said, "Should a man like me flee? Who is there like me
who would go into the temple to save his life? I would never go!"
12 (Eze 13:22) Then I perceived and saw that God had not sent him,
but that he pronounced the prophecy against me, because Tobiah
and Sanballat had hired him.
13 (Ne 6:6; Jer 20:10) He was hired for this reason: that I might
become fearful, act accordingly, and sin. Then they would have
an evil report by which they could reproach me.
14 (Ne 13:29) Remember, O my God, concerning Tobiah and Sanballat these
deeds of theirs, as well as the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the
prophets who were trying to frighten me.
The Wall Completed
15 (Ne 4:1-2) The wall was finished on the 25th day of the month Elul,
in 52 days.
16 (Ne 2:10; 4:1) When all our enemies heard it and all the surrounding
nations saw it, they were tremendously humbled. They perceived that,
because of our God, this work had been accomplished.
17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah produced numerous letters
in transit to Tobiah. Likewise, the letters of Tobiah came to them,
18 (Ezr 2:5) because so many in Judah were bound by oath to him since
he was the son-in-law of Shekaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan
had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berekiah.
19 Also they reported his good deeds in front of me and reported my words
to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.
[1] Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian,
and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that
there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the
doors upon the gates;)
[2] That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet
together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought
to do me mischief.
[3] And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so
that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and
come down to you?
[4] Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them
after the same manner.
[5] Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time
with an open letter in his hand;
[6] Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith
it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the
wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
[7] And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem,
saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king
according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel
together.
[8] Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou
sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
[9] For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from
the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
[10] Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son
of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the
house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple:
for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay
thee.
[11] And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being
as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
[12] And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced
this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
[13] Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin,
and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach
me.
[14] My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their
works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that
would have put me in fear.
[15] So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul,
in fifty and two days.
[16] And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all
the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in
their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
[17] Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto
Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
[18] For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in
law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the
daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.
[19] Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to
him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
Nehemiah 7
1 (Ne 6:1; 6:15) Once the wall was rebuilt and I had erected the doors,
the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites were appointed.
2 (Ne 1:2; 2:8) Over Jerusalem, I put in charge both my brother Hanani
and Hananiah, the palace commander, because each was a faithful man
and feared God more than many.
3 I said to them, "The gates of Jerusalem should not be opened
until the sun is hot. Until guards are posted, the doors should be closed
and bolted. Likewise, appoint guards from Jerusalemss inhabitants-
each at his post, across from his own house."
[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.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/16/hallelujah-3
Entitled "Hallelujah!"
Revelation 11:15-18
The Seventh Trumpet
15 (Rev 12:10; Da 7:14; 7:27) The seventh angel sounded,
and there were loud voices in heaven, saying:
"The kingdoms of the world have become
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ,
and He shall reign forever and ever.”
16 (Rev 4:4; 4:10) And the twenty-four elders, who sat before God on
their thrones, fell on their faces and worshipped God,
17 (Rev 1:8; 19:6; 1:4) saying:
"We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
who is and was and who is to come,
because You have taken Your great power
and begun to reign.
18 (Rev 19:5; 20:12) The nations were angry,
and Your wrath has come,
and the time has come for the dead to be judged,
and to reward Your servants the prophets
and the saints and those who fear Your name,
small and great,
and to destroy those who destroy the earth."
[15] And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven,
saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and
of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
[16] And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats,
fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
[17] Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast,
and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast
reigned.
[18] And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the
dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto
thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name,
small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Astonishingly, it took Handel only twenty-four days to write the orchestral
music for the Messiah oratorio-today perhaps the world's most famous musical
composition, one performed thousands of times every year around the world. The
magnificent work reaches its climax nearly two hours after it begins with the
most famous part of the oratorio, the "Hallelujah Chorus."
As the trumpets and timpani announce the beginning of the chorus, voices layer
on top of each other as the choir sings the words of Revelation 11:15: "And he
shall reign for ever and ever." It's a triumphant declaration of the hope of
eternity in heaven with Jesus.
Many of the words in Messiah come from the book of Revelation, the apostle
John's account of a vision he had near the end of his life describing events
culminating with the return of Christ. In Revelation, John returned again and
again to the theme of the return of the resurrected Jesus to earth—when there
would be great rejoicing with the sound of choirs (19:1-8). The world will
rejoice because Jesus will have defeated the powers of darkness and death and
established a kingdom of peace.
One day, all the people of heaven will sing together in a magnificent choir
proclaiming the majesty of Jesus and the blessing of His forever reign (7:9).
Until then, we live, work, pray, and wait in hope.
By: Lisa M. Samra
Reflect & Pray
How does the return of Jesus to reign over the earth provide you with hope
now? What songs encourage you with reminders of the majesty of Jesus?
Come quickly, Jesus, to establish Your reign over the earth.
Learn more about understanding the book of Revelation.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative
Isaiah 1:18
18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "
says the Lord.
Though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life
that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them
of some order in the world."
Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations
have been asking themselves the same question.
God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue
head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.
Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,
faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.
God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".
"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it. You are not even able to be
true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power
or effort. But I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"
We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.
Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect
supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.
In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing
or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.
The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes
clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,
or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.
Application
a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a
'Rational choice'?
b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?
c) What other aspects of God's word
and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by 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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His favour in your rebuilding.
Pray to the Lord: "Come quickly, Jesus, to establish Your reign over
the earth."
Pray to the Lord and confess your sins to Lord and give our your sins to Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be faithful stewards in all you do.
Pray to the Lord and pray that The Word will dwell in you richly.
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 God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Pray for the strengthening of churches in Lebanon as they provide
ministry amid economic and civil disorder.
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.